John Deere's Dirty Secret

[@stoddardcdoy]

Like said in previous comments you need to have mower deck all the way down to ground in order to utilize the airflow to blow the water around to clean the deck properly

[@hockaday2fer2]

U have to drop the mower all the way down, on pavement, then it Cleans All

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to try that

[@cazhacker7]

@@metaspencer you can also run the blades after the water to dry out as much water like a big blower fan

[@hockaday2fer2]

@@cazhacker7 And I blow off the idlers while running them to dry

[@scotttucker3858]

@@hockaday2fer2 p

[@akmccutcheon153]

2 years later was about to type this same comment

[@p3l1k44n1]

Actually It's the grass build up that rusts it.. Think about it.. When you wash it, the water drips away from the metal and dries.. but then there is a lump of grass against it, it'll absorb moisture and hold water against the metal for long periods of time.

[@metaspencer]

Yep, makes perfect sense.

[@gregorysrock2321]

I am pretty sure you are supposed to drop the deck all the way down while you do this process!

[@metaspencer]

So I've heard ... could work better but I'm still not keen on the idea of adding water to my mower ...

[@clmskm]

@@metaspencer no really. you are susposed to drop it all the way down on hard surface to clean it.

[@mellowjammer]

Yes you are! If you don't it's not really a valid test and could get better results if you do it properly. That being said, I never use the washout ports because i don't have a spot on my property to leave that freaking mess and also because I prefer to just scrape it clean. Also, if you don't get all the grass off with the hose port cleaning, the grass that is left will soak up the water like a sponge and hold it there to rust your deck.

[@bobleone1381]

My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that when you use the wash out port, you are supposed to put the mower on a solid surface (not grass) and LOWER THE DESK TO IT LOWEST POINT so that it creates maximum suction. When you raise the deck as you did, you reduce suction and of course it will not clean as well. I had a Toro 42 inch ZTM with a wash out port and I cleaned it often with the deck at its lowest point, and it work VERY well.

[@66lwmorgan]

Before I got my JD 0 turn which has a little less than 4 hours on it I had a Poulan rider. It had one cleaning port on one side and I couldn't see how that was going to do anything for the other side which it didn't so I added another port. Now I have a cleaning port on both sides. The one thing I did different and according to what I was told you need to lower the mower deck as low as it will go then turn on the blades and let it wash. It cleaned out a lot of old grass and when switching side with the water hose another big batch of grass came of which wouldn't have with just one port. If you don't clean every time then I agree with you, scrap off what you can then run the water hose. Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@metaspencer]

Interesting to hear your experiences and ideas. Thanks! A second port sounds great

[@agopiechand]

Hey Spencer, I have tried that with my Z445 and got similar results; for myself that's a non-starter. I got a Mo-jack lift, lift it up 45 degrees, get on a mat and use the water hose. After doing this, I spray the bottom with WD40 (buy in bulk, big can - cheaper. Spray cans of WD40 is too expensive for myself). Careful not to spray the belts with WD40. The WD40 helps with the moisture issue. Also, I coat the spindles with grease/vaseline (other oily substance) to address the issue of rust. I hate rust with a passion. Having done this for 8 years now, my mower and deck are spotless. I polish once a year with car polish. My machine cuts and mulch saving me lots of time from not raking so I take care of it. Here in Ontario, Canada we have lots of maples. I have never bagged grass or leaves.

[@metaspencer]

Okay, so I'll have to NOT show you my 1997 F250, because it's pretty much ALL rust at this point. :) That method sounds great and you're the second person to suggest the WD 40 idea ... I'm gonna have to step up my game. Thanks for the tips man!

[@LS-pe1ii]

Concur with Eddie. You have to drop the deck to ground to get things really clean! I have a D100 and it cleans it well.

[@metaspencer]

I’m still scraping myself but good to know it works for ya

[@mdrobnson3912]

Dropping the deck, on any mower, creates suction. When you're missing. This helps pull the grass up into the blades. That suction is going to make the clean out work better.

[@georgedavidson9697]

I have a JD zero turn with a mulching kit. Works great when grass and leaves are dry. I don't think the hose hooked to the wash port on the deck is very effective at all. Looks like you have a similar result. Great video. Thanks.

[@metaspencer]

Agreed man -- great to mow with ... but I clean manually and that seems to work

[@sp3edstr]

Just pull the three pins holding the deck on pull the deck or flip it over and spray / scrape it clean. I do it to mine every few mowings

[@sptrader6316]

Like others have commented, the deck needs to be at its lowest level, on a flat surface, to create a "power wash" effect to help clean the deck. Afterwards, I run the mower with the blades on and water off, to help dry the deck. The deck needs to be clean and not full of dried grass clumps when you begin. This method helps keep a deck clean but it's not perfect, so check the deck for buildup, occasionally.

[@metaspencer]

Makes sense and sounds like a good system, as long as you're keeping it dry and clean. Thanks for the tips

[@stevegray3529]

I've got 9 hours now on my new John Deere. I too, was a bit sceptical about the water near the bearings, my JD dealer confirmed my thoughts. I use my trailer loading ramps on the first rail of our post and rail fence, this gives the mower a good lift to be able to clean the deck with a wooden spatula.

[@metaspencer]

Great idea. That’s the way to go

[@pyroman49wedd86]

Yea I have used that also on my z530r . It’s no perfect but I try not to mow when grass is wet from dew or rain. In Texas sometimes you got to mow early or late because of the heat . So your getting dew on the grass either way

[@metaspencer]

Yeah dry grass is always ideal -- but sometimes hard to find :)

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Lower your deck all the way and if you have the stop expelling guard for you deck you will see a big deferents and grease your spindle before you wash. Have you taken apart your spindles and removed the iner seals so when you grease your spindle it actually gets to the bearings? I spray Pam cooking spray on the bottom of the deck after cleaning. Thanks for sharing

[@metaspencer]

I haven't pulled the spindles apart but will check it out this weekend ... thanks for the tip! I've heard of that Pam method but haven't tried it. thanks man

[@bulletproofpepper2]

metaspencer watch “Steve’s small engine Solon” he’s a little cocky but he knows his stuff, the video was 4-5 months ago it’s called “secret flaw” or “dirty little secret dealerships don’t want you too know”. He dose the wash up thing also, i bought a new deck and replace all the good parts. I watched the video and put the wash up connection back on after. I made an air lance 3 foot long to dry it off and to clear pulleys the belts

[@timothycaldwell3785]

on mine, the day I bought it I sprayed the deck top and under with truck bed liner and I pressure wash after every use. over 2000 hours zero issues.

[@metaspencer]

truck bed liner! that's an interesting idea ... cool to hear man. very smart

[@glenerickson358]

The big complaint I have is the decks no longer have full underside thick paint jobs anymore from JD like they had in the 90's. I thought mine was a defect, then a saw a photo of a deck on the JD website and see it's the same way.

[@metaspencer]

Oh man, they used to have thicker paint? That sure would be nice ... the more protection the better

[@briandavis9975]

Hey bud I had a landscape company for around twenty years went through a half a dozen Honda's and and old man at a repair shop said when the deck is clean try using a food grade silicone it worked repeated it about once a week because I mowed a 105 yards a week anyway it made the mowers last so much longer and that was in Seattle Washington with the rain. Good video buddy.

[@metaspencer]

That is an EXCELLENT tip. I'm totally going to do it ... anything to keep the crud off. I used to mow for a living myself, but never did that many lawns. Sounds like you were working hard! Gonna try that silicone trick

[@P0LSKI]

@@metaspencer Great video! What's the results of using a food grade silicone? I'm curious to know because I'm about to get my first zero-turn, and want to accumulate as much knowledge about them as possible before dropping FOUR GRAND on a lawn mower. Thanks again for a great video despite maybe not doing it the "right" way based on some of the responses. : )

[@leerouse2001]

I have a John Deere zero-turn just like that mine has 12 hours, what I have learned if you see any rust underneath your what I've always done is cleaned it coded it with bedliner or paint enamel that will stop the rust. Also you can after cleaning take WD-40 and spray underneath your deck, that will help the grass clean and fall off while mowing. I've done this with all my mowers in the past and none of my deck have ever rusted out. Also if you drop your deck on pavement or concrete surface put it on lowest setting it will clean a lot better.if you're doing it on gravel sand any other it will doll your blades and also it is like sandblasting underneath your deck which will start rusting if not maintain

[@metaspencer]

Oh man, great tips. I'm gonna start doing that WD 40 and painting stuff ASAP, just to keep ahead of it. Big thanks!

[@leerouse2001]

@@metaspencer you're welcome sir, I've also work on mowers for my neighbors and people that is on low income to help out my community. Just another hint, when you change your oil put 5 w 30 synthetic either Mobil 1 or Valvoline. Also use the best oil filterthat's on the market it's better to spend a little more then to spend a lot more fixing something that breaks within the motor or have to buy a new motor. Always change your oil at least every 10 hours of use. I have had people say,I can't believe that is the same mower you had five to 10 years of use. I have sold every one of my that I have used in my past and some are still running to this day but they are a few that is not due to the fact of lack of maintenance. That's enough said LOL have a blessed day 🙏 enjoy

[@metaspencer]

High grade oil makes sense, though I've never used it in the mower ... great idea

[@davejohnson3037]

I spray mine down with baby oil. It's cheap, smells good, and is water soluble so it cleans off easily. Spray after washing prevents rust, then when used, it helps stuff fall off better!

[@cincomithell]

When I purchased my Z535M the John Deere dealer told me not to use that water port unless it was the end of the season and then to hand dry it afterwards. Said it rusts the Spindles out pretty quick. And like others have said in the comments I would need to drop the deck to the concrete

[@metaspencer]

Wow, amazing that the dealer would be that honest. Great advice. Yeah, I just scrape with a wood scraper and it comes out pretty clean. Thanks man

[@kirkbatten125]

i just bought one of these mowers. i think i'll pick up a pressure washer attachment that will roll underneath and do it that way. they make them to do the underneath of cars.

[@metaspencer]

sounds like a great idea ... that'll keep it clean for sure

[@canuckyank82]

Chain hoist to lift up the front of mower. Power wash it. When clean and dry use the pam spray, etc. Stick does it too. Dad made us remove the deck on our JD garden tractor and scrape it. FUN!

[@metaspencer]

Chain hoist and power washer sounds perfect! Thanks for the tip

[@Wrpipertwin]

metaspencer or you could get a Walker

[@shu0007]

Drop your deck down to it’s lowest and you will see how well it works. Nice video. Thanks

[@metaspencer]

I've tried that now out on my driveway and it has improved a bit ... but still not 100%. I prefer a light scrape, but maybe that's just me :)

[@bobk3840]

It is not going to be perfect. The lower the deck the better it cleans

[@gatsagafrgida]

Thanks, was very helpful and i think im going to do both as you suggested.

[@williamkeehn3637]

Interesting I actually pulled Mom and Dad's mower deck out from the mower and scraped a lot of build-up my biggest worry is the water method is somehow someway getting water in the bearings and having them go out

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, those bearings are supposed to be sealed, but it's hard to see the value in adding water to them and potentially rusting them so they don't spin.

[@SkepticCat-pz1zz]

I and the same thought

[@checkyoursix5623]

@@metaspencer The bearings in those things aren't expensive, the deck OEM's buy 'em by the bushel basket. Supposed to be sealed doesn't mean "sealed".

[@ratbrain7743]

That water isn't hurting anything. If you drop the blade all the way down cleaning it a few minutes. It does mine all the good.

[@metaspencer]

I'm glad to hear it's working for you. I'm not a fan of rust so have been scraping instead of using the port. Take care man!

[@markwys]

Ya'll need to follow instructions. The water works like grass...the 'suction' needs to pull the water up to the deck to knock out the grass. No suction when your deck is up on blocks. Also, the water port is a quickie clean and not recommended for a tell-all clean. Everyone needs to pull the stuff out that gets caught up in the areas the blades naturally push the grass into. The additional work of having a riding mower. You can mow quicker, but need to clean it often.

[@metaspencer]

I know what you mean but I'm still skeptical about adding water under there ... I prefer a dry clean, myself. Thanks!

[@doubletee5250]

Your suppose to do it with the deck on the ground.

[@akbychoice]

Water isn’t the issue. The grass contains moisture. It’s the acidic properties of the decaying grass left in place on the metal. I use a tapered nozzle pointed under the deck with the mower running and get better results.

[@metaspencer]

That tapered nozzle sounds like a good idea ... I've recently started hoisting the mower with a chain to get under there

[@rootssixtysix]

Used the wash port after very first mow of 2 acres of dry Johnson grass, so there was no buildup from previous mowings. Made a big mess and cleaned the blades. But, I still had to scrape out a ton of now wet grass clumps around the spindles and sides.

[@metaspencer]

Sounds about right ... annnd you ended up adding water to the system. For me, I prefer dry cleaning methods. Thanks for the report!

[@johnpossum556]

I use the hose to clean underneathe after most cuttings. My C5 is almost all plastic so I don't have much worries of rust. I've been doing it for so many years that I don't believe its caused any damage. It's also small and easy to tip over. I wouldn't worry much about rust on the mower blades themselves. I'd worry more about getting it into the bearings. One fall I sprayed a mountain bike with the hose right into the bearings and next year they were rusted. Both the balls and races had to be replaced. Live n learn. I suppose because its a new mower it doesn't have the old grease zerks. Best way to force the bad stuff out of a spinning joint is by putting new grease in. Even if it doesn't have them you can buy some online, drill and put them in. We had a raspberry farm we used to have a couple of really nice hydraulic hydrostatic c ub cadet riding tractors (my uncle worked for them) and pumping those grease zerks was a regular part of maintenance. Most of the times these days when companies say something works it only half works anyway. It's likely a sales gimmick to appeal to the OCD anal cleaning types most likely more than anything. Companies like to look like they're being innovative whether they are or not. Stockholders like to see stuff like that. It looks good and drives up prices.

[@metaspencer]

I absolutely love grease zerks -- have them on my trucks, bus, and tractor. Can get messy but like you said, push out the bad and keep things greased. What you say about things being hyped and only 1/2 working is oh so true. anyway, take care

[@CCDD4304]

You said your grass is wet sometimes, so makes no difference if you put water under your deck. Leaving wet grass stuck stuck to the bottom of your deck is way more of a corrosion issue. :)

[@metaspencer]

good point

[@chetlovesamerica6783]

You have to spray under deck with a can of deck oil,,, also put deck all the way down.

[@metaspencer]

Deck oil ... cool idea, I'll have to try it. thanks!

[@checkyoursix5623]

@@metaspencer You can get that spray stuff at Lowe's or Home Depot.

[@signlady7443]

Very good video! Actually informative without excessive extrapolations! The JD I operate doesn't have a water port. What do you think about keeping the underside of the deck sprayed with something like lithium grease - my idea is grass clumps might harden and just drop off? I've actually had success with this on my push mowers. This is my first summer operating a zero turn. I am a caretaker of a house and property, and cut about 3 acres weekly. I use a JD with tweels. Very rough riding. Needs an air-ride seat! My biggest beef - how in the world to keep all the exposed pulleys (5) & belt on TOP of the deck clean! (JD 2700 series) Unfortunately, pressure hosing is the fastest method. 4 of the pulley wheels have recessed areas underneath them with drain holes - but even spraying them out with water takes 20 - 30 minutes - bc the grass from each pulley blows over into the other recesses . . . One pulley is flat on the deck and grass can get really packed under it. Before I cut, I dry cleaned it - got all I could out by hand and with a stick, then greased around it with a grease gun & kinda packed the grease under it with my fingers. This helped! When I cleaned it after cutting, all the grass came out from under that pulley. I even noticed in your video, the grass clumped up on top! I don't understand why all these pulleys are not covered with a solid housing to prevent all this excess grass from pilng on top of the deck!! I'm askin' my boss for a mulching kit next - hoping it will help prevent so much blow out - and some raking I end up doing. Sorry so long here - I'm learning by study & doin'. Thanx!!!

[@metaspencer]

Keeping it all clean takes some hands on work but you’ll get in a pattern. Some people us Pam underneath... good luck!

[@fullthrottle2656]

What do u think gets in there when you mow wet grass????🙄 water maybe??? I added a second port to the other side of the deck and hook the hoses up to a y-adapter and run both at the same time. When done go over to the concrete engage the blades for 30 seconds and let the blades dry the bottom of the deck like a fan!

[@metaspencer]

I'll have to try that second port idea this summer ... thanks for the tip

[@mrknittle532]

Hey Spencer. How do/did you like the Z355E? I'm looking at a new one right now, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.

[@metaspencer]

I sold it after a couple of years -- kinda small and rattly for larger properties with rough ground. If I were to get a SCREAMIN' deal on a used one I'd probably buy another, but I prefer larger heavier mowers these days

[@mrknittle532]

@@metaspencer I only have about 1 acre to mow, but it is a little bit rough terrain as it's an old farmhouse yard that is mostly weeds.

[@metaspencer]

@@mrknittle532 well dang, you'd love that zero turn then. I remember that you were tuning up another mower ... maybe it croaked out? :) it happens man

[@mrknittle532]

@@metaspencer It's still going. The bagging system that I worked on for two years works, but it's clunky and hard on the mower. I want to do a zero turn for speed and agility, but I'll keep the old one to use as a garden tractor and for mowing the 'prairie' around the pond.

[@louistorres]

Newer mowers have the water port on both sides, which makes it so much cleaner.

[@metaspencer]

And I've seen people adding second ports, too

[@eugenescott5468]

Best thing to do is remove the deck stand it up and presser wash it clean then let it dry in the sun just don't put the pressure washer wond right at the bearing seals

[@metaspencer]

You said it. Takes time but the best way to go

[@loadnlock357]

I just lift my frot end up with a block and tackle and hit it with a pressure washer. takes 30 seconds and cleans way better

[@metaspencer]

I've been using a chainfall to do the same thing ... lift and clean. Thanks man!

[@ATMAtim]

Harbour Freight - Hydraulic mower lift. From Garage - Flat pry bar or better still lift it with the lift and use your water blaster. Spotless every time.

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like a great setup! I've been using a chain hoist lately ... works okay

[@camgere]

Thanks for the video. I'm trying to decide whether or not to use the wash out port given the potential of rust and damaging the bearing lubrication. I just dropped my deck and scraped off a massive amount of "hard compost" after 4 years. The blade was making loud noises in tall grass, but that seems to have gone away. Cleaner is better. I'm trying to work out a tool that will allow me to hold the wrench (as the manual recommends) on the tension gear so that I can put the belts on and off without tension on it by myself. Unfortunately I don't have 3 arms that are 6 feet long. I jury rigged something but it was pretty sketchy. Other than the tension thing dropping the deck is mostly a matter of removing 3 pins with cotter pins (Z335E 42")..

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, I find that I also get buildup under there ... a good scrape with a stick or other piece of wood seems to get it clean. I've been lifting mine up with a chain hoist lately. Anyway, good to hear from ya

[@lonniecurtis3540]

hi,im thinking of gettin a zero turn,i have a tractor one now s130,and it tilts the deck when i make turn and makes a mohawk cut when turn,and i think ill try the zero turn ive drove before,ha,and i like the rear engine mowers anyhow,good video.later

[@metaspencer]

You’ll like it I think… faster

[@Sirmercado]

You got to have the mower deck all the way down on a concrete pad .

[@kevinstenger4334]

Running the blades for a few minutes after washing it out will get rid of most of the moisture also.

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like a good idea ... fan dry!

[@iwuvmycolts]

The spray portal is simply one of those 'gadget' ideas. DOES NOT WORK. I have the front jack that the front wheels fit into, then I jack it all the way up and simply clean everything by hand. Then I spray wash it to get the little stuff off the spindles, then blow it dry with my Husqvarna blower. I do this every 10 hours and my deck looks like new after over 400 hours of cutting. I took off the portal and welded it shut. NO RUST!! This is just what I do. I have a friend that used the portal after every time he cut and had to replace his deck (severe rust) after just 200 hours of cutting. Hope this helps!!

[@metaspencer]

I'd adapted a very similar procedure after making this video: no use for the port, hand cleaning when lifted, only I don't do the water and air stuff you do. Cool to hear man!

[@edyagger8779]

probably once your done with the water cleaning maybe run it for a few minutes to dry it. IDK if that would dry it up a little better.

[@metaspencer]

Great idea ... especially on a hot day

[@roadstead2220]

Pam no-stick cooking spray works well when sprayed on a clean deck. Deck has to be clean before applying.

[@metaspencer]

that is an excellent tip! I'm going to try it because I really want that gunk off! thanks

[@roadstead2220]

@@metaspencer Spray on Snow Ski wax also works very well...but pricey!

[@metaspencer]

@@roadstead2220 Good to know ... I'll try the cooking spray first

[@kevinraabe8643]

Mower deck all the way down then turn on your blades

[@nuancolar7304]

I've had two mowers with the wash port and I've never used it even once. Not because I think it won't work, but because I've never had a problem with buildup. I don't mow overly wet grass, so that alone seems to work for me. Sure there's always going to be some grass stuck under there, but it does not interfere with the cutting. For me, it's just an unnecessary chore.

[@metaspencer]

I like that perspective. Around here, even when the grass is dry it's wet, but I've found that a quick scrape gets it out of there. Good point and thanks

[@johnf6687]

If you water the trans drive belt the bearings will lock up unless lubed

[@metaspencer]

Good point ... water seldom helps equipment last

[@1brotherlove829]

My friend, the same principle applies to lawnmowers as to 4x4 off road trucks and such, they will cake up in clumps of mude, grass and sand, if you don't clean them after each use.. Cleaning should be part of maintenance, but most importantly follow manufacturers instructions and keep those key joints greased up. Consider the washout port to be nothing more than an ornament !

[@metaspencer]

Well said man and I've gotta remember what you say: cleaning extends the life of the machine. Thanks for that

[@johnwalters7415]

How are your pivot bushings holding up on your mover

[@metaspencer]

They seem a bit squeaky but no fails yet ... have you had problems with them?

[@johnwalters7415]

No but they seem to have play at the bottom bushings

[@suds4ever]

Works better with the deck lowered to the ground

[@metaspencer]

I’ll try that

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

People on mower forums say that they encounter rust and stuck blade bolts after using the wash port. Several of my mowers have them but I have never used them.

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, I stopped using mine after this test ... I just lift up the mower and scrape off the crud

[@JonJonUptown]

I had a D series JDeere and used the water port on it (deck to the ground) and pretty much rusted the hell out of that deck in a few years. I have a Z355E now and haven’t touched it with water (paint scraper every third mow unless wet grass but just leaf blower in between) and no rust at all after 3 seasons. I think they’re just selling more decks when you use water. REALLY $$$ to replace. (Labor & Parts in my JDeeres have been pricey period.) btw, my Poulan Pro and Husqvarna has the identical Briggs & Stratton 22 HP Twin as the JDeere but a thousand dollars more. I wouldn’t have bought the Z355E but won it in a raffle for $10 tickets

[@metaspencer]

I'm with you man: paint scraper all the way. I get enough water out of the grass since so wet and humid around here. Good to hear from you and interesting about that motor being used across platforms. Now, I want you to buy my raffle tickets from now on :)

[@lonewolf56308]

I run the water for 5 minutes with the deck as low as it will go. It works like a charm

[@metaspencer]

And I'm curious: just let it air dry?

[@anthonytriolo3643]

I never do it to mine every couple years i remove the deck ,clean it sand rust and spray paint.The best way.

[@metaspencer]

sounds like a good method. Nothing better than sanding and paint. thanks man

[@donaldames124]

Put the deck in the lowest possible position as per the manual.

[@bradyrodgers1731]

Stopped at 4:15 because the instructions plainly say to let the deck down on a flat surface as low as it will go. Why do a "test" when you aren't going to follow the recommendations? I don't use it by the way, I take my blades off about every 15 hours to sharpen (monthly for me) and scrape the deck clean at that time. I have a Z530M

[@metaspencer]

Great idea to do maintenance like that

[@Razrback]

I believe if you put deck all the way down more suction would help

[@metaspencer]

I've heard that from a few people and yes, it works much better ... especially on concrete. Not perfectly, but better. Thanks!

[@oldschoolfarmtough.bigbloc7129]

That’s a MTD , residential John Deere’s are made by mtd. That’s what they have thin decks , stamped sheet metal, no fenders, no or useless shock pumps.

[@metaspencer]

Dang, I found this out a bit too late ... cheap materials, unfortunately

[@dianasprinkle2178]

Soon as he said gravel I knew it wouldn’t work. I know from experience. If you don’t have a solid smooth surface something you can do is park it on a sheet of treated plywood. It made a difference for me.

[@metaspencer]

Treated plywood sounds like a good idea. I've heard people do it over concrete, too

[@independentcontractor1633]

Nice Brother, love the new place. How do you like the John Deere over your Husky tractor? Love a shop tour when you can. I still clean my 25 year old Craftsman after each use by hand, scraping all the crud out.

[@metaspencer]

Hand scraping is the way to go ... good to hear I'm not the only one who does that! I'll definitely do a shop tour before too long. The new mower is nice, but nothing can compare to the old brush hog. Love that thing. Good to hear from you!

[@EyeForKnowledge.]

Husky’s are complete trash. Plastic and cheap aluminum. I bought a brand new yta18542 a couple years ago and it is total garbage. The transmission sometimes works full speed. Sometimes it barely moves at all. Sometimes it works about half speed. It’s a crap shoot. Revered almost never works and when it does it’s so slow it’s not even worth it. It rattles and vibrates and makes weird squeaking noises. It’s just a hunk of shit.

[@TheT2tracer]

Grass has water in it. I dont think your getting it any wetter than when we cut the grass. It was built up inside your deck from the wetness of the grass being cut. That's why animals eat grass and other green plants. Because they hold water.

[@metaspencer]

Makes sense -- clean is good no matter how you do it :)

[@xXxCrazyJay810xXx]

I have the same mower I've and will never do this to mine

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, adding water just invites the rust

[@xXxCrazyJay810xXx]

@@metaspencer bought new 2017 never used water on it and no rust at all

[@metaspencer]

@@xXxCrazyJay810xXx awesome man

[@mrBDeye]

A pressure washer is the best way to clean under the deck. Don't cut wet grass. Wait until lawn is dry.

[@metaspencer]

Dry grass is a rarity around here, but you're absolutely right!

[@rsgabrys3080]

------ step 1 get machine tilted up secure it --- approx 30°- 35° angle ------- step 2. use air compressor w/ long angled blow gun to remove excess clippings ‐--------- ------- step 3 --------- use pressure washer to remove remaining debris ------- essential to clean deck when using lawn fertilizers ------ nitrogen accelerates the corrosion process

[@metaspencer]

I've followed your steps with a chain winch to lift it up, and it's pretty good. A bit hard to reach some spots but MUCH better than the wash port. Thanks man!

[@rsgabrys3080]

@@metaspencer no problem ✅

[@rsgabrys3080]

@@metaspencer you are welcome ------ you don't want to tilt machine higher than you have to ------ the engine oil ----- gets in places you don't want it to ------- ✅

[@danieljames4405]

Maybe after you clean it leave the the blades turning for a couple minutes and let it air blow the deck bottom out!

[@metaspencer]

That just might do it on a dry day ... good idea

[@glenerickson358]

That clumps of now saturated grass remaining behind is now BAD news to your deck as it will Rust until it rusts a hole through. Bottom line to do it right: buy a power washer, car ramps (if you don't have a deck that flips vertical for cleaning) and get it 100% clean that way. And also run the mower for 30-45 seconds at full engine RPM after washing to help air dry the deck by throwing the excess water off the blades and deck. I don't use the port on mine.

[@metaspencer]

I started lifting mine up with a chain hoist and see what you mean: lifting the deck is a great way to get it super clean. Thanks for the ideas, man

[@johnf6687]

How I bury the pulley plastic wheel idler bearing washing with water the grass seized the pulley through the belt damage pulley better to air blow clean. 54m

[@metaspencer]

Good point. Thanks man

[@cb6879]

Just take the deck off once a year and power wash it 🤷🏼‍♂️ I just did my Deere and craftsman this weekend.

[@metaspencer]

I agree. That's the real way to clean it

[@gavinquist5727]

The dec is supposed to be on a flat surface and on the ground as close as possible

[@ringo119]

Seems odd to be concerned with water intrusion from the cleaning method yet apparently having no problem with mowing wet/damp grass.

[@metaspencer]

Point taken! I gottta say that I still don't spray the deck ... more of a scraper all these years

[@crustydribblins]

No dirty secret here, I believe John Deere recommends that you lower the deck to the pavement surface before you begin this process. I imagine a dishwasher couldn't work very well if the door was left partially open either.

[@texarkanaandi7393]

Much faster with a floor jack and power washer

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, sounds like a great setup you have

[@greggjohnston4022]

You getting a big chunks because the deck is supposed to be all the way down. I do mines and it cleans it. I do it after every time I use my mower. I had an Husqvarna and I just bought a new 330. R. John Deere and I even do it on my push mower and they're clean but you have to have the deck all the way down and then you're supposed to use air also

[@metaspencer]

It sounds like you have a good system. Thanks man!

[@billevans8319]

I think you are supposed to have the deck completely down on a flat surface so it creates a vacuum. That is what I have been told.

[@metaspencer]

I've heard the same thing and tried it on concrete ... still doesn't get completely clean. Better than nothing, though. I still prefer pressure washing it

[@michaelhorsford403]

the blades need a bench grind session lol

[@metaspencer]

You offering to do it for me man? (joking) ... I'll prolly wait 'til winter

[@michaelhorsford403]

@@metaspencer lol sure thing bro I'm OCD about my blades being sharp probably at a ridiculously high level lol. It makes such a huge difference ... Anyway take care buddy nice mower

[@robbiehewitt5772]

You could do a video on blade sharpening if you haven't already.

[@joshuasmith5837]

You have to drop the deck to it’s lowest setting and it will clean it out every time

[@metaspencer]

That makes some sense, but I am still not a fan of adding water to the system. Thanks man

[@6ftS]

Yea! another video! woo hoo!! - and having watched the video : lovely lawn and a very cool mower. did you keep your tractor still or did this mower replace the tractor?

[@metaspencer]

I had fun with it! :)

[@hilham89]

I know a few people that has actually use the water to clean there's out and eventually rust will show its face. You are actually suppose to the deck all the way down

[@metaspencer]

yeah, I don't think water is the way to go ... too risky given rust

[@gilbertperez]

Hi its me Gilbert again I like your video I was wondering if you can do a tour of your house and your garage and now was wondering are you still going to be painting the bus on the outside and the inside let me know

[@metaspencer]

Hey Gilbert! Great to hear from you. I'll be working on the bus in the coming weeks and will definitely do a video ... good idea for the tour! Take care man

[@gilbertperez]

@@metaspencer I will thank you

[@mixizettpitelka]

Ich habe schon viele Maschinen mit solchen Reinigungsanschlüssen gesehen. Alles Spielkram. Taugt nichts. Meinen ZTrak hebe ich vorn mit meinem Gabelstapler an. Dann verwende ich eine sehr kurze Lanze und reinige mit meinem Kärcher den Unterboden vom Mäher. Hartnäckiges und festgeklebtes Gras entferne ich mit einem Spachtel. Alles geht schnell und gründlich. 😊

[@metaspencer]

Dieser Gabelstapler hört sich großartig an! Tolle Maschine

[@mixizettpitelka]

@@metaspencer An dem Gabelstapler ist gar nichts großartig. Es ist ein über 20 Jahre alter 1,5 to Toyota Dieselstapler. Ich ziehe einen Gurt um die beiden Vorderradaufhängungen vom ZTrak und hänge diesen an die Gabeln. So kann ich schnell, bequem und sicher den ZTrak vorne hochheben und entspannt und gründlich das Mähwerk reinigen. Das Hochheben des ZTrak läßt sich sicher auch mit einem Flaschenzug erledigen.

[@metaspencer]

Nun, ich mag immer noch das Geräusch, wenn hier ein Gabelstapler unterwegs ist @@mixizettpitelka

[@garrettwinters9980]

Yeah the deck is suppose to be as low as possible to create suction, this is not a proper test of this function.

[@ryangiovando8024]

Not a true test unless the deck was truly clean prior to to mow test. you cant expect it to clean out old buildup in the specified 1 minute interval.

[@metaspencer]

Good point. I'll have to run another test ... with that said, I keep seeing buildup

[@sartainja]

The dryer you keep your mower the better off you are. Never wash it. Blow the dust off it.

[@metaspencer]

I tend to agree with you ... less rust. = longer lifespan

[@mrbubetube]

no wonder it didn't work well, because you did it WAY wrong. First of all, before you test the effectiveness of the wash port, you need to start of with a clean deck. If you already have solid rock hard clumps of grass on your deck before you even mow, the wash port won't do shit. Scrape those off first before you start mowing. Second, before you engage the blades during a wash, the deck needs to be all the way down on a hard surface so that vacuum spinning action can take place. By raising the deck several inches off the ground, you totally defeated the wash cycle and killed your own experiment. I take it you didn't read the manual before using the wash port, did you? Here's a video that shows you how to use the wash port. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnIl2iHhMh_oKM This next video demonstrates what happens when you run the wash port with the deck up, and then with the deck down. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKG4g3-NhbN8Z9E Be sure to maximaze the video screen and watch closely how much junk comes out from the bottom of the mower deck.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for the tips ... I'll have to give it another go as I sure would like to have a nice clean deck after each mow. Thanks

[@sentlmentl]

Wow ... you are kind if mean... maybe think of kinder words in your replies

[@joediana5055]

I think it would be easier takin the deck off an power washing it

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I agree. Get it nice and clean!

[@HmongGuitarPlayer]

What was the dirty little secret?

[@metaspencer]

the ports don't clean the decks and lead to rust

[@glennwerst]

Mower deck has to be on the ground to work correctly

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for the tip! I'm not keen on the water method, but that makes sense

[@tweetybird4969]

This must be your new place. Looks really nice! 😁

[@metaspencer]

It is! We're still getting settled but it's been a lot of fun

[@blockchainbiker2549]

You should have cleaned the deck completely before doing the test to make sure what you pulled out after the wash was new and not buikding up on old grass clumps

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, good point. After another year I still can't get the wash ports to work as well as a scraping

[@ducksdontdrown]

Use a putty knife to scrap underneath work great!!!

[@metaspencer]

I've started doing that and agree: simple and effective. Thanks!

[@lisanakamura9659]

Love those fruit trees! They look mature. What kind are they?

[@metaspencer]

They're sweet, right? Okay, so we have one pear tree, a bunch of apple trees, and a reluctant set of peach trees. And now I'm going to brag: plus, we have four or five mulberry trees that have been poppin' with mulberries so far. I have a buddy who is going to loan me his 1890s cider press in the fall, so I'm looking forward to processing some of the apples (if they hang on). I hope you guys are well! :)

[@whereru43]

Drop the deck to lowest setting then wash

[@metaspencer]

Good advice. Much better that way, but not perfect (in my estimation). thanks!

[@kentwg]

An 1.5 inch or a 2 inch putty knife would work better than a stick any day.

[@metaspencer]

unless you're worried about scraping off paint, but I see your point

[@neoison4915]

Stop, mow when it's dry 😉

[@metaspencer]

Good advice!

[@garyscanlon3347]

Just use a air copressor and a stiff brush on the underside ive never hsd any signs of a rustind deck ever!!!!

[@metaspencer]

You said it man -- works great and no added water

[@jspope2008]

This is the downside of decks like this, and how they are made to hang under the mower. The out front cutters that flip up are better to clean. Just my opinion fr what it’s worth.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, to really get under this deck I have to attach a chain and hoist up the front end. It works, but is annoying.

[@chrisnickells4481]

Wet Grass is no different then washing it under.

[@metaspencer]

Good point

[@jeffschamp7274]

Follow directions man, drop deck all the way down, after stopping water, let it run a little while longer then shut it off.