When purchasing a mower, you expect it to last as long as possible because it costs thousands of dollars. The most expensive part of the mower is the deck. The deck sometimes runs a tight race with the mower's price by itself. So the deck should remain as clean as possible and as close to the day you brought the mower.
The good news is there are sprays you can spray underneath the deck to have it last a lifetime if taken care of properly. We will go over the best lawnmower deck spray and check out a few others, along with home remedies to ease maintenance.
Best Lawn Mower Deck Spray
The top three choices we found were the best lawn mower deck sprays.
1. Mo Deck Mower Spray
The spray comes in an 11-ounce aerosol can and keeps and prevents dirt, grass, and other particles from sticking to the deck. It works for plows, shovels, snowthrowers, and other equipment that gets down and dirty. Inside the can is a Polymer spray, and it is easy to apply.
The contents build up over each use and act as a protectant. Your equipment will operate more efficiently as the spray works better with every service. This item is found at Walmart and other online suppliers. You have the option to purchase one or 12 to make a case.
2. GUNK Tite-Seal Mower Deck Spray
This spray comes in a 10-ounce spray bottle and is a series of TITESEAL Mower Deck Spray. It is designed for all mower decks and is a protectant from water and rust, and keeps all the dirt, debris, and grass from clumping and sticking to the underside of the deck. Listed are some other things this spray does, and it is sold at Lowes.
- It keeps moisture and all of the clippings from caking up.
- Prevents corrosion
- It makes it quicker and easier to maintenance
- It supports all moving parts flowing smoothly as it keeps the pathway of the chute open from obstructions.
Ninety-three percent of the people who use this spray recommend the product for others to use. There was nothing less than three stars in the ratings, and it also works for snowblowers.
Note: this product is now discontinued and can be difficult to find.
3. Nonstick Cooking Spray (Vegetable Oil ONLY)
Believe it or not, the home remedy is one that made the top three picks. This choice has many pros, from the low cost to the unlimited supply you can find anywhere in the stores. The only downside is that you will have to apply it after each use, and once you start using it, it will be difficult to clean if you stop. Nonstick cooking spray will make it easy to wash off the dirt and grime after each cut.
It will also keep the deck from corroding and rusting out, which can cause extensive and irreparable damage. Once you wash off everything, you have to apply it with a spray bottle or a sponge, and the mower is ready for the next round of grass cutting.
Why Do You need to Prevent Grass Build Up on the Underside of the Mower Deck?
Over time, grass, dirt, and debris build-up under the deck and turn into a concrete substance that is challenging to remove. It sits in the same spot, and it will eat away at the paint first, then the metal will corrode and rust out. It would be best if you had something to make it easier to clean and maintain and something that will prevent corrosion over time. These are the primary reasons you want to apply a preventive spray to keep the grass from building up under the deck.
- Chutes Becoming Blocked: The chute is like an exhaust that allows the cut grass to flow freely out of the deck. If it becomes clogged, it can dull out the blades faster and cause damage to the pulleys, spindles, and barrings that turn the blades. It will also wear down the belt over time, causing the blades to stop turning eventually.
- Deck Becoming Corroded: If the deck becomes corroded, it will eat away at the metal, causing holes in places that should not be on the deck. In most situations, the prominent spot of corrosion is around the turning of the blades. Once this is corroded, the deck is no more suitable because it can cause a pulley to bend or fall through the deck, which is dangerous.
- More Strain on Your Mower: As the grass is piling up under the deck, it will strain the motor. No matter how much horsepower you have, it will reduce the engine’s power, causing extensive damage over time. Once the motor goes out, so does the grass-cutting season unless you replace the motor, which is not cheap.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: The fuel price is a significant reason to maintain the underneath of the deck. The more horsepower you use, the more fuel is burned and wasted.
- Poor Performance: A lawn should look like a golf course once the grass is cut. However, if the underneath of the mower is full of caked-up grass, it can cause the blades to become dull more quicker. This will leave uncut grass still standing in spots throughout the yard. It can also leave lines between the blades as the pulleys and barrings become worn. Poor performance will always lead to future breakdowns that can become costly.
How to Keep Grass from Sticking Under the Mower Deck?
There are several things you can do to keep the grass from sticking to the bottom of the deck. Along with spraying the protectant of your choice, you can do the following:
- Mow When It’s Dry: When the grass is wet, it sticks more than when the yard is dry. Try waiting till the morning dew is evaporated, and try not to cut after a rain shower passes. Wet grass will stick to everything and make it more challenging to clean off the mower and everywhere the cut grass touches.
- Cut More Often: Tall grass is another reason the grass may stick to the bottom of the deck. Some people may cut their yard every two weeks during the hardest part of the grass-cutting season. Perhaps try cutting once a week to where the grass is not as thick.
- Keep Your Mower in Good Condition: Maintenance is the key to every piece of machinery we own. Mowers are no exception. A well-maintained mower will cut the grass perfectly every time and keep the mower’s lifespan on the up and up.
FAQ
How long does mower deck spray last before it has to be reapplied?
It depends on the brand and the ingredients within the spray. You will have to spray some sprays after each use while others act as a protectant and can go for two to three cuts. How often the mower is used also plays a role in how long the spray will last. Residential use may have several cuts before reapplying the spray. Commercial use may require once a day at the end of each day.
How to Clean Your Lawn Mower Deck?
If the grass is caked on the bottom of the deck, it would be wise to use a pressure washer. However, the caked-up grass will turn into a cement-like substance requiring elbow grease over time. A soft edge scraper or steel brush may be necessary to get the excess off in these situations. A regular high-pressure hose will get the grass off, and sometimes a commercial blower will do the trick if the nonstick sprays are applied.
What will keep grass from sticking to the mower deck?
Any oil-based substance like nonstick vegetable oil or your choice of the best lawn mower deck spray will suffice.
How do I protect my mower deck?
Along with the rest of the mower, you should keep it stored away in a garage or shed when not in use. Wash off all the grass and excess debris after each use. Finally, keep the oil-based spray handy and spray the deck after each cleaning session.
Conclusion
As you can see, a few items will keep your deck safe and operating like new for a long time. These are the best lawn mower sprays, and they are not only highly recommended but also safe to use. We even give it a thumbs-up!
What do you think?
Which is your favorite lawn mower deck spray? Let us know in the comments below which you think is best or if you have other remedies.
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