How do manufacturers paint tractor attachments?

[wwwfarmer]

I've done my first spray paint job recently. The steps I took were:

-wirebrushing surface rust
-wiping everything with a thinner to remove oil
-applying rust converter
-prime painting
-enamel cover painting

I must say, it took me a lot longer than I initially expected. That lead me to believe there must a better way of painting tractor implements. I just cant imagine folks at John Deer or Kubota spending hours and hours every day wiping huge implements with a thinner so that the paint will stick

I'd like to educate myself of alternatives, because I will be outsourcing it in the future and I need to pick the right approach. Is sand/bead blasting and powder coating a better option?

Thank you for taking your time and answering my question.

 

[5030]

OEM's use the least expensive, most cost efficient way.

 

[oosik]

I have several implements. Most are powder coated. A couple have "standard" high gloss enamel or something similar. I hate powder coating. Looks nice when new - flakes off under field use.

If I have rust that needs to be painted. Sand paper or steel wool down to bare metal. Wipe down area with appropriate cleaner. Prime with rattle can. Top coat with rattle can. Prime & top coat are usually enamel. Some times I will use latex.

Mine are implements that are used - not Cadillac's to be displayed.

 

[5030]

Same deal here. I don't much care for powder coat (low temp ceramic coating) either because it's brittle for one and very hard to overcoat. Looks good for a while but when it ages and gets spalled, it's almost impossible to touch up because of the very nature of it.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

Someone recently gave me a pulverizer. Reconditioning it included painting, and I agree with you - it took a long time. Tractor Supply's tractor colored paint from Rust-Oleum seems to be a stronger, more highly pigmented paint than regular Rust-Oleum

 

[5030]

You'll find that the Rustoleum is a perfect match for late model Kubota Orange II as well. Magic enamel is a dead match for early Kubota Orange I.

 

[Tinhack]

... Tractor Supply's tractor colored paint from Rust-Oleum seems to be a stronger, more highly pigmented paint than regular Rust-Oleum

And it actually dries in less than a year. I've been using a lot of that this year. Pretty good stuff for a rattle can. Previously, I wouldn't have painted my garbage cans with Rustoleum.

Coating technology changes every year. If it's good, the EPA will probably rule against it and it will have to change.

 

[CoyPatton]

Painting is one of those jobs that you get out of it what you put into it. It really matters not what you are painting, you get a better looking finish project based upon the prep work you do.
On exception to the above rule for me is if I am painting something that will be in a very abrasive environment. For instance, if painting the portion of an implement that ends up engaging the ground such as a plow. In my experience paint, primer, and even rust convertors do not hold up to the contact with any type of soil. Some are worse than others like sandy soils.
Personally if something like a plow is being painted, I usually hit it with a power washer to get the loose stuff and dirt off, then if any heavy rust spots I hit it with a wire brush, typically a wheel or cup brush on a power tool. Then another quick rinse with the power washer. Then a light coat of a rust convertor, followed by a self-etching primer (flat black) and done. This is usually a Fall project for me.

 

[TractorGuy]

Seems like more and more implement manufacturers are powder coating. I think it's a poor choice since it is brittle and chips easily.

I don't worry about what they look like. I will repaint and touch up to prevent rust. Ground engagement surfaces are a waste of time.

 

[nyone]

Well they are starting with new metal so they prob remove the oil and slag then just single stage paint them. I have also had bad luck with powder coating.