Garden tractor wash port

[lunkerslayer]

Whats everyone opinion on using the wash port after mowing? I think that if a person was to mow and kept their grass short, meaning mowing more ofter it could work if done right away, but it does very little if you are using Oregon gator mulching blades and a dedicated mulch cover. When you pulverize the grass it leaves a heavy thick residue that is caked on and i have found that it doesnt do as well as scraping and lifting up the front and power washing. Thoughts?

 

[Wirehair]

Use a JD zero turn with 60" deck with mulching kit. I have 2+ acres along the Missouri so able to irrigate as needed. I mow every ~ 4 days and only when grass is dry & have the deck set at 3.5". A JD service rep suggested not to use the wash if there was not much build-up under deck. His reasoning was the benefit likely does not outweigh the probability of rust to deck and possibly hub bearings. Have been mulching for 5 years and have cut down on fertilizer from 4 apps / yr to 2 apps (spring & fall). Lawn has never looked better!

 

[johnr]

Once a season I power wash the under side, however yesterday I mowed at 6 am as the heat was going to be a bugger later in the day, so I washed it when done, as the grass was quite dewy.

 

[savage270]

I was told by a friend who is a small engine mechanic that if you want to use them, you need to use them EVERY time you mow from the time the tractor is new and make sure it dries completely before putting it away. Failure to do either will result in your deck rusting out eventually.

 

[measure-it]

Juan: How did your neighbors like you mowing at 6am?

 

[Maddog]

Once a season I power wash the under side, however yesterday I mowed at 6 am as the heat was going to be a bugger later in the day, so I washed it when done, as the grass was quite dewy.

I was right behind ya at 6:30

 

[wslayer]

I say screw the neighbors, get'r done (at your convenience). Have done it myself and also have run the sprayer at 5:30. I Spray the open lot in our cul-de-sac. If someone bitches one time, I'm done.

 

[measure-it]

Not saying it's wrong.......just that some people really like to bitch!

 

[Davy Crockett]

Whats everyone opinion on using the wash port after mowing? I think that if a person was to mow and kept their grass short, meaning mowing more ofter it could work if done right away, but it does very little if you are using Oregon gator mulching blades and a dedicated mulch cover. When you pulverize the grass it leaves a heavy thick residue that is caked on and i have found that it doesnt do as well as scraping and lifting up the front and power washing. Thoughts?

I just hit a few rocks, and it falls right off

 

[KDM]

Never washed the mower unless I had to take the blades off. Then I do everything while the carriage is off. Belts, grease, tension springs, the works. However, storing inside with the carriage at the highest position dries whatever is stuck on pretty fast. Haven't noticed any rust yet. There are a few rock dings, but we won't discuss those.