Mower Deck Undercoating Test. Surface Shield, Fluid Film, CRC Cosmoline

[@RepairGeek]

If there are any other mower deck coating that you want me to try out. Leave them down in the comments. Links to the products used in this video: Surface Shield:amzn.to/3HTHWSI Fluid Film: amzn.to/3bonVYh CRC: amzn.to/3njehZN

[@js12278]

eZ-Glide

[@jwayne777]

Well...you could dispel the PAM cooking spray myth?

[@js12278]

@Alain Robidoux one rock chip that lets grass and moisture underneath and you’ll never see the rust that will occur

[@papakernz]

@Alain Robidoux Agree, if it's clean on application a product like Line-X would be really tough to beat.

[@rodgerneeb301]

Slip plate.

[@alldreams13]

Project farm has done this with Slip plate graphite and it was almost perfect for no stuck clippings

[@je1279]

I added cosmoline to the under side of my Kubota mower deck this summer because I was getting a bunch of grass buildup with the G6 blades. When I pulled it off last evening, the grass buildup was reduced by at least 80% and what there was came off easily. Thanks for the great tip!

[@PeteyMcSavage]

I also used cosmoline on deck just tried slip plate it’s a thick graphite paint pretty neat stuff

[@charlesbeall2589]

Just stumbled onto your page. Great information done with no juvenile profanity, shows your character and class; subscribed.👍

[@abw121]

I wanted to thank you for all the product reviews and testing you do. I enjoy your content and wanted to let you know the CRC cosmoline worked like a charm! I used it on a new Ariens Edge zero turn mower deck with a mulched kit installed. I took the deck off and installed mulch kit and blades then sprayed one whole can of CRC into deck then let it dry in sun over night. Installed deck next day. Just amazing the grass fell off like water on a ducks back! The grass that did stick rinsed off with simple garden hose…..it leaves a nice coating of oil sealed on metal and will report back after the season.

[@alanfeil2900]

Bit late to the party here, but I sprayed on some cooking non stick to my deck, let it dry a few days, and then put on some graphite spray. There is very little grass clumping, and it is usually dry underneath. That was over a year ago. I will check it again soon. I never cut the grass until after noon to be sure the grass is quite dry now too. That makes a big difference. You may want to try the Pam on an experiment. I used some old rancid dollar store stuff. On my cars I used chain saw oil mixed with old vegetable oil and heated up a toilet bowl wax ring to stir in. It sprays best if warmed up. It does come off around the wheel wells, so I do it every year. Many years ago there was a local place that experimented with petroleum jelly, and dozens of other things, for a university project. It worked the best and he ended up buying 50 gallon drums of it, and sprayed cars. He had to heat it too. It worked well on my cars, they did not rust after 15 years on the salty southern Ontario roads. Kind of messy to work on the cars though. After a few years he went to a commercial undercoating so I never bothered going there after that, and he sold the place. I have a hoist now so I do it myself.

[@portermatthew84]

Literally came here to say Pam.

[@username8171]

I believe after a couple mowings anything will be worn off from grass and debris, nothing is going to stick to the deck long term, and if there is a solid coating applied, eventually grass is going to perforate it and eventually stick anyway. If you mow wet grass, spray it off with a garden hose afterwards.

[@anvil73]

Agree with DK below, a test with cosmoline on the right would be great. Also while grass not sticking is important, I think the most important concern is rust protection. Would also like to see how easy the deck cleans with the washout port and if the products wash off or not(durability).

[@dsmreloader7552]

I used to have a rider, used it for almost 30 years on an acre and a half. At the end of the season I would wire brush the underside then coat with used motor oil before stowing for the winter. In those 30 years it never rusted out.

[@gordbaker896]

If you have access to Sandblasting and Industrial coatings, a Commercial Blast (SP6) with zinc rich Primer (3mils t) and a couple coats of High Build Epoxy would be a great test. I flip over my 3 blade deck, and after scraping it clean with hand tools, I pour and spread used oil on it, letting it soak overnight into surface rust. Done. Nice JD you have Sir.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

What works here is not mow hammered and ease along, lifting the deck when over gravel/dirt and just wire brushing and coating with oil base paint, the thicker the better. No pressure washing, just scraping because the pressure might drive dirt into the bottom non-greasable bearing. Always side discharge with Gator mulching blades but the so-called 'mulching vent holes' in the deck filled with epoxy resin so no more places for wet grass to start rusting the deck away. Thanks for a FINE test. Been wanting someone to do one so you're IT! Blessings 2 U!

[@joablevytam]

Yes, you should definitely do some videos on mower deck undercoating. I know people use: - TITESEAL for mower decks - Stens 752-287 Mo-Deck Spray - DuPont Teflon Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant - WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant - 3M 38897 Silicone Lubricant - STA-BIL Ceramic Pro Guard - CRC Power Lube - silicone, graphite and ceramic coatings in general I would love to see a bunch of these tested out if its something you think you would be interested in doing.

[@SolarMillUSA]

Your neighbor says that this test really should be repeated once a month for the next two or three years to get more accurate data

[@martinmorris6271]

I use Fluid Film and wipe grass build off with paper towel. Works great

[@georgewirick6105]

Great presentation, narration and spot on information shared. Thanks

[@davidjones8312]

drj Westfield Wisconsin I use used engine oil and it works very well and at the end of the year deck is still not any more rusty and cost is cheap.

[@joeyfarkasofsky7607]

About 3 weeks ago, I went through and painted the bottom of my mower deck with enamel paint. I'm curious to see how it held up in about a month. May have to get some cosmoline and spray it after I clean it again. Looks great!

[@DK-vx1zc]

Thanks for sharing. Nice test. Like to see you put the Cosmoline on the right chamber. I've been using fluid film under deck for years.. Trying to keep corrosion down.. As you indicated, I think the grass sticks to it.. Not sure if that's good , bad or N/A.. EZ-Slide, or graphite spray might be worthwhile testing

[@bhinsch25]

I mow 9 acres with a zero turn mower. Takes me about 3 hours to clean bottom of mower deck and detail mower after use. What a mess. My deck doesn’t come off nicely like yours. I have to use a lift and get the front up then power wash, scrap and wash the under deck. Wish they would come up with something to make process easier. I have tried SC1, mineral oil, and olive oil so far. I agree that the things stay wet and seems to hold onto the grass more vigorously. Great video. Thanks.

[@Tig3rj]

If the deck was new or repainted..I would Ceramic/Graphene Coat it.

[@ChrisG9978]

Definitely throw a washport on that mowing deck, opposite side of the discharge chute. $20 or so from Amazon. If you connect up a garden hose to that washport, lower the deck as far as it'll go, and run the blades for a few minutes with the water spraying in there after every mow (until the water comes out clear), you won't have any grass buildup, rust, or rot inside that deck. No need to use undercoating products. Every time I pull the deck off my Cub to change blades, etc, the underside of that deck is immaculately clean, down to bare metal.

[@andrewbratos6907]

Great job and great video, I have 2 decks the same, one is always clean and ready to go, no hurry to clean the other one either,

[@PeteyMcSavage]

Your the man watching video now I used cosmoline products hope I picked right!!

[@papakernz]

Great video, I love the way you test different products and compare! If you were able to get it to clean bare metal, I wonder if2- coats of PPG's DPLF epoxy primer would work well on this application? I can barely get the stuff off with stripper when it's prepped correctly, almost like powder coating. Thoughts?

[@wtbm123]

I wash out the mower deck in the fall and paint with what ever i have there on hand . In the spring i oil all under there . If i mow wet grass i wash out under there . I have mowers i use from early seventy's and some from around 2000 and all are holding up well yet .

[@mtwseneca]

For car underbody and frame cavities, mixing a little oil in cosmoline will let it creep and soak into rust. I live in WNY where we get tons of snow and road salt, been using oil in doors, rocker panels wheel wells and it works super. I have begun using cosmoline type stuff (thick brush on) on the mower decks, nothing else lasts on a rusted deck. If I ever had a new deck- I would do bedliner. Mike

[@letmebreakitdown2u152]

What's bed liner?

[@mtwseneca]

@@letmebreakitdown2u152 It is a thick hard black coating that is put in the bed of pickup trucks to protect it. You can do a search for it. If I gave a link Yt would delete my comment

[@js12278]

For storage, Fluid Film. During the season, EZ-Glide graphite coating

[@coreyhorrocks3504]

Here in nova scotia, cosmoline has to be on a steel part or it rusts. I have used krown, fluid film, rust check, pro form and corrosion free. Nothing performs like cosmoline

[@edwardranno7119]

Cosmoline is the best for rust,I used to buy printing equipment from overseas,shipped over salt water,they always shipped equipment covered in cosmoline

[@LitheInLitotes]

Pressure wash, die grinder with brush for rust, Rust-Oleum self etch primer, steel it paint, ceramic spray coat

[@T-Mo_]

I haven't had good luck with anything. Fluid film, graphite spray, rust converters, naval jelly then primers with paint. My dad washes the underside after every mow and his looks really good after several years. I have thought about building a drive over wash station but haven't. I have resigned to wire wheel mine, rust converter, then paint once a year.

[@nikond90]

Thanks for creating this video.

[@bbkmm1]

I've undercoated my older cars with Cosmoline in the past. Unfortunately, unless you remove all the rust, it acted like Ziebart. It sealed in the old rust and made it corrode much faster. I have all 3 in this video. I will stick with Surface Shield. Surface Shield lasts longer than Fluid Film. 3 months vs couple of weeks. This is all my own experience spraying cars in salt belt. I did spray mower deck with Fluid Film. It didn't last one mow. So i will probably do it at the end of the season.

[@luckyyou774]

So not good for new car? My car has no rust and want to do CRC a,lready got it

[@simd510]

Wow really? That was a worry of mine with it drying but I haven't heard anyone besides yourself say this

[@bbkmm1]

@@luckyyou774 Where there is no rust, it held up. However, I would be leery about high spray areas where road debris can chip it and create rust. In the high spray areas on my car, the paint/rust just flaked off in sheets. Of course it already had rust on it.

[@bbkmm1]

@@simd510 ya, I saw sheets of rust flaking off next season. I've sticking with non-drying oily stuff ever since.

[@ohyeah3750]

I use black roof coating, the type you put on a mobile home. Comes in silver too. It dries, unlike most vehicle undercoating, which never dries.

[@unclebs4732]

I'm going to try Chassi Saver under my walk behind mower before I power wash and scrub the 61 inch deck on my Ferris zero turn. Chassi Saver is very tough and the gloss black is very slippery.

[@nicholasbaker2904]

Every other fall I wire brush the whole underside and brush on old used oil to soak all winter. Deck is 6yrs old and in fantastic shape

[@Lggaley]

That is a really interesting idea. When you start to use it in the spring, did you Clint, the oil of the deck so grass won’t stick to it, or you just leave it there? Thanks for your input.

[@nicholasbaker2904]

@@Lggaley I just leave it. Damp grass sticks to the deck either way I've found

[@rickyreyes48]

Wire brush and spray rust converter. Keep it clean for long term storage

[@jwayne777]

Yes!! Thank you!! I was waiting for this!

[@RepairGeek]

Just ran another test on this today. Another video coming with different products.

[@danfixsen1871]

Try mowing the grass wet. I mow three farm sites and have to start early before it dries out and no matter what I tried even graphite paint the deck will be full of clippings in two hours

[@MJorgy5]

I'd like to see Liquid Wrench Silicone based dry lube and also 'Blaster Teflon Dry Lube. I'm restoring a Toro Turfmaster and used an automotive ceramic coat on the new paint and will follow up with a performance evaluation when I get to mow with it. Cool experiment- thanks for posting!

[@jglide20]

How about using truck bed liner paint?

[@sancoffsr]

I used a graphite spray seem to work really well

[@thomaslindroos1667]

My conclusion of watching your stuff is that I should use a non drying very low viscosity in the frame and boxed sections and cosmolene products on everything where creep isnt needed.

[@michaelgreer8659]

Look up Belzona. Used it in coal chutes at work. I always wanted to try it on my mower deck.

[@Wis-husker]

I used belzona in the construction industry.. Great stuff but SUPER expensive..liquid gold costs..

[@robertheinkel6225]

I tried auto underbody coating. It wore off pretty quickly.

[@alexandersteffen7805]

very interesting video. thanks man!

[@DBRCustoms]

I'm curious on adding the water bib attachment for washing out the mower deck being a worth while thing or is it just simpler to pursue wash the deck once removed. I do like seeing this test, been looking at doing a surface prep on my mower deck so this video helped.

[@nelsonbrum8496]

I painted the underside of the deck on my Honda HRC216 K2 HXA mower with red "PlowSlick" two-part epoxy coating. Once a month I tip the mower on its side, give it a quick blast with the hose, and tip the mower back on its wheels and let is soak for a few minutes. Then I'll tip it back on its side, and with a stiff plastic bristle brush, and the hose lightly scrub and all the buildup just falls off. Personally, it was worth the few hours after work for a week to completely disassemble the mower, prep the deck and sheet metal and paint it all. And now that Honda stopped making mowers, I hope this mower lasts a loooong time.

[@inhocsigno9151]

Could you test truck bed coating? It is tough, not slippery. I'm curious how it works. Thanks. Good video.

[@johnsears3376]

I was thinking of trying POR (paint over rust) material. It has a degreaser and an etching material that is part of the surface preparation - but it’s easy to use and the finished coating should be very resistant to abrasion as well. The POR surface prep is spray on and rinse off so it’s really easy.

[@mikemccormick6128]

I haven't tried it yet, but I plan on using Slip Plate on my mower deck to the end of the season.

[@randyc5650]

I would use a rust converter like Ospho or some other phosphoric acid to covering the rust with undercoat or paint. Thanks.

[@GregariousAntithesis]

I think getting truck bed coating seems to me the best option.

[@eberry8096]

How often would you recommend to reapply surface shield inside door cavities?

Fluid Film is better for door cavities and other hidden areas because it stays wet and continues to creep into tiny hidden areas. Surface Shield will dry and could come up short of creeping into every area possible.

[@Ma77riK]

i replaced the deck on my 05 deere L118 2 years ago, with that brand new deck i prepped the surface by scuffing the new paint finish so the raptor liner would adhere just as it would in a truck bed, on an old neck with surface rust you want to use a water media blast kit with your pressure washer to knock the old paint and rust off completely, then use a adhesion promotor/primer then hit it with raptor liner, this is a finish that will last decades under normal circumstances. and take a beating under abnormal circumstances.

[@larrywarolin7215]

Does grass stick to it?

[@familydogg1234]

Firstly, one has to start from the ( in my case) Lawn mower being New. Bright Red Paint undercoat. Spray with Pam. Spray with garden hose each lawn or day. I find that using a Rag instead of that metal mower scraper ( which removes paint). Lastly, try not to cut Wet lawns- I realize it gets Hot out in July. Make the mower last. Thanx and don't forget to unhook spark plug wire

[@AlbertBalint12]

Hello! How wide is the cutting table? Also, how long are the knives in it? How many mm?

[@kevinw1287]

I’ve been considering a new mower. With that, before I use the mower for the first time, I’d like to know if installing the clear film that is used on the bumpers and hoods of cars would work. Because the inside of the deck is subject to abrasion, the clear film might need replacing a number of times for the life of the mower.

[@Drundel]

I've been thinking about doing something to the deck of my mower. Interesting seeing the tests and reading the comments. I also wonder how well the water jet clean feature works.

[@datphan7751]

hello, thanks for the content, what is your comment about CRC SP-400?

[@free2chasehappy]

You mentioned that you would not use the CRC (cosmoline) because it is a little too permanent. Don't you want it to be longer lasting with the undercoating or is there a drawback to it? Thank you!

[@strawhousefred2192]

Can you try flex seal?

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

Paint your deck with Slip Plate,best coating out there.

[@tomsoil9909]

Great video! I have a Deer X738 jut like yours! 60 ' cutting deck with a 54' snow blower attachment! Every season I have to drop the blower and get the deck hooked up. Hooking that deck up is the biggest pain in the ass! Any tips?? Thanks!!

[@RepairGeek]

Not really, the "auto-connect" is a bigger pain that what it's worth on the X7's. Having to get off to attach the front bracket is a joke if you're calling the system "auto-connect". If I had the choice I would have gotten the manual setup. I've tried playing with adjustments to no avail. My dad has a 1 series with a 60" deck his is great. Even the front bracket auto connects.

[@tomsoil9909]

I agree. But when you get one or the other set up they work great! Thanks for the response!

[@tomsoil9909]

@@RepairGeek Thanks!! It works great with just the 60" mower or works great with just the snow blower! Just a pain to switch them out! Thanks again!!

[@RepairGeek]

I have a 54" My biggest gripe is when I attempt to drive over the deck with the front wheels. Usually 1 wheel will grab before the other which makes the deck spin slightly, throwing the deck out of parallel with the machine, so then I have to get off to move the deck back straight, get back on to get the auto connect to latch, then get back off again to latch the front, then set the gauge wheels manually. It's just clunky overall. The 1 series has a rub rail for the tire so it's nearly impossible to be off center left to right.

[@tomsoil9909]

@@RepairGeek yes! That's correct! It takes 2 people to get it done!

[@CharlesLeo]

Should exhaust components and gaskets/covers be avoided when spraying with products like PB Surface?

[@percyfaith11]

What did you apply the CRC 6026 cosmoline with? There are a lot of complaints on Amazon about the CRC spray can nozzles clogging and wasting half the can of spray.

[@Black-Villain]

I haven't run into that myself. I bought 3 or 4 cans for various things, and I'd say it's actually one of the better spray cans I've used. Has a marble inside so you can thoroughly mix it before spraying, and at least on my sample size of 4, it lets me get every last drop out of the can. IIRC on the label it recommends you turn the can upside down and give it a quick spray before storing it

[@percyfaith11]

@@Black-Villain Thanks for the feedback.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Great test. Thanks!

[@RCALivingStereo]

I use mow deck on my jd x738 Works very well

[@MusicAsWeMakeIt]

Moisture content of the grass is a big factor as is length being cut. The results of a 2 inch cut vs 3 inch.

[@portermatthew84]

What about Rhino bed liner?

[@geyser3445]

Ever try used motor oil on the underside of the deck? It's free.

[@RepairGeek]

Drips

[@jimmybare3026]

I wouldn't because it is highly acidic and could cause more issues with rust than you're trying to prevent.

[@54jake451]

What about truck bed liner?

[@ballershanelle]

Slick plate on under coating to keep grass sticking

[@Cody_Austin]

Is surface shield sold in the larger containers yet? I vaguely remember one of your previous tests where you said it was only available in spray cans, last year maybe?

[@RepairGeek]

Gallon:amzn.to/3xWy8D4 5 Gallon:amzn.to/3u57W88

[@brandonsmith8548]

Before adding does the dexk need to be absolutely clean of everything to the metal? I got some stuff so caked idk how to remove it

[@roberthughes2665]

What about flex seal or a truck bed liner?

[@Boodieman72]

Don't seem to be able to get CRC Cosmoline is bulk sizes.

[@djsonicc]

Why is CRC being somewhat permanent a bad thing when used for underside of the car? Isn't that what you'd actually want?

[@samsonbendiksen7290]

locks rust and moisture under the barrier

[@evankolpack]

Can you use BOTH Surface Shield AND CRC cosmoline? Or Surface Shield AND Fluid Film? Or all 3? Ie base of CRC hard, then add Surface Shield (lanolin + semi-hard coating) then a final layer of Fluid Film lanolin? Would this be overkill?

[@kevinkozlowski1463]

lets talk about that john deere mower :)) is it 4x4? what year and model is that?? nice looking mower

[@RepairGeek]

x738 4x4. It's overkill for mowing. Spectacular at heavier work. These small machines are traction limited. This machine will plow a foot of snow without issue, no weights, no chains, no running start. Great machine for hills, ground engaging work or heavy snowfall.

[@peterrudy9207]

On other youtube channels it was mentioned that people used spray ceramic coatings / liquid to coat the mower deck , so grass won't adhere as much .

[@RepairGeek]

I'm thinking about trying that as well but first I need to get a good coat of paint on the bottom of this deck. The videos that I saw using ceramics were on literally brand new mowers. How well ceramic coating would stick to bare metal, I have no idea.

[@peterrudy9207]

@@RepairGeek Good point and never watched the application . Would it be too much trouble for the length of time it lasts .

[@rickyanke9407]

I've used turtle wax Spray n Shine in the shoot of my snowblower. Keeps it from clogging in the heavy wet stuff. Very different situations of course but it's very slick stuff on any painted surface, so it might work. If not it's great to put on the vehicle

[@cfitzgduke]

Can we add graphite for the black color or will that degrade the product or inhibit application?

[@RepairGeek]

It won't change anything. Just color.

[@BasikVids_4_Life]

Used motor oil works great!

[@thehammer5164]

I just paint the underneath with whatever aerosol paint I have layin around at the end of the season. I had a crappy cub with a stamped deck that looked amazing at the end of my 11yr ownership. Obviously you have to scrape it before applying.

[@pogtuber5146]

I used Fluid Film on the entirety of the underside of my mower deck and I wasn't too impressed with preventing grass buildup. After a couple weeks I'm pretty sure it's not doing anything but providing some rust protection. I think I'll try the CRC Cosmoline.

[@daman9780]

POR 15 if you wanna prevent the rust and do a few coats and that will be indestructible

[@RepairGeek]

Junk...

[@TheOzthewiz]

@@RepairGeek Exactly! "Project Farm" did a test comparing rust inhibitors and found POR 15 not worth the cost or hype!

[@jonfranklin9361]

Cool test, what model of John Deere is that?

[@RepairGeek]

X738

[@JohnSmith-tc4ub]

Can some one tell me how to get B'laster Surface Shield Complete Corrosion Protection, in Sweden? Any store i USA that ships internationally?

[@FJBsaidcornpop]

Use a high end DTM-direct to metal paint

[@victordirectdemocrats]

Could be that the cosmoline chamber receives much more airflow-air speed because its blade picks up air coming in at high speed thus helping prevent clippins sticking to that chamber. Also, one of the commenters sair Cosmoline promotes rust if sprayed over already rusted surfaces, how can that be if Cormoline keeps water-moisture out; doesn't rust need oxygen and moisture away from exsting rust?

[@RepairGeek]

I did this test again with different products. I didn't see a huge difference between chambers:kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKGXY3uXi8itgLc If the product wicks out the moisture and oxygen it can't rust.

[@warrend114]

mp hd from amsoil is thicker vs crc marine you used.

[@RepairGeek]

I've used both and it's not:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYnPmaCYq8l-eNE

[@elit3401]

Nice test. Try SLIP PLATE next time. Thanks

[@denali9449]

Been using it for years on all our farm equipment and mowers in northern Indiana with great results. With all the sand in the soil at our Florida property nothing will protect the decks. They get sandblasted with each mowing - and they do look clean.

[@cgundlac]

Slick plate!!!

[@edwardranno7119]

Cosmoline is the best,they use it when they ship equipment overseas

[@Monkey_Snot]

If you have the money, get it sandblasted and get it linexed or rinoliner, like a pickup truck box, it will last years.

[@tomstarcevich1147]

🚜🚜🚜🚜🚜🚜🚜👍 nice test

[@RepairGeek]

Glad you liked it!

[@iwejun]

Try spray on graphite.

[@johnnyhammer1959]

SLIP PLATE..game over.

[@peterlogan1623]

the best thing to use is epoxy rubber coating, sand blast it first

[@shawn_143]

I use used motor oil

[@davidbell7091]

the best thing you can do is stand that mower up and power wash the underside of that deck till it is clean after every use. only thing that works.

[@stevefoster4326]

Do you know anyone who contracts out to undercoat w/ Surface Shield?

[@RepairGeek]

I dont. Sorry.

[@stevefoster4326]

@@RepairGeek Thanks nonetheless... keep up the good work.