How to clean zero turn mower deck? A zero turn mower deck is made up of different types of materials that are needed to ensure it’s strong and durable. Cleaning the mower deck is crucial, so you should know how to do it properly in order to keep your lawn looking healthy. Read this article to find out how to clean zero turn mower deck.
A zero-turn riding lawn mower is a standard riding lawn mower with a turning radius that is effectively zero when the two drive wheels rotate in opposite direction, like a tank turning in place. “
Wikipedia.org
What is zero turn mower
IN THIS ARTICLE:
A zero turn mower is a type of lawn mower that is designed to make it easier to mow a lawn. These mowers are designed with a steering wheel that is mounted on a pivot point. This allows the mower to make a complete 360 degree turn with a single push of the steering wheel. The wheels are also wider than on a standard mower, which gives the mower a smoother ride. There are several types of zero turn mower as well as different models of each type . Some manufacturers have started making electric zero turn mowers in order to help reduce noise pollution for their customers while others use hydraulic systems.
A zero turn mower is a lawn mower that has its mowing deck in front of the machine, rather than underneath like a traditional tractor.”
Kelly Burke, author from thespruce.com
Why Clean
Some may think that keeping the mower deck clean is more for the neatness of your mower, when in fact it has nothing to do with keeping the mower “looking good.” Not only will keeping it clean help with the performance of your mower, it also helps cut down on the spread of lawn diseases. When you cut a blade of grass, you are ultimately opening a wound that leaves the blade of grass susceptible to harmful elements such as fungal disease.
How To Clean Zero Turn Mower Deck
- Cleaning beneath your mower deck is one of the most critical things you can do to keep your mower in good working order throughout the mowing season. If you don’t, grass clippings and debris will accumulate and harden, making it much more difficult to clean when the time comes. You should clean the mower deck at least twice throughout the mowing season, and more if required.
- Determine the best and safest method for gaining access to the underneath of your mower deck. This varies more than you may think, therefore I’m not going to go into specifics since there is no one general solution. Even on the same mower, two persons may have two distinct methods of getting to the deck, and some mowers even include easy-access features.
- The true cleaning comes after you have gained access to the mower deck.
- Begin by spraying below the deck to remove any stray grass clippings or dirt. You may be tempted to power wash your deck, but DON’T. I cannot emphasize this more. Pressure cleaning your deck may create issues, such as increasing the probability of rusting. You may use a standard garden hose at its maximum pressure setting, but true pressure washing is not permitted.
- If your deck is just somewhat unclean, cleaning it with a scrub brush and some good ol’ soap and water will suffice. Obviously, this isn’t going to work if you have a lot of caked-on muck, which means you’ll have to take some more drastic steps.
- Always use a putty knife to remove caked-on muck. Putty knives are flexible, useful, and frequently underestimated instruments. And trust me, they’ll get the job done when it comes to cleaning the deck of your zero-turn mower. Scrape away all the crud, taking careful not to damage the finish, and then finish with soap and water. (Always completely dry your deck after washing to avoid corrosion.)
- Another thing to avoid is using Pam, lubricants, or any other things to keep your under-deck cleaned for longer. This is a waste of effort and may result in component damage. Simply clean your deck as required, and you’ll be fine.
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