Got a used JD and am fixing it up to sell. Noticed the paint was coming off in some spots. Took a puddy knife and it peeled right off the whole operator section right down to the rust under neath. I think they made that section of the mower and set it outside and let it rust until they painted it and did not prep it to paint. What a horrible paint job. Is there anything I should do to the metal before I prime it to paint it.
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54" deck. Uneven Cut
- Thread starter sivicman
- Start date
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Sadly, JD has really their lost direction when it comes to quality and workmanship. It was going downhill fast when I was a service manager up until 2010. Everyone just plays pass the buck and no one takes responsibility to resolve issues anymore.I know the lack of paint did not cause the uneven cut. The deck was leveled per JD manual and still was cutting bad. The unpainted deck was discovered while checking for a bent blade.
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OsphoGot a used JD and am fixing it up to sell. Noticed the paint was coming off in some spots. Took a puddy knife and it peeled right off the whole operator section right down to the rust under neath. I think they made that section of the mower and set it outside and let it rust until they painted it and did not prep it to paint. What a horrible paint job. Is there anything I should do to the metal before I prime it to paint it.
Apply as directed and brush off any dried residue before painting.
There are also rust converting primers out there.
Sand blast it if possible.Got a used JD and am fixing it up to sell. Noticed the paint was coming off in some spots. Took a puddy knife and it peeled right off the whole operator section right down to the rust under neath. I think they made that section of the mower and set it outside and let it rust until they painted it and did not prep it to paint. What a horrible paint job. Is there anything I should do to the metal before I prime it to paint it.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Upon inspection of the blades it was discovered that the underneath of the deck was never painted from the factory. The bottom of the deck was all rusty. The dealer picked up the mower 2 weeks ago.
Update: The dealer has had my mower for 2 weeks now, and nothing has been done. I filed a complaint with JD and have a case number. What they are telling me is they took additional pictures of the bottom of the deck, and sent them to the factory rep. along with the S/N of the deck. He then contacted the factory to see how many of these mowers got out of the factory unpainted. Meanwhile the dealer is waiting for JD to authorize a new deck. I have talked to JD corporate and told them I want a brand new mower. I didn't buy a rebuilt mower. This whole issue has been handled terribly by not only the dealer but JD's factory rep. Instead of taking care of the customer first and worry about the factory second, they have dropped the ball big time. The service manager at the dealer has not communicated with me at all. I got this information from my salesman who should not be involved per corporate. They said I need to be talking to service. I said he doesn't call with updates or nothing. I also said they should be providing me with a loaner. I will update as soon as I hear something.
Hello S.,
Welcome to the world of franchised dealerships.
JD "corporate" is only interested in selling the "big money" farm, industrial and forestry equipment. The L&G stuff is a sideline hustle they really don't profit from.
I have not seen a "serial number" on a JD rider mower deck, that must be something new. Are you referring to the PIN label information on the chassis?
JD will not provide a complete "ready to install" deck, just a new deck shell that has to be assembled by the dealer shop personnel. They are only obligated by purchase contract to replace what is broken bent or defective due to poor workmanship or material. They are not obligated to give you another new machine.
Dealerships (in my area) have not had "loaner" riders available for years because vindictive customers were tearing them up and abusing them.
This is what I was told by the service manger who is an idiot. It might be a PIN label he is referring to.Hello S.,
I have not seen a "serial number" on a JD rider mower deck, that must be something new. Are you referring to the PIN label information on the chassis?
I was not willing to accept a new shell. The dealer and corporate knew that. It wasn't a problem to get a whole new deck. I received a call from the service manager that the factory does not paint or power coat the underneath of the decks. I have started the process of getting my money back.JD will not provide a complete "ready to install" deck, just a new deck shell that has to be assembled by the dealer shop personnel. They are only obligated by purchase contract to replace what is broken bent or defective due to poor workmanship or material. They are not obligated to give you another new machine.
My dealer was willing to give me a loaner no problem.Dealerships (in my area) have not had "loaner" riders available for years because vindictive customers were tearing them up and abusing them.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Sounds like it's time to move on to a commercial brand other than JD. By all means stay away from the "box store" models.
It's funny you should say that. I went up to the Home Depot to look at the underneath of their S series decks, and they to DO NOT come painted. I will just stick with my Kubota.Sounds like it's time to move on to a commercial brand other than JD. By all means stay away from the "box store" models.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
It's just another way JD saves on material costs and quietly plans for deck rust to make the mowers virtually useless in a few years. I have quite a few "haul cart pullers" around my area because the decks rusted out in only a few years.
JD and many other manufacturers have not made a "10-year mower" for a very long time. They want to keep selling new ones at higher prices with less quality these days.
JD and many other manufacturers have not made a "10-year mower" for a very long time. They want to keep selling new ones at higher prices with less quality these days.
You are exactly right. More money and less quality on everything you buy.It's just another way JD saves on material costs and quietly plans for deck rust to make the mowers virtually useless in a few years. I have quite a few "haul cart pullers" around my area because the decks rusted out in only a few years.
JD and many other manufacturers have not made a "10-year mower" for a very long time. They want to keep selling new ones at higher prices with less quality these days.