It’s good old dirt, along with winter chemicals, that causes your tractor’s beautiful finish to deteriorate. Periodic care can stop that process.
Regular washing every two weeks and after a snowstorm is ideal. Have it cleaned professionally unless you can do a comparable job yourself.
Also, cleaning off rust with sandpaper and repainting the spots, restoring the finish of aluminum components, and waxing key areas will guarantee a truck that will look young even when it’s old.
Pressure-wash the frame and other undercarriage parts. Use a water temperature of at least 100 degrees in warm weather, 140-150 degrees or more in cold weather. When it’s in the teens, don’t try washing.
Prepare rusted areas. Clean off rust. Tap gently with a flat-faced hammer to loosen peeling paint. Sand thoroughly with coarse sandpaper. Frame paint often peels off around bolts and bolt holes.
Spot-paint rusted areas. Apply primer and give it 10 minutes to dry. Then apply a high-quality enamel with your spray can.
Especially right before winter, apply wax to the painted areas and wipe clean. Wax not only provides a protective film, it keeps dirt from sticking, making the cab easier to keep clean.
When aluminum wheels and tanks start to get dull, use a brightener solution to strip the layer of oxidized aluminum, leaving a bright finish. Polish immediately and then as often as you can. Buffing with an orbital motor with polishing attachment works even better. CAUTION: Repeatedly applying a brightener without polishing can turn the surface to an ugly white. n
Try a soft touch
When using a pressure washer, use a water softener. Connect the hoses so the water passes through the softener and then to the pressure washer. Soft water allows the detergents to dissolve – otherwise they can’t do their job.
