mroman59 Posted May 23, 2011 Posted May 23, 2011 I like the mower decks on these tractors because the covers over the mower pulleys keep grass building up on the deck and its easy to blow or wash off any grass clippings, not like my 6216 which is open and collects tons of grass on top. However, there is big downside. Grass, along with moisture, collects under the panels of these decks and begins to rot. When you take off the covers, it smells like a sewer and the moisture and wet grass can cause premature rusting. Too much rust and you will have big problems in the future. I painted on top of the deck area that is directly underneath these panels with miracle paint to see if that prevents and flaking off of paint and stops rust. My questions are, does anyone have the same problem and has anyone considered cutting away several inches of each panel, near the center pulley, so that air can get in and allow the clippings to dry out and prevent damage to the deck? Would that be a good idea or waste of time? Mike
Willy Posted May 23, 2011 Posted May 23, 2011 I think it would just compound the problem. I cleaned the area under the panels and sprayed it with rubberized undercoating, also the bottom of the panels and the underside of the deck. Grass don't collect quit as much as when it was bare. Most auto stores carry it.
hotrodtractor Posted May 23, 2011 Posted May 23, 2011 I had my deck line-x bed liner coated and don't worry about it now. Some guys just run with out the shields but then you have exposed parts to suck up shoe laces :(!
TommyK Posted May 24, 2011 Posted May 24, 2011 "Rubberized undercoating". I've been tempted to try that, espcecially on the blade side of the deck. I was worried about air and grass flow being slowed by the rough rubber texture. Then again it probably isn't any rougher than rusty steel. I think I'll try that this fall. Thanks!
mroman59 Posted May 24, 2011 Author Posted May 24, 2011 They have truck bed liner in spray cans at walmart, which hardens and I think it is better than rubberized undercoating. I have used both over the years, but had to touch it up every year as they flake off and do not get rid of the rust. Now I used miracle paint, which binds with the rust (encapsulation they call it) and changes the rust to another compound and it is impermeable to moisture and is tough like rock guard. Therefore, supposed to stop any future rust. Hopefully I will not have to treat my decks again, but I will inspect it at the end of the season and see how it is doing. I thought that modifying the panels will allow more air to keep it dry. It is the moisture that causes the damage. I heard that line-x bed liner is what some use, but I am not sure if that is a permanent solution. Sounds like it is from hotrodtractor's post above. Mike
Recommended Posts