Mower Deck reconditioning

[nbpt100]

What do folks have good success using for painting the bottom of a mower deck. I am reconditioning an older deck that is is ok condition. It has a combination of rust, paint, bare metal. No holes and no spots that appear too thin. I patiently await to hear your experience. Thanks

 

[vavet]

I've researched this and found no absolute.
The best I've been able to do is prevention - remove deck after every mowing, pressure wash, reinstall.
The spindle bearings will probably die an earlier death, but still better than the deck rotting out.

 

[jhn9840]

I've researched this and found no absolute.
The best I've been able to do is prevention - remove deck after every mowing, pressure wash, reinstall.
The spindle bearings will probably die an earlier death, but still better than the deck rotting out.

I agree with that. I only remove my deck 3 or 4 times a season. After I’ve made my last cut of the year I clean the deck the best that I possibly can. Spray the underside with a can of Rustoleum. Seems to work well for me.

jhn9840
John

 

[P0234]

I don't do anything. As long as you keep it stored indoors, that deck will outlast two motors. My current push mower and rider all date back to the 2005/2006 era and have zero rust on the decks.

 

[Spareparts]

I got a product called MUD OFF, used it on our dirt track race cars, keeps the mud from sticking to the underside of the body panels
works good under the decks, just spray it about every 3rd cut.

 

[tyyost]

I strip my deck every three to four years, I repaint with a tractor enamel and then coat the underside with graphite spray from the JD dealer. I could probably do better if I was more diligent about washing after I cut. When I take it apart it’s usually to do some PM on the spindles but with a 18 year old JD it seems to be worth the time.

 

[nbpt100]

I strip my deck every three to four years, I repaint with a tractor enamel and then coat the underside with graphite spray from the JD dealer. I could probably do better if I was more diligent about washing after I cut. When I take it apart it’s usually to do some PM on the spindles but with a 18 year old JD it seems to be worth the time.

That is what I have done on the past. The enamal paint will wear off pretty quickly in my experience. But it is better than nothing. I raise the deck and wash it out with the garden hose now and then. It has a wash port but I do not use it. Wet grass is the killer. You need to remove it.

I got a product called MUD OFF, used it on our dirt track race cars, keeps the mud from sticking to the underside of the body panels
works good under the decks, just spray it about every 3rd cut.

Thanks for the info. I know people use Pam or other non stick cooking products.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I take my deck off every few mowing sessions, or every time if its wet. Scrape it clean, and blow it off with air. At the end of each season I pressure wash the deck, let it dry, and paint it with Rustoleum.

My current mower is 20 years old and I had to do a few repairs on the deck just this year. One stress crack, and rusting through in another spot.

Within the next two years, I plan to upgrade to a new mower for the first time ever - most likely a zero turn. Hopefully with a fresh start I'll be able to make it last better than all the used machines I've had.

 

[Bert_]

I do nothing. I did some cut and weld on mine 5 years ago but it's also 20 years old.