Under Deck Cleaning

[GBHRPS]

Gentlemen,

Had the deck off my Z Force Zero Turn today to sharpen the blades and clean the deck underneath.

The BEST tool for scraping the grass buildup, but more importantly, the caked on mud that's just like concrete ... is a vibrating tool with the scraper blade attachment. I couldn't believe how quickly that vibrating action of the blade cut the hard packed mud from the steel. Using a putty knife used to take an hour, and the vibrating blade took 15 minutes. Try it, you'll love it!

Gene

 

[boggen]

pictures please. not fully understanding

 

[Deere Dude]

I don't know if this is it, but I bet this would work.

 

[tomplum]

Yep, I bought my M18 oscillating thing a ma jig just for that. A rounded putty knife for the soft stuff.

 

[Wagtail]

View attachment 512088

I don't know if this is it, but I bet this would work.

I believe that that is exactly what GBHRPS is referring to.

We call it a Multi-tool vibrator and it has attachable thin chisel/scraper blades (amongst other tips or uses).

 

[Coyote machine]

Fein 72295362 MultiTalent Start Q

The original, above.

 

[hslogger]

The vibrating tools are real handy and work quicker than a putty knife. One of the best things you can do is commit to a hose down after use. Commercial mowers and municipalities pull maintenance on their machines every day or two. If it is awkward to run a hose underneath the deck, make some stanchion or ramp that will help you get underneath the deck. It is time consuming but worth doing. In commercial work, operators figure their maintenance time each day. Your machine will operate better from top to bottom and last longer.

 

[davesl708]

For my :2cents:. At the end of the season I hold the deck up with the FEL and power wash the underside then after it drys for awhile I spray the underside with WD40 to get the water out. After winter storage I pick it up and spray the underside with WD40 again before using. I stay pretty clean all season.

 

[Richard001]

For my :2cents:. At the end of the season I hold the deck up with the FEL and power wash the underside then after it drys for awhile I spray the underside with WD40 to get the water out.

I sure hope your spindle bearings are well sealed or you are just inviting rust in the bearings.

Richard

 

[tomplum]

I sure hope your spindle bearings are well sealed or you are just inviting rust in the bearings.

Richard

It really isn't just the bearings. the steel spindle shaft and the aluminum housing like to corrode together during storage when moisture is present. Run the deck to disperse the water, then soak the deck and spindle area with your favorite witch's brew.

 

[CalG]

I liked the guy's description of just parking the mower over the wood chip pile and let the chips fall where they may!

At least as good as walnut hulls. ;-)

Wood chips sure do a good job cleaning up my chipper shredder.!

 

[coolreinfarm]

Gentlemen,

Had the deck off my Z Force Zero Turn today to sharpen the blades and clean the deck underneath.

The BEST tool for scraping the grass buildup, but more importantly, the caked on mud that's just like concrete ... is a vibrating tool with the scraper blade attachment. I couldn't believe how quickly that vibrating action of the blade cut the hard packed mud from the steel. Using a putty knife used to take an hour, and the vibrating blade took 15 minutes. Try it, you'll love it!

Gene

I have a Craftsman vibrating tool my SIL gave me 5 years ago, hardly ever used it, but I tried it on my z force and your right, much easier than a putty knife, thanks for sharing!

 

[davesl708]

I sure hope your spindle bearings are well sealed or you are just inviting rust in the bearings.

Richard

I never spray the spindles directly. The WD gets the water out.