Power Washing the Tractor

[dodge man]

I power wash mine too, but not often, maybe 3 times a year. I also do the engine area but am careful where I aim it.

 

[fried1765]

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 FFA (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.

You must have a very different quality level Karcher compared to most sold in the USA.
To me, Karcher means low quality big box store junk.

 

[fried1765]

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.

I have TWO of those little Sun Joe units, and they are really quite decent.
For really blasting though, I have a 13HP Honda with Cat pump ...4500 psi.
My favorite however, is my 40+ year old Hotsy.
Only 1,000 psi,.... but with HOT water.
Hot water makes SUCH a difference!

 

[oosik]

I remove the mud/dirt with a garden hose. Wipe off excess grease with shop towels.

 

[5030]

Mine was a bit more than 45 when it was new. Still looks new because I take care of it. Take care of both of them actually. I dislike filth anyway. Hardest stuff to take care of are the hay tools because they don't get washed, just blown off with air. Hard on the bearings to wash them.

 

[DK35vince]

I've been pressure washing all my equipment (Including the engine ) for decades.
Never an issue.

 

[Wagtail]

You must have a very different quality level Karcher compared to most sold in the USA.
To me, Karcher means low quality big box store junk.

And that's probably the difference... I bought mine from Karcher, not a 'big box store'.

The same can be said (and has, many times, on TBN) about the quality of 'big box store' lawn tractors versus an OEM 'dealership' lawn tractor.

 

[Alan W.]

I realize after saying this that it will disintegrate. But. Ive had the elcheapo blue harbor freight electric power washer for years and its still doing fine. I think they are green and called portland now.
Every now and then I will wash the tractor.

Plus Ive always been told not to spray water on a hot injection pump.

 

[DMW]

And that's probably the difference... I bought mine from Karcher, not and 'big box store'.

The same can be said (and has, many times, on TBN) about the quality of 'big box store' lawn tractors versus an OEM 'dealership' lawn tractor.

So true. At work we used electrical, diesel fuel heated units. That 550V weld plug provides a lot of power for washing.

 

[wolc123]

There is things you can and can not do with a power washer. Stay away from v-belts and seat cushions. Don't ask me how I know. Everything else on a tractor cleans up just fine with a 3100 psi model anyhow. I use mine on my Deeres all the time.