How to "undercoat" mower deck.

[daman1]

And I think it has something to do also with the size of the deck, my cc 54" builds up with grass terribly but my smaller craftsman 42" hardly builds up at all, I only mow when grass is totally dry

 

[stevem5215]

The problem with the underside of a mower deck is the sandblasting effect that occurs all the time in there. As a result no coatings will stick to anything like that. What is really needed is something that is embedded in the metal that can do the job of "non stick". Maybe at time of metal fabrication of the decks. A chemist could probably figure something out but really, how important is it ? Is it worth a pile of cash to do so ? I'm betting not.

 

[IndyJay]

The problem with the underside of a mower deck is the sandblasting effect that occurs all the time in there. As a result no coatings will stick to anything like that. What is really needed is something that is embedded in the metal that can do the job of "non stick". Maybe at time of metal fabrication of the decks. A chemist could probably figure something out but really, how important is it ? Is it worth a pile of cash to do so ? I'm betting not.

Like maybe those skillet commercials? Where they melt hard candy and it slidesright out?

 

[arrow]

Is it worth a pile of cash to do so ? I'm betting not.

I agree.
To have a "Gotham Steel mower deck" would probably add at least $200-300 to the product judging that a little 14" skillet with the stuff costs around 40 bucks.
Even the pans themselves wear out to say nothing of a mower deck.

 

[IndyJay]

I agree.
To have a "Gotham Steel mower deck" would probably add at least $200-300 to the product judging that a little 14" skillet with the stuff costs around 40 bucks.

But wait! You can get a second deck free! Just pay an additional fee!

Seriously, I would pay a few hundred more for a non-stick deck.

 

[Erik M]

Most important way to prevent the rust is to get the grass out after every mow. I have a farm jack and lift the mower up afterwards and pressure wash the underside, so no rust at all. When I prepare the mower for winter storage in an unheated storage barn I spray the underside with fluid film.

 

[m1garand762]

The problem with the underside of a mower deck is the sandblasting effect that occurs all the time in there. As a result no coatings will stick to anything like that. What is really needed is something that is embedded in the metal that can do the job of "non stick". Maybe at time of metal fabrication of the decks. A chemist could probably figure something out but really, how important is it ? Is it worth a pile of cash to do so ? I'm betting not.

I am convinced that whatever kubota uses on their buckets would be a good coating. I can move sand and gravel all day and none of the paint will be damaged. I have dug thousands of feet or deep trenches with my backhoe and the edge of the teeth is all that had warm off. That would make a great mower coating

 

[arrow]

I am convinced that whatever kubota uses on their buckets would be a good coating. I can move sand and gravel all day and none of the paint will be damaged. I have dug thousands of feet or deep trenches with my backhoe and the edge of the teeth is all that had warm off. That would make a great mower coating

I'm thinking it's not painted but some type of powder coat concoction.
Another reason might be is that debris and stuff isn't hitting these areas like at 200 mph as under a mower deck experiences.

 

[arrow]

Seriously, I would pay a few hundred more for a non-stick deck.

Might last you a few weeks.
People complain of the non stick surface on these pans lasting less than 6 months but that is a high heat situation.
The deck needs to be diamond coated underneath with zirconium for $39.95 but think of all the people you'll fool who won't be able to tell it from real thing..

 

[KennyG]

I'm all for good maintenance but there is a matter of value. How many rusted through decks have you seen. I've seen cracked decks and bent decks but not rust holes.

 

[IndyJay]

I'm all for good maintenance but there is a matter of value. How many rusted through decks have you seen. I've seen cracked decks and bent decks but not rust holes.

Yeah, I've not had any rust through either. My problem is the deck clogging up with grass even when "dry".

 

[DK35vince]

I'm all for good maintenance but there is a matter of value. How many rusted through decks have you seen. I've seen cracked decks and bent decks but not rust holes.

The deck on my previous tractor (1978 JD 850) had the belly mower patch several times where it wore or rusted through.
I recently repaired several rust holes and built new baffle plates (original baffle plates were gone) on my 1978 Wheel Horse garden tractor deck

 

[Creamer]

I have always heard Deere decks rust through quicker in part because they are thinner and stamped which adds a lot of residual stress,i.e. energy to speed the corrosion. The other side is that the stamped decks have smoother flow lines so that the grass should not have the corners to end up in. Then of course some say you only notice it on the Deeres because the tractor lasts longer.

What i do know is that if the grass sticks on and stays wet it will rust - if it is always clean and used regularly it will not rust. If it is not being used it should be coated.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

My mower has 160 hours on it. Much if the underside paint is gone. It is always stored indoors, and I never see rust

 

[/pine]

This may have been suggested...I didn't read the whole thread...
...But you could get a couple cans of spray on undercoating..shake them up real good...then with a mulching set up just run over the cans...easy peasy...!

 

[DK35vince]

I now scrape and spray oil under my decks at the end of the mow season to stop any rust

 

[MF243RedTop]

This may have been suggested...I didn't read the whole thread...
...But you could get a couple cans of spray on undercoating..shake them up real good...then with a mulching set up just run over the cans...easy peasy...!

 

[IndyJay]

"It's time to start cooking mowing with PAM®" ???

 

[bigtiller]

The deck on my previous tractor (1978 JD 850) had the belly mower patch several times where it wore or rusted through.
I recently repaired several rust holes and built new baffle plates (original baffle plates were gone) on my 1978 Wheel Horse garden tractor deck

40 plus years for a Deere and Wheel Horse, I'd be bragging also.

 

[Captain Dirty]

The deck on my previous tractor (1978 JD 850) had the belly mower patch several times where it wore or rusted through.
I recently repaired several rust holes and built new baffle plates (original baffle plates were gone) on my 1978 Wheel Horse garden tractor deck

Having owned a 1979 Chevrolet C-20 Pick-up, I will also attest to the fine quality of American steel of the era.