Cleaning electric Flymo with pressure washer - Y/N?

[Lobster]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo, I was just wondering whether using a pressure washer to clean it down occasionally would be as potentially foolhardy as it sounds, or whether the electrics are IP protected from moisture underneath anyway? I've never dismantled one to find out - anyone know?

 

[Bob Minchin]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo, I was just wondering whether using a pressure washer to clean it down occasionally would be as potentially foolhardy as it sounds, or whether the electrics are IP protected from moisture underneath anyway? I've never dismantled one to find out - anyone know?

There will be minimal protection based on my experience of flymo etc. Remove the fan and soak in water clean that off and keep it balanced and just moisten the underside of the skirt and a narrow paint scraper or putty knife can be used to get the worst off.

 

[Tim+]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo, I was just wondering whether using a pressure washer to clean it down occasionally would be as potentially foolhardy as it sounds, or whether the electrics are IP protected from moisture underneath anyway? I've never dismantled one to find out - anyone know?

As long as you're careful not to spray the motor and avoid spraying near the motor shaft (high pressure washers can force water into bearings) I can't see there being a big problem.

Tim

 

[Janet]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo,

Just let the crud get dry (turn Flymo upside down in the sun) then insert the corner of a paint scraper to open a starting hole in the crud; once you can slide the blade between the plastic and the dried buildup, it's easy to ping off in large chunks.

Janet

 

[Brian Gaff]

Well, I'd not say you should use the highest pressure on old plastic as its very brittle. As long as you do not get it in the aire inlets, usually protected by foam, you will probably get away with it. There should not be any ingress from the bottom, unless they hav changed, being visually impaired I've mown into puddles and all sorts in the past! The bloomin thing still carried on. However really and I'm sure somone will point this out one should really clean the crud after use when its soft and remove it from around the main bearing as well, though I suppose this might remove some of the grease there., brobably not as much as a pressure washer might do!

Brian

 

[DerbyBorn]

I wouldn't advise it. Bear in mind that the mower is usually bringing in dry air from the top and forcing it downwards. It will be vulnerable to water going the other way. High pressure water gives of a lot of mist.

I dream of inventing some sort of spray that will prevent the grass from sticking - but I guess many of the owners wouln't give a damn.

 

[Adrian C]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo, I was just wondering whether using a pressure washer..

Nah, Angle Grinder...

 

[Martin (archive)]

I wouldn't advise it. Bear in mind that the mower is usually bringing in dry air from the top and forcing it downwards. It will be vulnerable to water going the other way. High pressure water gives of a lot of mist.

I dream of inventing some sort of spray that will prevent the grass from sticking - but I guess many of the owners wouln't give a damn.

Silicon/PTFE spray does stop grass sticking.

 

[Martin (archive)]

Nah, Angle Grinder...

and a lump hammer

 

[Lobster]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo, I was just wondering whether using a pressure washer to clean it down occasionally would be as potentially foolhardy as it sounds, or whether the electrics are IP protected from moisture underneath anyway? I've never dismantled one to find out - anyone know?

Well, that's about 5:2 against, by my reckoning! Will have to have a think about it...

FYI I always do scrape it down after use - does anyone not do so? IME if you don't, it either sets like concrete and/or gets covered with white mould which is probably not much good to my lungs or the contents of my garden shed...

The machine must be about 10 years old, and in a bit of a state, and last weekend I was just thinking about giving it a good going over for once; that's all.

 

[Tim+]

Well, that's about 5:2 against, by my reckoning! Will have to have a think about it...

FYI I always do scrape it down after use - does anyone not do so?

Once every five years whether it needs it or not. ;-). Mine isn't a hover mower however.

Tim

 

[meow2222]

Looking at the years of buildup of crud underneath the 'skirt' of my electric Flymo, I was just wondering whether using a pressure washer to clean it down occasionally would be as potentially foolhardy as it sounds, or whether the electrics are IP protected from moisture underneath anyway? I've never dismantled one to find out - anyone know?

Water's bound to get in where it shouldnt. If you then leave it indoors to dry out for 2 weeks before plugging it in it should be fine.

NT