Cleaning my new 3800

[eyi]

Hi everyone,

Have never seen any post on it. Well I did some mud work with my tractor. It is really muddy, even the 3 points parts are covered with mud. I am wondering how you clean it when this happen. When I say muddy it is muddy, hardly can figure out how to remove it if it is not with a water hose or something like that. I just dont want to make a mistake.

Could you please let me know how you normally proceed.

Thanks

 

[murphy1244]

power washer! Then a grease job is in order.

 

[Recoveryhill]

I've noted a number of objections on the Forum for using a power washer to clean a tractor. Damage to seals, ingress of water where it doesn't belong, blowing grease out of lubricated pins, and electrical connection issues are among the problems listed.

While my dog is my best friend, my power washer is close behind and yes, I do use it to clean my tractor. The advice for such a use is simple. There are narrow pattern tips and wide pattern tips. Either style will do damage if held too close to any surface, including your skin. If however you keep the tip well back from any sensitive areas and use a wide pattern tip, the force of the water is not sufficient to do damage. I might move in on a tire or rim, or arm or frame but am always aware of where the sensitive areas are and easily avoid them. I simply don't have the luxury of time to hand wash a tractor but don't want dirt, mud or other debris to build up either.

Feel free to follow your own best practices and spray, or don't.

 

[murphy1244]

I have a low power electric washer that works great. Do I spray the dash? No. nor do I spray the fuse box. I do however a full grease job when done.

 

[LD1]

I havent washed my tractor in years. The mud eventually dries and falls off.

Look on the bright side, the mud protects the paint from fading:thumbsup::laughing:

 

[Dingeryote]

Plain old garden hose to get the big chunks off. Then the pressure washer.
Then the grease gun and oil can.

I spray a LOT, and have to pressure wash the tractors afterwards to get the caustic crud off, and between fields to avoid spreading viruses and fungus.
Just mind the electrics and bearings, and have at it without worrys.

On the electrics, things are pretty well sealed up against rain to start with, but were never intended to deal with rain in a hurricane, or a pressure washer.
A spritz with the garden hose, with a wide pattern nozzle wont hurt anything if needed. Just go lightly and think rain.

 

[Dingeryote]

Plain old garden hose to get the big chunks off. Then the pressure washer.
Then the grease gun and oil can.

I spray a LOT, and have to pressure wash the tractors afterwards to get the caustic crud off, and between fields to avoid spreading viruses and fungus.
Just mind the electrics and bearings, and have at it without worrys.

On the electrics, things are pretty well sealed up against rain to start with, but were never intended to deal with rain in a hurricane, or a pressure washer.
A spritz with the garden hose, with a wide pattern nozzle wont hurt anything if needed. Just go lightly and think rain.

 

[Recoveryhill]

On the electrics, things are pretty well sealed up against rain to start with, but were never intended to deal with rain in a hurricane.........

Uh Oh....I guess I'm in trouble down here in Hurricane Alley!

 

[k0ua]

Also keep in mind, all tractors are not alike.. some have very simple electrics. some have complicated electrics. Think computers and a lot of connectors.. Go very easy on the complicated ones. At least until you get some dielectric grease put on the connectors (the manufacturer isn't going to do it for you) and fully understand the areas to avoid. And as said, washing grease out of joints, is very easy with the pressure washer. It needs to be replaced. You can also blow dirt and debris off with a leaf blower between washes.

James K0UA

 

[Gator6x4]

I've noted a number of objections on the Forum for using a power washer to clean a tractor. Damage to seals, ingress of water where it doesn't belong, blowing grease out of lubricated pins, and electrical connection issues are among the problems listed.

While my dog is my best friend, my power washer is close behind and yes, I do use it to clean my tractor. The advice for such a use is simple. There are narrow pattern tips and wide pattern tips. Either style will do damage if held too close to any surface, including your skin. If however you keep the tip well back from any sensitive areas and use a wide pattern tip, the force of the water is not sufficient to do damage. I might move in on a tire or rim, or arm or frame but am always aware of where the sensitive areas are and easily avoid them. I simply don't have the luxury of time to hand wash a tractor but don't want dirt, mud or other debris to build up either.

Feel free to follow your own best practices and spray, or don't.

I have a low power electric washer that works great. Do I spray the dash? No. nor do I spray the fuse box. I do however a full grease job when done.

Good Answer.