Mower Deck Undercoating

[Nwatson99]

Folks I ran a search twice and topics about Pam came up more than anything.
Anyway I want to spray a protector under the new incoming deck if something works before deck down time, is there a aerosol can of an actual protector for under the deck that works?
I want something that will deter grass build up, prevent rust, etc.

 

[djdicetn]

Folks I ran a search twice and topics about Pam came up more than anything.
Anyway I want to spray a protector under the new incoming deck if something works before deck down time, is there a aerosol can of an actual protector for under the deck that works?
I want something that will deter grass build up, prevent rust, etc.

Pam is an urban legend and does NOT work. I've tried other teflon-based products(a "dry" spray lubricant called Zeplon) and no joy. I've heard that painting with airplane paint(Emron) works, but is is a hazmat and EPA requires special equipment to use. Really no "material" to my knowledge that really works. Best advice is to:
1)Don't mow within 48 hours of rain.
2)Never cut more than 1/3 of the total grass height(i.e. if grass is 3" tall, set deck at 2"...cutting off 1" of 3" =1/3).
3)Based upon my experience adding a mulch kit(which your JD Z960R comes with) helped reduce accumulation but did not "eliminate" it.

If you find anything that actually works.....PLEASE let us know. Many have tried but I know of no successes:0(

 

[Rivets]

Save your money, I recommend washing under the deck, pressure washing if you have one.

 

[Ric]

I agree with Rivets under the deck, pressure washing is the best way. Cleaning the deck on a regular basis even with a water hose is better than nothing, and don't rely on those deck washout things there not worth the money it cost to install them.

 

[exotion]

In the winter I clean the deck real well. Spray paint high gloss white under the deck. And do about 3-4 coats of clear cote. This works for about half a year of commercial use I wash under the deck with a hose, purple cleaner and a scrub brush once a week keep the blade Sharp helps to

 

[Nwatson99]

Thanks guys I clean under my deck every 50hrs when I change the oil etc and during the fall I pressure wash it thoroughly before putting it up for the winter, but now it might be twice a year.

 

[exotion]

Thanks guys I clean under my deck every 50hrs when I change the oil etc and during the fall I pressure wash it thoroughly before putting it up for the winter, but now it might be twice a year.

As a home owner why not spend 5 mins after mowing with a puffy knife and a hose and clean it.

 

[Nwatson99]

As a home owner why not spend 5 mins after mowing with a puffy knife and a hose and clean it.

I cannot give you a good explanation for that truthfully, I am not lazy by any means just move slow with the back injury, however I do use the puddy knife every 50hrs though. I will have the dealer bring a can of JD green and start cleaning it every week then and lay the paint to it when needed.

 

[djdicetn]

As a home owner why not spend 5 mins after mowing with a puffy knife and a hose and clean it.

That's exactly what I do. Since I installed the Gravely mulch kit the accumulation is minimal. Like you said, 5 minutes with a putty knife and a hose with a good spray nozzle and it cleans up easily. At the end of the season, I'll use my power washer with it on the MoJack and get it real clean(as well as washing the whole machine and applying some wax to get it looking new). When spraying underneath the deck each mowing I make sure I let it set a few minutes so that the spindles completely cool down before cleaning under the deck.

 

[Nwatson99]

That's exactly what I do. Since I installed the Gravely mulch kit the accumulation is minimal. Like you said, 5 minutes with a putty knife and a hose with a good spray nozzle and it cleans up easily. At the end of the season, I'll use my power washer with it on the MoJack and get it real clean(as well as washing the whole machine and applying some wax to get it looking new). When spraying underneath the deck each mowing I make sure I let it set a few minutes so that the spindles completely cool down before cleaning under the deck.

With your mulch kit now installed, do you have to mow more frequently so the grass is not taller thus allowing your mulch kit to work better?