Tractor washing.

Uncle Alan's Yard

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Equipment
BX2200
Jul 2, 2023
14
2
3
Atlanta Georgia
Ok I plan on trying to shine up my used BX2200. This is how I plan on doing it.

1. Wash with Dawn (I know your not supposed to but this could get the surface dirt and grease free) but the tractor is pretty clean on the body.

2. Wash with Meguiars car wash

3. Use a polish,

4. Wax.

Any other tips?
 
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Bmyers

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Grand L3560 with LA805 loader, EA 55" Wicked Grapple, SBX72 BB, LP 1272 mower
May 27, 2019
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Southern Illinois
Grease after washing.
 
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The_Wingnut

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Grand L4060, ZD21, ZD28, ZD331, RTV X1100C, Branson 3820, JD 1020, JD 50
Dec 8, 2021
91
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18
61
Tyner, NC
Sounds like a good plan to me! Good luck.

I use a foam cannon and a brush on an extendible pole. Never waxed it, too lazy I suppose. Let us know how it goes, maybe I can find a young fellow (don't mean only a male I seen plenty of young ladies out work the fellas) in the neighborhood that will give mine a coat of wax.
 
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Elliott in GA

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LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
Mar 10, 2021
743
725
93
North Georgia
No need for step 2; you already have cleaned the surface with Dawn. Typically you do not want to use Dawn to wash a car as it strips any remaining wax (requires a new application of wax), but with a tractor and its grease - Dawn is a great choice (especially since you plan to wax it afterwards).

I would suggest using a One Step type polish (polish and wax - a much better version of cleaner wax). My personal choice is Griot's brand. Their Ceramic All In One wax will do a great job if the paint is in good condition. If your paint is substantially oxidized, then you will need to use one of their more aggressive polishes/compounds - like their BOSS Fast Correcting Cream. A random orbital buffer will make the process much faster and more effective.

FWIW, I use Griot's Ceramic wax on my Kubota and attachments twice a year. It is a spray on / wipe off wax that lasts 9-12 months. I do not believe the hype about the ceramic content, but the silane polymers do a very impressive job. Also, you can use it on black plastic with no white residue.

Griot's website has many videos showing the use of their products; Autogeek is another great website.

 
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cuboodle

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Equipment
B2601
May 9, 2023
41
91
18
PA
I can attest to wax not hurting the paint......Ive waxed the hood of my B2601 more times than I will admit .....I have a problem!!!!
 
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The Evil Twin

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L2501, LA526,
Jul 19, 2022
2,814
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Virginia
No need to go Mr. Miagi with old school wax these days. Ceramic is where it's at. First application is much like waxing except there is only "wax on!" Subsequent applications are just misted on the wet surface after washing. Then rinsed off with high pressure.
 
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DustyRusty

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2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,237
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You forgot to blow dry the tractor. What about the tires? Are you planning on scrubbing them clean and then adding tire dressing? While you are at it, you might as well detail the engine.
 
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The_Wingnut

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Grand L4060, ZD21, ZD28, ZD331, RTV X1100C, Branson 3820, JD 1020, JD 50
Dec 8, 2021
91
63
18
61
Tyner, NC
You forgot to blow dry the tractor. What about the tires? Are you planning on scrubbing them clean and then adding tire dressing? While you are at it, you might as well detail the engine.
No sh*t I do put tire shine (cheapest thing available) on mine after washing...helps keep the mud from hanging on.
 
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DustyRusty

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2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,237
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North East CT
No sh*t I do put tire shine (cheapest thing available) on mine after washing...helps keep the mud from hanging on.
Have you ever put it on the tread of the tires? I remember when the Fire Chief had them detail their car, they waxed everything, and put tire shine on the tire tread and Armoral on the vinyl seat. He never asked them to do a detail of the car again.
 
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The_Wingnut

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Grand L4060, ZD21, ZD28, ZD331, RTV X1100C, Branson 3820, JD 1020, JD 50
Dec 8, 2021
91
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61
Tyner, NC
No just the side walls. :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:The seat is why he never asked to have it done again...I'm sure every turn had him hanging on for dear life!
 

Biker1mike

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B6200, Kubota 2030 Front Blade, King Cutter 60" finishing deck
Jan 11, 2022
1,177
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Gallatin, NY USA
Just my opinion.
My tractor is a tool and I treat it as such. Every now and then I will wash it with a car wash. I keep the zerks clean and remove gross dirt from becoming a problem. Basic cleaning has kept the tractor operating for close to 35 years. Yes, the paint is dull and heavy use areas have rattle can paint to keep the rust at bay.
It has not seen the inside of the dealership in several decades and yet it starts and works when ever I turn the key.
A pretty tractor with neglected internals is just a trailer queen without any heart.
Okay, off my soap box.
 
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The Evil Twin

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L2501, LA526,
Jul 19, 2022
2,814
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You forgot to blow dry the tractor. What about the tires? Are you planning on scrubbing them clean and then adding tire dressing? While you are at it, you might as well detail the engine.
Unashamed. I do use the leaf blower to dry it (and the vehicles) after washing. Usually only if they are going back in the garage. Standing water promotes rust.
 
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Henro

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B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini Ex., Beer fridge
May 24, 2019
5,779
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North of Pittsburgh PA
When I feel it’s time to wash my tractors, I just park them outside on a rainy day. Might even leave them overnight for an extra good washing.

By chance, one is a BX2200...😂
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,406
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Michigan
I'd skip #1 , 3 and 4.

#2 then I use Turtle Wax ICE seal and shine.


I have used the Turtle Wax ceramic on my boat, but the Ice works just as good with a little less effort IMHO, but they both work well.

Tires get Wesleys Bleach White, then tire dressing


You forgot to blow dry the tractor. What about the tires? Are you planning on scrubbing them clean and then adding tire dressing? While you are at it, you might as well detail the engine.
...........Then engine detailing :p
 

GeoHorn

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M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
6,036
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113
Texas
No soap. 3 cups WD40 in a 5-gal bucket….forcefully add water…used for soap/detergent. It dissolves grease, and leaves a “chamois” finish that water beads-up and runs off. Lubricates rubber weatherstripping and gets into crevices, lubricates hinges/latches and prevents rust. (This is an old “Hints from Heloise” trick…only she recommended kerosene in water instead of WD40 for car wash. I use this same formula on my never-polished in over 20+ -years, 1953 airplane instead of soap (which dulls aluminum.) Blah! No Soap!)

IMG_1734.jpeg
 
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fried1765

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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
7,843
5,066
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Eastham, Ma
No soap. 3 cups WD40 in a 5-gal bucket….forcefully add water…used for soap/detergent. It dissolves grease, and leaves a “chamois” finish that water beads-up and runs off. Lubricates rubber weatherstripping and gets into crevices, lubricates hinges/latches and prevents rust. (This is an old “Hints from Heloise” trick…only she recommended kerosene in water instead of WD40 for car wash. I use this same formula on my never-polished in over 20+ -years, 1953 airplane instead of soap (which dulls aluminum.) Blah! No Soap!)

View attachment 106814
Nice looking Cessna 140
 

GeoHorn

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M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
6,036
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113
Texas
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