Do you serve your equipment ?

maxtractor · May 24, 2004

I sometimes wish I were the type to wash and wax my tractor. But , by the time I am done there is never any time. I do make sure it gets proper service and plenty of grease and I will blow the dust off with an air hose when I am cleaning the radiator screens. But it only gets washed when it is so dirty that it is a problem to use or service without washing it. Of course it does stay in the garage and my truck sits out so it gets some TLC. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I always look for low maintenance in everything I buy. I like to use my stuff, not work on it.

CTyler · May 24, 2004

I'm like you, clean it occasionaly and perform regular service. It usually doesn't get to dirty other than little bit of dirt sticking to the bucket, box blade etc.. Gets dusty more than anything since learning my mud lessons right after buying the tractor. Would end up with a bigger than what I started with./forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Some things should probably get washed/rinsed right away like a metal fertilizer spreader.

riptides · May 24, 2004

Yep, about three or four times a year the "clean gene" kicks in.
Then anything with a engine is not safe. It all gets to the point where I have many pieces left over for new purchases. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Anyway, I try to just wash and wax the 'bota. I don't need to go any further..... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NIXON · May 24, 2004

My tractor serves a purpose . And to that end it serves very well indeed ! I try not to ask more of it than it is capable of ,and for the most part I've suceeded /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I keep it serviced very well ,and give it a wash down on a regular basis .
That's just to keep grime /dirt from working into seals ,etc..
I don't try to keep it pristine , or in showroom condition .
I just try to keep and run it like it's the only machine that I'll ever be able to buy again . John

LarryD · May 24, 2004

I do the same as you John, air blow the big chuncks and dust away. This is more to keep the shop clean rather than the tractor. I did take the hose to it after one particularly bad day in the manure pile but that stuff can do a job on paint. I have a little dust collecting at the hydraulic connections and will get some cleaner on that very soon.
Larry

higgy · May 24, 2004

I use mine all the time, clean it off at service like the others. I am not real big on pressure washers as if used wrong they can cause a lot of damage to seals and electrical stuff.

I like to have my tractors look like it works for a living, which they do. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KiotiJohn · May 25, 2004

( I have a little dust collecting at the hydraulic connections and will get some cleaner on that very soon.
Larry )
I really do like working with the air. I use high pressure air to clean out all my grease zerks before regreasing so that sand doesn't get pushed in. As you mentioned, dust at the hydraulic lines is another place that I blow off well before connecting/disconnecting my BH, very critical to long pump life. I don't believe I would really want to use a pressure washer at all on my tractor although many do sucessfully. So far I haven't found a need for more than a good flow of water and a soft brush and hard brush to get off the worst of stuck on mud. John

rockyridgefarm · May 25, 2004

I have to say thet this is a great thread, Jerry!

When I got my tractor and it was still clean, I cleaned and then waxed it like crazy with the best wax I could get. Occasionally I hose it off.

I think the degreaser, brushes and light water pressure approach is the best...

I do think you can over do the cleaning...

Mosey · May 25, 2004

Jerry - You have brought up a good point that I have pondered myself. The way I do it falls in between you and your neighbor. As the equipment gets older (I've had my Boomer for a little over 3 years now) I clean it less and less, but have to admit I clean it a lot. Part of my problem is that I park it in my garage where I do other things, so I like to keep the garage clean. A dirty tractor and mower sitting in there will only make the garage dirty. Plus, grass clippings (especially damp ones) smell bad after a couple days of "rotting" in the garage.

Someday, I hope to get a pole barn built and park the tractor and mower in there. When that time comes, I don't plan to clean it as often.

Golfgar4 · May 25, 2004

( My neighbor cuts three acres of grass once per week. After cutting and trimming, he carefully power washes his tractor, finish mower, dixon zero-turn (for tight spots), weed whip, and finally, he cleans the power washer too. He then dries each machine with a towel. This ritual requires about 5 hours each week.
)

I've known a couple of guys like this. I discovered that one of two things applies to this kind of fellow. Either he is obsessive/compulsive........or..........he has a lousy marriage and is trying to avoid the wife! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm with the other guys who clean the equipment just often enough to maintain it properly and to help keep the crud out of the garage. Otherwise, it can look a little bit used and dirty. The trigger for me to know when it's time to clean something is either 1) I can't stand to get near it because it's so grungy, or 2) it begins to show signs of reduced performance. Then it's time for a cleanup and checkup. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

SPIKER · May 25, 2004

I wash mine every time it rains! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

as for the mower and such, I do try to keep the clippings off the deck, once or twice a year! usually mid and end of season maintenance I do all my own upkeep and services, grease it probably on 10~15 hr rather than the longer term. also wipe off excess grease on the zerk BEFOR putting the gun on it so as to not get sand into the greased surface. as for the excess that squishes out the sides, that is dirt blocker /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif yep it gets real dirty, but scrape off the excess down near the pivioting part and it is nice and clean (USUALLY) always some type of out of the norm thing going on.

my brother-n-law is kind of the way you're neibor is. but so is the sister kind of neet freaks. he works part time servicing dealer cars that are traded in or preping for customer pick up. their cars are traded after about 5 yeras with usually less than 50K. but they won't sell one to me! they don't want me to buy one and if it was to break they would feel obligated to help fix it lol...

anyhow the house is nice and kept very clean.

I do agree with the other guy who said it could be a nagging wife too... the brother of mine works 14hr a day just so he doen't have to go home! and when he is off he wants to come down to my place and work out in the woods or someplace where SHE won't come and bother him... kind of sad but to each his own.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Mrwurm · May 25, 2004

To expand on the original story a bit: My neighbor is retired, but I don't believe this dedication to cleanliness started with retirement. I believe it has deeper roots than that.

The real reason that I composed this thread was to try to get a sympathetic ear. You see, not only does my neighbor meticulously clean his equipment, he gives me a hard time about the appearance of mine every chance he gets. I wanted to gauge who was nutty, he or I. Done.

KiotiJohn · May 25, 2004

( I wanted to gauge who was nutty, he or I. Done.
)
Having done a lot of psychiatric nursing, I've seen a lot of obsessive/compulsive behavior and your neighbor sounds like he may be a candidate for that diagnosis. What confirms it for me is that he is even bothered by your lack of obsession about your equipment. A "normal" person wouldn't care at all how you keep your equipment, but someone who has a problem would be terribly bothered by seeing all that mess even on YOUR tractor. Hey! I'm OK, you're OK, the neighbor has a problem. John

SPIKER · May 26, 2004

Sounds like you should tell him the hose is overthere! then you too could have a nice clean tractor! lol When people try to give unsolited advice sometimes it is easier to tell them to have at it rather than get them to stop buggin gyou! that seems to work with my old woman anyhow /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rockyridgefarm · May 26, 2004

Jerry, I am sorry, but as nutty as he is, we can't completely rule out the same for you...

Just funnin!

Mrwurm · May 26, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Larry_T · May 27, 2004

I service my tractor..If It gets realy muddy I may wash it.The rest gets tacken care of when I get time. Larry

RalphVa · May 31, 2004

Hope he greases AFTER power washing. That equipment could push the grease out and replace it with water! I would not use power washers on anything except maybe concrete or plate steel, nothing with any joints or gaskets that aren't designed to take that huge amount of pressure.

Better to wet with a regular hose and let sit. Then hose off with regular hose/nozzle.

Ralph