Getting dirty is part of working in the yard or the fields. But you're tools get dirty too, and stuck-on grime might hinder performance. We've researched, and we're here to come clean with how to wash your John Deere tractor.
Yes, you can wash your John Deere tractor; manufacturers recommend thorough and regular washing. You should clean your John Deere tractor to increase its performance and prolong its lifespan.
How often do you wash the tractor, and with what cleaning agents or soaps; these are questions we must tackle in this post. Continue reading to learn the steps you should follow for excellent clean results.
Washing A John Deere Tractor
It would help to have a proper sequence when cleaning your tractor for sparkling results. Before cleaning your tractor, collect the required cleaning agents and personal protection gear. Ensure the area you want to use for cleaning is spacious and drains well. Now let's get to the nitty gritty!
Remove Loose Debris
You can use a broom, brush, or blower to get any sticks, twigs, soil, or grass off the surface of the tractor before you wet it. Clean the interior of any debris as well. To get better results, vacuum the interior thoroughly by getting to all nooks and crannies.
Moreso, dusting gets the sand and soil off the surface of the tractor. Otherwise, leaving it on the tractor's surface might cause scratches when applying soap.
Wash The Tractor
Now it's time to wash your tractor. You could wash your John Deere tractor in two ways: hosing and wiping or using a pressure washer.
Start with the interior before getting to the outside.
Hosing & Wiping
Use a soft brush, soapy water, and a rag to clean off any dirt and filth in the interior of the tractor. Dry the interior with a blower to ensure no water gets to the sensors and the wiring. Get the windows (if applicable to your model) and floor of the tractor clean as well.
Close the tractor doors (if applicable to your model) and wet the tractor from top to bottom to get most loose mud off. Start with the tires, as they always have mud and gunk. Once thoroughly wet, use a rag and soapy water to clean the tractor in sections. As you wipe each section with soapy water, rinse it immediately to avoid any soap build-up on the tractor.
Pressure Washing
Using a pressure washer is easier, and you'll clean your tractor in no time. Always start from the top to avoid getting mud on the rest of the tractor. Ensure you don't get water on any sensors with high water pressure. If you don't own a pressure washer, it might be a worthwhile investment for those who use their tractors for business.
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Drying & Waxing
You can air dry, wipe or blow the tractor dry with a leaf blower. Wax your tractor once it's completely dry. No specific wax brands are suggested for John Deere tractors. So you can use any car wax available, and the results will be excellent. The time it will take to clean your tractor depends on its size and how dirty it is.
Have a look at this wax on Amazon.
Check out this video for a better understanding of the cleaning process.
Should You Wash Your John Deere Tractor?
The answer is a resounding yes! You must wash your tractor as a maintenance and precautionary measure. Cleaning your John Deere tractor helps:
- Keep dirt and mud from getting into the tractor's engine and clogging it.
- Maintain the finish in pristine condition longer.
- Find out issues that otherwise might take longer to notice.
- Increase the tractor's performance.
- Avoid cross-contamination of weeds, pests, and bacteria from one garden or farm to another for those who use their tractor professionally.
For more details, read your tractor's manual for proper upkeep.
Can You Clean A Greasy Tractor?
Degreasing a tractor is part of cleaning it. However, you must be careful not to peel the paint off. Degreasing a tractor can be done quickly and effectively. Clean the tractor when dirty but dry.
You should:
- Start by wearing protective gloves and eyewear.
- Then dilute the greaser and put it in a spray bottle.
- Spray the tractor and let it soak the dirt and grease for a few minutes.
- Brush the tractor using a soft brush.
- Hose it down to get it clean.
- Clean in sections to avoid product build-up.
- Allow the tractor to air dry completely.
Degreasing is essential as it gets grime and grease that may have found its way onto the surface of the tractor when you are lubricating the engine or changing oils in other compartments of your tractor. Remember, you can degrease old or new tractors.
Click here to buy this degreaser on Amazon.
Here's a short demonstration video.
How Often Should You Wash A John Deere Tractor?
Depending on how often you use your tractor, you might need to wash it three to twelve times a year. If you only use your tractor to mow or tend to small patches of land, you might need to wash it two to three times annually.
Many users recommend using a leaf blower to get loose dirt, debris, or leaves from the surface of the tractor. A regular rinse after a dirty job keeps the mud and grime from sticking until the next major wash.
How Much Does It Cost To Wash Your Tractor Professionally?
If you are pressed for time and want to have your John Deere tractor professionally washed, request the services of a professional. You can get a professional pressure wash for $193 to $408. The cost is calculated depending on how dirty, how big, or whether you need your tractor's inside or outside cleaning.
Do You Need Special Equipment To Wash A Tractor?
In most cases, you can find cleaning equipment for farming or gardening tools and machinery readily available in home improvement stores. Sometimes you only need a bucket and simple dishwasher soap. However, the detergents should have a high pH.
You can use the Foam Maxx former to get soapy water in all nooks and crannies. Ensure you use warm water (90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) to rinse the soap or foam off your tractor with a hose. You may use a high-pressure hose but keep it at an angle of 15 to 45 degrees.
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Can Water Damage A John Deere Tractor?
Yes, water can cause damage to your tractor if it gets in contact with bearings, hydraulic fluid, or into the engine. Pressure cleaners can push dirt and water past the seals and contaminate the fluids in the tractor.
Check to see if water has gotten into the axle housing. If so, drain it and lubricate it well. Ensure that you thoroughly grease the spindles and bearings. Water might get into the lubricant. Therefore drain it and put a fresh, clean one.
Cleaning John Deere Tractor Tires
When cleaning a John Deere tractor, you must also pay attention to the tires. Remember that all tires are rubber and are exposed to harsher weather conditions.
When cleaning tractor tires, check for cuts, rips, and dried gunk on the underside of the tire protectors. After washing with water, apply tire sealant to seal any cracks or holes and stop them from becoming wider.
Where Should You Clean Your Tractor?
If you are not taking your tractor for cleaning at a service station, ensure you wash your tractor in an unpaved area. Don't let the dirty water find its way into storm drains which dump it in water bodies, contaminating them. Steer clear of garden patches and farm fields meant for food.
Ideally, wash your tractor in a grassy area where the ground can soak the soapy water without contaminating the well or underground water. It also applies to other farming equipment. Dispose of lubricant and oils from the tractor correctly.
Wrapping Up
As discussed in the post, you can wash your John Deere tractor, and you should do so regularly. It helps maintain the tractor and keep its performance at a high rate. Cleaning also serves as a precautionary measure and helps you monitor unexpected damages. Use good quality cleaning agents, and never forget to wear protective gear if you are allergic.
For more on John Deere farming equipment, read the following posts:
My John Deere Won't Start When It's Hot- What Could Be Wrong?