Tractor Cleaning

granite · May 13, 2004

I have about 8 hours on my new BX23. I've been using a rear grader blade to grade my dry clay lot so I've got a layer of fine particles all over and in every mechanical part of the tractor. I'm tempted to use my air compressor to clean it but I thought I would check to see if anyone has any advise.

Thanks

BIGUN · May 13, 2004

Compressed air is the best way I know of. It’s tempting to use a pressure washer, but they can cause damage to equipment in more ways than one. I know. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Henro · May 13, 2004

I use a pressure washer but I don't hold it too close.

You could also just use a garden hose. No problem with air, but the dust goes in the air and may settle back on things. Maybe air first, water second?

My pressure washer had five different tips, and I use the medium one so I don't get too intense a water stream. Ends up being lke a coin car wash.

Like anything else, how you use what you use is as important as what you use. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

ns_in_tex · May 13, 2004

I would think a water hose would work fine on something that new.

Everything I have is older, but I use UniPro Power Clean, to wash everything. Makes your old filthy truck with road grime come out looking like it has been polished.

I get it from my local gas distributor, but I saw something at Wal-Mart the other day, I think called Purple Power Clean, and wondered if it might be the same, since my cleaner is purple.

granite · May 13, 2004

Do you need to keep water away from any of the moving parts/linkage under the tractor? I've noticed some minor surface rust around the lifting rods on the 3 pt hitch so I was concerned that long term, the water wasn't such a good idea.

kevinj · May 13, 2004

I blow mine off with the leaf blower. Makes it easy to remove dry dirt and grass clippings.

RHughes · May 13, 2004

I use a garden hose to clean off the dust and grass from bush hogging all the time. I don't worry too much about the mechanical linkages. Do be careful if you hose off the operator platform. It is possible to get water into the dash controls (lights, switches, etc.) and cause short circuits. I did this once and had to drive around with the right blinker on until the panel dried out /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

BIGUN · May 13, 2004

Water and most metals are not compatible on a long term basis such as when the water is trapped somewhere and sets up rust or corrosion. This can cause binding in linkages and bad electrical connections.
Water and most lubricants (oil and grease) are not compatible. Avoid spraying where you could contaminate these.
Water and most electrical equipment are not compatible. Avoid spraying these.
Delicate parts can be physically damaged with aggressive power washing, as they can with compressed air too.
If you decide to use the pressure washer, do so carefully.

yellowsocks93 · May 13, 2004

I find no long term affect of washing tractors with water or pressure washing them. I do it every week at the JD store and at home to do my own equipment. If you ever want to wax your tractor and keep the paint in good shape you will have to wash it and wax it. No other way around it. Even on combines the farmers who don't wash their stuff you can tell because moisture is held in the tailings and rusts the metal parts. This subject has been discussed a lot and we all have varying opinions. I like to wash though then the tractor is all shiney and showroom fresh! Do dry it if you wash it. Waterspots will be left if you don't dry and the minerals in the tap water will eat away at your paint.