Power Washing the Tractor

[rScotty]

Does anyone else use an electric power washer on their tractor & implements? I been using a Craftsman electric motor driven power washer model CMEPW520 instead of the gasoline 5hp Husky which has so much pressure it can tear things up. The electric claims 2000 psi, but my guess (and my pressure gauge) shows it is really only about half that psi. Nice handy unit, though.

It's time for a new electric pw, & I'm looking for recommendations. I'd probably buy another Craftsman if they still made that one. Prices on others all seem to be reasonable, but I'm out of touch with what works best.
thanks,
rScotty

 

[CalG]

I've never understood washing a tractor. Sure, it's nice to keep the bonnet free of dust. The seat and instrument panel should be "presentable", But unless you are planning some maintenance or repair work, dirt just soaks up the grease and leaking fluids that are an inevitable part of tractor operation.

Wipe off the parts you need too. (grease fittings, dip sticks and filler ports etc.) then, maybe once in the spring, Wash the tractor with soap, brush, and a hose pipe. Power washers push water into places it shouldn't go!

 

[5030]

Both mine get washed regularly after I run hay, Hay tools get blown off (no washing) and everything gets serviced. Interesting comment about leaks. Neither my 2002 or my 2004 Kubota M's leak anything.

I use a 3500 psi gas pressure washer with a wide fan tip. Always have. No detrimental effects. I usually use a foam cannon to apply Zep purple cleaner prior to using the PW to remove the dirt.

 

[grsthegreat]

I use my gas powered Honda washer, wide tip , and do t get close enough to harm anything. I had an electric pw years ago, but was not much more powerful than the hose nozzle.
I keep everything I own clean. It’s why my 14 yo jd870 sold for more than i paid for it. It still looked new. I really don’t see how someone can not clean an expensive investment. Even when I worked on a large ranch back in the 1980’s, we were required to wash off the equipment.

 

[RalphVa]

The gaskets on the tractor aren't designed to take that kind of pressure.

I just use an air hose to blow stuff off. Don't do that too often any more. Doesn't need to be clean to work.

 

[i7win7]

For small jobs, battery units run 250-500psi, store in house over winter to protect pump from freezing

Amazon.com : WORX WG644.9 40V (2.0Ah) Power Share Hydroshot Portable Power Cleaner, Bare Tool Only : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : WORX WG644.9 40V (2.0Ah) Power Share Hydroshot Portable Power Cleaner, Bare Tool Only : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Kobalt-40-Volt-Handheld-Power-Cleaner-2Ah-Kit/5000182691?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-sol-_-bing-_-pla-_--_-5000182691-_-0&kpid&placeholder=null&gclsrc=3p.ds&ds_rl=1286981

Bought the werks at menards 2 years ago, if buying today I'd buy the kobalt. Maybe in a year or 2 dewalt will have one

 

[grsthegreat]

The gaskets on the tractor aren't designed to take that kind of pressure.

I just use an air hose to blow stuff off. Don't do that too often any more. Doesn't need to be clean to work.

Says who. Why can a car take it but not a tractor. A wide fan nozzle doesn’t even cause damage to a window, how can it possible hurt a tractor.
and besides, I’ve been using that method to clean my equipment for 25 years

 

[JohnDeereJoey]

I use a gasoline powered pressure washer taking care as to where I point it. Aiming directly at tires/wheels/frame... is no-brainer safe. Not so much with alternator/fuse panels/and the interior of a cab! Common sense and all should be fine.

Wide angle fan tips are a really good idea. Some units have an adjustable pressure. Being a positive displacement pump, using a larger orfice tip is another way to decrease pressure.

Foam cannons add some fun to the job, and are a great way to apply soap...

 

[Midniteoyl]

Use regular hose and just hose it down. Mostly dust and sand here so no need to get wild. I did buy one os these for $30 to wash stuff with if needed. Works good actually: Martha Stewart MTS-1300PW-MGN-RM Electric Pressure Washer with Adjustable Spray Wand | 1450 Max PSI | 11 Amp | 1.4 GPM (Mint) (Certified Refurbished) - Walmart.com

 

[Cougsfan]

Most often I just hose my tractor off, but when my tractor gets ultra groady and I am going to work on it I might use a pressure sprayer to clean it. But I don't get too close with the tip and I avoid spraying greased joints, seals, decals (unless I want them gone) electrical connections or devices like the fuel injection pump, oil filler cap, etc. I don't believe in keeping a tractor nearly as clean as I would my car, but there are limits of nastyness and grimyness I can tolerate, and sometimes a hose just won't get the job done.

 

[Wagtail]

Seeing as you've asked about an electric power washer... I have/use a Karcher.

I bought mine due to the brand used by the RAAF and the RAN's FAA (Fleet Air Arm) to wash their aircraft down. The internals are brass and I've had nothing but exemplary performance from mine.

Indeed, even here in Tassie, there is an OEM parts/service shop for their products and there are a multitude of attachments to use around the property/household.

 

[mikester]

I have a consumer class electric that worked ok during the warranty period. It has very little pressure now and I only use it now for cleaning dust off of window bug screens. Not much better than using a garden hose.

My suggestion is to buy a commercial duty cycle pressure washer pump if you plan on using it long term. Gas/electric doesn't really matter if you have power available.

 

[Smokeydog]

Use radiator genie tools. Air to blow off debris mainly from mowing frequently. Blow clean radiators, screen and outer air filter. Use water for mud. Very controllable streams with the wands to reach nooks and crannies. Infrequently use bucket of soap and RV/auto brush.

Last summer shined up the B26 with wash and wax and had her looking like a new penny. Her second spa treatment in five years. Would not start afterward. Even let dry for several hours. Took apart the key start switch but was not the problem. Had to c-clamp the seat switch and screwdriver jump the starter to get running so I could park back in the tractor shed. Dried for a day and all good. Never sure which switch or interlock caused the problem. Point being careful and just hose washing can cause trouble with all the safety switches. So if you wash don’t plan to need to use your tractor immediately after washing.

 

[Brian62]

I keep a leaf blower close by and after heavy use cutting I first blow off the debris, especially by the radiator. Every so often I power wash the under carriage, wheels, and outside. As a rule I don't usually wash the engine so not to harm the electrical or hoses.

 

[big bubba]

most power washers come with varying degree nozzles. if concerned, just use a less aggressive spray nozzle with some greater distance on your subject. i usually pw a few times annually to remove excess grease & debris. choose the appropriate nozzle & technique & you'll be fine. apply generous diluted Simple Green 1st then pw does a good job

 

[PuffyC]

I bought a Sun Joe electric off Amazon for around $150 and it's been great. Buddy of mine liked it so much he tossed his gas powered washer and got one as well. I have a Sun Joe electric tiller that quit after 11 months and Sun Joe sent me a brand new one no questions asked so it seems like a good company to do business with.

As to washing tractors in general, if I'm dropping 30 large on a machine you can bet I'm going to take care of it including keeping it clean. Heck, I even get out the washer and do my ZTR a few times a season. It'll last longer, be in better shape if I have to sell, makes regular maintenance chores more pleasant, and it makes noticing problems like leaks, lose bolts and whatnot a whole lot easier.

 

[WranglerX]

Manual for my tractor says keep wand of PW 36 inches (or so) away from any part of tractor.... Would not use it on engine bay but for some really caked on "stuff" on chassis go for it.... Like any "power tool" it need a little digression on how it is used... I find a good hosing down after particularly dirty session gets it clean enough...

Surprising what a little GUNK engine cleaner and Simple Green and a garden hose can do....

 

[5030]

The gaskets on the tractor aren't designed to take that kind of pressure.

I just use an air hose to blow stuff off. Don't do that too often any more. Doesn't need to be clean to work.

What kind of 'pressure' are you referring to? I wide fan tip on a pressure washer exerts very little impact 'pressure' on anything and gaskets (at least on my stuff) are sandwiched between 2 mating surfaces, not 'hanging out in the breeze' so not impacted by ANY pressure washing.

Been pressure washing my equipment (except hay tools which get the chaff blown off with compressed air ), for over 25 years now with ZERO detrimental impact, other than the fact that I don't get greasy hands when servicing them.

I'm into keeping them clean, besides, a clean tractor dissipates heat better than a filthy one.

Plus, a CLEAN tractor has a better resale value if you sell it. No buyer wants a filthy, greasy piece of equipment. That reeks of poor maintenance discipline and underlying issues.

 

[5030]

Manual for my tractor says keep wand of PW 36 inches (or so) away from any part of tractor.... Would not use it on engine bay but for some really caked on "stuff" on chassis go for it.... Like any "power tool" it need a little digression on how it is used... I find a good hosing down after particularly dirty session gets it clean enough...

Surprising what a little GUNK engine cleaner and Simple Green and a garden hose can do....

Care to post a screenshot that or post a readable link? None of my Kubota manuals mentions anything like that.

 

[grsthegreat]

Agree 5030. I hate it when someone just says, it’s just a tractor.

no, it’s $45,000

i keep a
l my stuff clean, heck, I even power wash the manure spreader after using it.