We’ve more than likely all wondered how to keep a mower deck from rusting, whether it be the new mower you’ve just used for the first time or maybe the old faithful mower that you just love to use. I’m happy to tell you that, yes, it is possible and there are many different things you can do to keep a mower deck from rusting. From personal experience, I’ve found trusted methods and habits you can get into to ensure your equipment is kept rust-free, looks and works great, allowing your mower to give you many years of happy cutting. I’m going to talk through these methods in this article so hopefully you can get more out of your mower too!
Mower Deck Rust Prevention 101 (The Short Answer)
The key to success when looking to keep your mower deck from rusting is prevention. Spray coatings, deck paint, proper and frequent cleaning, adequate storage (not damp/exposed to the elements), avoiding trees and other hard objects, and mowing when your lawn is dry. You’d be wise to follow all of these steps if you want to have the best chance of keeping your mower deck rust-free.
How to Keep Your Mower Deck from Rusting – Steps to Follow
Now I’m going to talk through each of these preventative methods in more detail, so you know exactly what they involve and how you can implement them to have the best chance of protecting your mower deck.
Applying Protective Coatings (Spray)
Protective coatings can come in many different forms such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or even cooking oil. PTFE stops water penetration and therefore prevents rust. It comes in spray form and applies in just a few seconds. If you can’t get your hands on PTFE spray or similar, don’t worry! You can always grab a can of spray oil from the kitchen and apply it in just the same way as PTFE. The cooking oil isn’t going to last as long, but it will keep the water out and the rust away. Just remember to repeat the application as required.
Applying Protective Coatings (Paint)
Now if you are looking for a longer-lasting solution, paint might be the better option for you. These protective paints come in different forms such as a simple can of rust prevention paint or a two-part epoxy high durability paint. Both types of paint will achieve the same outcome short-term regarding rust prevention, but the more expensive two-part epoxy high durability paint will have a considerably longer lifespan and effectiveness. The main factors to keep in mind when picking which product to choose are how long it takes to apply the product, how much it costs and how long it will last. Regardless of which protective coating you pick, they will all help to prevent rust and will also help to keep grass from sticking under the mower deck.
Make Sure to Clean Down After Each Cut
Who’s guilty of a moldy mower? Getting the mower clean at the end of the day isn’t always at the top of the to-do list after a cut, even though we know it should be. Giving the deck a good clean after a cut is a sure way of keeping the rust away. The last thing you want to do is have wet/moist clippings left inside the deck eating away at the metal, let alone working their way into the bearings. Grab a scraper and screwdriver to get that grass out or use a hose washout port (if your mower has this feature), then wipe off with a dry towel. This is the simplest method and it’s free.
Proper Storage for Your Mower
Depending on where you’re located, you need to consider storage for both between cuts and during the off-season. Finding a dry storage spot that is protected from the elements such as rain, snow and even sun is an important preventative measure. Leaving a mower parked out on the lawn for a week definitely does not help with rust prevention, nor does having it covered in a foot of snow in the winter. Having a dedicated space that is protected from the natural elements helps keep rust away by protecting your mower from moist conditions that rusts bare metal and even breaks down welded joints. You might question what the sun has to do with rust. Quite simply, the sun will break down the painted surface and expose the metal, making it easier for rust to do damage.
Try to Avoid Mowing in Wet Conditions
You need to try and avoid cutting in wet/damp conditions. Intentionally heading out to cut when the grass isn’t dry is similar to leaving your mower in a puddle. Eliminating exposure to wet/damp conditions as much as possible is your ultimate goal, as if the deck never comes into contact with water, you will drastically reduce the probability of a rust problem. Mowing in damp conditions can lead to other unwanted headaches too such as clumping grass, spreading lawn diseases, and a mower clean down that’s going to take much, much longer.
Making Sure You’re Just Cutting Grass
This might sound obvious, but I’ll be the first to admit that in my time I’ve chopped up a number of rocks along with a few toy cars. Taking a walk around the yard before you strike up the mower helps to avoid foreign objects flying through the mower and weakening the structure. Rocks and other objects will most certainly damage or remove your protective paints and coatings, and might also puncture your deck if the impact is strong enough. Dings and chips in your mower’s deck structure and coating are invites for rust to pay you a visit.
Avoid Hitting Trees
Again, this might seem obvious, but running into trees and fences isn’t the best way to protect a mower deck from rust. You need to remember that the deck has two sides; the inside and the outside. Damaging the outside of the deck provides opportunity for rust to penetrate the metal. Reviewing your area and having a plan of attack before you start mowing is the best way to go. Deciding what you are going to cut with a mower and what you are going to leave to a weed eater before you start will certainly help avoid any unwanted collisions.
Preventing Lawn Mower Rust Isn’t Rocket Science
In summary, each of these methods will help keep your mower deck from rusting, but the best practice is to apply as many methods as you can, not just implementing one or two. Following these steps will also help you to avoid other issues like your lawn mower overheating so there’s added incentive to take action, and your mower will certainly thank you for it.
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