Getting a new X320 soon... few questions.

I have a x540 but I don't use the deck wash out. I use an air nozzle and blow off the debris from the top after each use. I scrape the inside once a month. As far as synthetic goes, I too am a believer. However, I would probably switch after 50 hours to give the rings a better chance to seat. That is what I am doing with my 2520.

Good luck with the new purchase.

I have 15 hours on my Z920 and I am going to full synthetic. Todays motors are machined much tighter than the ones 20 years ago so I do not believe the rings need to "seat" like they used to. If they still do, I do not think that synthetic will slow it.

I am not a "like" of the deck wash, but my father added it to his 7 iron deck and swears by it. His deck is clean, but I fear how it wears on bearings and such.

But its the end of the year and I am working on cleaning my deck, and even after 15 hours, it was a pita........

Congrats on the choice of the 320.

The deck washout works great on all deere decks. You can go to synthetic immediately if you wish. It will make the engine run cleaner,cooler, and definately last longer. The myth of synthetic not letting rings seat, is just that,a myth. Many engines,transmissions come from the factory filled w/synthrtic oil. The quicker you get it in there,the quicker you will benifit from it.

Thanks guys,

Yea, I know... the synthetic debate goes on and on. I'm a big fan of synthetics, and want to get it in there as soon as possible. I only put on about 30 to 35 hours a year mowing. So, I could do it at the 8 hour change, or at the end of season when I get it ready for storage. I just figured that the rings (and everything else in the engine) should be broke in after 8 hours or so of mowing. I'm just trying to see how many have tried it on these JD tractors and what the results are.

So, has anybody tried any of these graphite deck coatings like Clean Deck. My yard is always wet when I mow it, unless we've gone through a period of drought.

I checked out the Clean Deck. It seems like a nice product. I too, am curious to hear more from people who have used it. The only problem for me, is that it isn't available locally based on their list of distributors.

Congrats on the X320! I tried the deck wash one time on my old X500 after the first mow with it just to see what it would do. All it did was make a huge mess under the deck and when it dried the stuff was like concrete to get off.

I have no knowledge as to what does or does not come with synthetic oils. I do know that my son and I used to race snowmobiles on a professional circuit and were advised by the factory race department to break in the sled with regular and then switch to synthetic. Perhaps they were wrong or were just being over cautious.

RonS said:

I have no knowledge as to what does or does not come with synthetic oils. I do know that my son and I used to race snowmobiles on a professional circuit and were advised by the factory race department to break in the sled with regular and then switch to synthetic. Perhaps they were wrong or were just being over cautious.

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Hey Ron, I think they were just playing it cautious. I know for a fact that Corvettes have been coming from the factory for the last 25 years with Mobil 1 in them. I have not heard of any issues as a result. Just an FYI.

Now on another note, when I bought my Curtis Air compressor they recommended not to use synthetic. The reason was that it was hard on the plastic sight glass for the oil level, no other reason.

ColonyPark said:

I checked out the Clean Deck. It seems like a nice product. I too, am curious to hear more from people who have used it. The only problem for me, is that it isn't available locally based on their list of distributors.

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Yea, same here... have to order it. I would be willing to try the deck coating that JD makes. I'm willing to try anything. My yard is ALWAYS wet, unless we've had a drought for about a month. So, it is always clumped up under the deck and a PITA to clean... and I don't always do it because of that. I'm hoping that the deck wash and a coating of some sort will at least reduce it and make it easier to keep clean.

As for the synthetic oils and greases. I'm a big believer. However, to be on the save side I could do the 8 hour change with dino, and then switch it out to synthetic when I service it and put it away for the winter. It will have about 30 hours on it at that time... it's got to be broke in by then.