Deck Wash System
 

I just bought a Z-Force 44 Zero Turn Mower with the Deck Wash System. I had two people who appeared "in-the-know" tell me not to use that feature. It alleges to accelerate the rusting due to the lawn chemicals and water mixing. Anyone know for sure or had this experience?

Don't use it. Grass buildup is acidic and accelerates rust, and adding water to it only makes it worse. This is also why you shouldn't mow wet grass. If you want to clean the deck, take it off and scrape all the buildup off with a putty knife.

That 'deck wash system' idea was invented by some greedy idiot that just wants you to rust it out so you buy another one...

I have a Z-Force 48" and I have been told by several never to use it!! I use forced air to clean mine and just lay down by the deck, reach under (with everything off of course) and clear away any build-up about every 2 or 3 times mowing!! I've had mine since 2008 and this has worked just fine thus far!!

Cub Cadet 123

I definitely wouldn't use it ether.

I'd never use water under a deck. This option sells because it sounds like a good idea to people that's never had a deck off anyway. As for rust, how many mowers today last long enough to rust out though.
It doesn't take me 30 seconds to pull the pins and slide the deck from my 782 everytime I cut grass. Like Matt said, scrape all that grass out with a putty knife and know that it's ALL gone. I do this often and even go one step further. I brush old motor oil on under the deck after I'm done. Right or wrong, my grandparents did that to a 102 since new and the deck never did rust out.

When I redid the 48" deck of my 123, I sprayed the underside of my deck with automotive rubberized undercoating and never had the first sign of rust or anything since 2000.

Cub Cadet 123

I guess someone didnt like what I posted? HMMMMMMMMMM I thought I was helping?

Oh Well
I sent a PM to ya with the info.