I think that automotive antifreeze would be just fine, however it is a toxic liquid and proper disposal might be difficult. RV antifreeze at Walmart is currently $3.48 per gallon, it was $3.00 a couple months ago. I used the RV antifreeze in my sprayer last fall and there was mold in the tank in the spring, if you use it like that the tank will need to be dried thoroughly.
Pressure washing tractor?
- Thread starter Jms63
- Start date
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Cheap... "Sun Joe" PW works great!
I have two of them!
I also have a 4000 psi 13Hp Honda powered PW, and an old Hotsy 1000 psi Electric.
The Hotsy is the best, because hot water works far better than cold water at most any pressure!
The problem with pressure washing a tractor besides shooting water where you don’t want it to go (electrical connections, starter switches/motors, hydraulic/oil openings) is…… it will blow grease everywhere. The old grease around cylinder rods and such will be blown around and will splatter and stick to everything in the area….including other places on the tractor. And if you use Moly grease on your loader like Kubota recommends….you’ll find how difficult it is to get that off where-ever it’s splattered-to….. (hint: paper towels and WD40).
i7win7
Well-known member
Equipment
BX2370, B2650 grapple, tree puller, trailer mover, 3 point hoist, mower, tiller
Have a snap-on branded 2000psi electric, more trouble than it's worth. Use a 20v Dewalt, heavier than holding a spray wand. Makes 500psi on garden hose, can pump from 5gal bucket for small jobs.
www.acehardware.com
DeWalt 20V MAX DCPW550B OEM Branded 550 psi Battery 1 gpm Portable Power Cleaner Mfr# DCPW550B - Ace Hardware
For portable cleaning on the jobsite or at home, the DeWalt 20V Max Power Cleaner is the ideal choice. This versatile tool can draw from any fresh water source with an included suction hose for when a garden hose is not easily accessible. The power cleaner can also be hooked up to your garden...
www.acehardware.com
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
The use of a hot water pressure washer will NOT....... "blow grease everywhere"!
Hot water pressure washing is very effective!
Haven't had that problem. Maybe it's a matter of paying attention to basics, like knowing your target and what is beyond your target.
Hey, I know it's The Fourth Rule of firearms safety, but that doesn't mean I can't apply it elsewhere.
I use a cheap electric inexpensive I've had for years. It does a good job with the foam cannon on all the cars and RV. I stay away from the electric connectors and grease pounds. The engine I just spray off with the hose.
I may have also waxed the hood, fenders and loader arms. Makes cleaning the next time faster.
I may have also waxed the hood, fenders and loader arms. Makes cleaning the next time faster.
johnjk
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B3200 w/loader, Woods RC5 brush hog, 4' box blade, tooth bar, B1700 MMM,
Put me down for pressure washing. No regular cadence though, if I get it muddy it gets washed. I do blow it off with compressed air after every use to get the dust and debris off the deck and out of the grill and screens. Greasing happens every 3rd use or after use in wet weather/ pressure washing. Lubing the FEL in winter sucks. May need to start keeping my grease guns warm. The wife would love them on top of the dryer.
johnjk
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B3200 w/loader, Woods RC5 brush hog, 4' box blade, tooth bar, B1700 MMM,
To add to my last post, I do power wash the engine in the fall to remove any dirt and oil buildup. On my old B’s I can remove the side engine panels for better access. Always top down and I do cover my air intake and dynamo. Right after I’m done I start it up and let it run till hot to dry off any residual water. Makes finding oil leaks a lot easier when clean. I also clean off the bug guts from the underside of the hood.
For overall drying I use my leaf blower. That way I know it gets run at least once a year.
For overall drying I use my leaf blower. That way I know it gets run at least once a year.
It'll knock decals off. Too high pressure for engine gaskets. They're only good for the approximately 20 psi of the coolant. Other gaskets are at risk, too, as are transmission and differential vents. Just use a water hose and some Simple Green or whatever to clean it.
My opinion is that a PW is a great tool, but just like hammers come in different sizes, you don't need or want tons of water pressure on everything. And you'd want to have a good aim when using a PW.
To remove oil and grease, sometimes Gunk or other engine cleaner and pressure from a hose with HOT water is all that's needed. I am a believer in having a hot water hose bib specifically for stuff like this.
To remove oil and grease, sometimes Gunk or other engine cleaner and pressure from a hose with HOT water is all that's needed. I am a believer in having a hot water hose bib specifically for stuff like this.
Ouch.
I know about that…but grease, especially Moly…. ends up in all kinds of unexpected places… One thing it does prove tho’…. Moly is difficult to remove …and I guess that’s why it’s good on pins and bushings.