Rusty Floor Pan

[Fredmeyer]

Hi,

I live in Vermont and (like everything in Vermont) my bx1860 has a rusty floor pan (mostly on the bottom side). The floor pan is really thin and I worry I will soon be putting my foot through it! Has anyone dealt with this issue? I was thinking of painting the bottom of the pan with POR-15. Can the pan be removed easily?

thanks

 

[Bulldog]

Never had this issue but Amsoil HD metal protector is a great product. Just spray some on every once in a while. I have a metal table that I added 2" square tubing on to extend the legs. Sprayed them down several years ago and still no rust. It dries with a wax like coating and doesn't collect dust either.

 

[CountryBumkin]

There are also products that convert rust (iron oxide) chemically to iron phosphate, an inert, hard substance that turns the metal black. But once the metal is rusted thin, there is little to do but cut it out and replace it.

http://d2pbmlo3fglvvr.cloudfront.net/product/full/Z3B3Bwfo5oy.JPG

 

[Fredmeyer]

Has anyone successfully removed the floor pan? I almost have it off but it seems to be hung up under the battery box frame. Any advice?

 

[cerlawson]

Ya gotta take off the screen at the battery and the two foam seal carriers (one bolt), but the pedals then are in the way. A post on the web site says you can unbolt them. Even before that pull it up from the rear and you probably can coat the underside with what ever you might want. If this were mine, I'd spray used engine oil on it every Fall, from underneath with a paint sprayer.

Be sure you watch what the right and left rear corners do in going down at the fender corners and the bracket that hold them there. If not just right, no bolt holes line up when re-installing.

 

[steveInMaryland]

POR 15 is a great product but beware it is UV un-stable which will require a top coat from them as well. I prefer Rust Encapsulater from Eastwood. I have used both. RE will dry solid and needs no further attention ever. Their "Red" is the best product but only comes in aerosol.

RE can also be used on the upper side and is mixed with an epoxy for a very durable surface. Paint it orange and enjoy for years.

Anyone know the correct rustoleum number for Kubota orange?

 

[coachgeo]

...Anyone know the correct rustoleum number for Kubota orange?

There are numerous threads on paint codes. Try using the search feature with keywords [ "Paint Code" Orange ]. This should bring up several threads that will likely lead you to this answer. If my memory is right there are two different Kubota Oranges. One matches newer stuff and the other older K's

 

[Fredmeyer]

I got the floor pan off without removing the pedals. Took a bit of creative maneuvering but it came off. I did have to remove the battery screen and two plastic parts under the battery screen. I ground off the most of the rust with a right angle grinder and a wire wheel. Painted the floor pan top and bottom with POR and then sprayed it kubota orange (paint from the dealer which does not match my tractor - ugh - but I am not that picky). Hopefully the orange paint is enough to give it some UV protection. We dont get much strong sun in Vermont.

Now on to my mower deck...