A John Deere lawn tractor is one of the most durable and reliable options out there for lawn care. However, even with the best care, accidents can happen, and the lawn tractor hood may develop a crack. This does not mean that the tractor is at the end of its life, and there are many DIY methods you can use to repair a cracked John Deere lawn tractor hood. In this article, we will go through some of the steps that you can follow to fix a cracked hood and ensure that your lawn tractor stays in top condition.
Gather the right materials
Before we begin repairing the cracked John Deere lawn tractor hood, it is important first to gather all the necessary materials. These materials include:
- Plastic welding kit
- Heat gun
- Clean cloth
- Plastic filler
- Sandpaper
- Paint
Clean the area around the crack
The next step is to clean the area around the crack. Use a clean cloth and some soapy water to ensure that the surface is free of any debris, dirt, or grease. This will help the plastic welding to bond better and ensure a proper repair.
Plastic welding the crack
The plastic welding kit comes with detailed instructions on how to repair a cracked John Deere lawn tractor hood. However, the basic process is:
- Step 1: Preheat the heat gun
- Step 2: Cut plastic welding rods into smaller pieces using scissors or a knife.
- Step 3: Insert the plastic welding rod into the hole of the plastic welding gun and then preheat until it turns yellow.
- Step 4: Insert the tip of the plastic welding gun into the crack and begin to fill it with the melted plastic.
- Step 5: Once the plastic has filled the crack, use the heat gun to smooth the surface and let the plastic cool and set.
Finishing the repair
After allowing time for the weld to set, use sandpaper to smooth down the surface of the hood. Once the surface is smooth, apply plastic filler to the area and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the filler is dry, use sandpaper to smooth it down again to ensure a flat surface. Finally, apply paint to the repair area for the finishing touch. Allow the paint to dry and harden before using your lawn tractor.
Conclusion
Repairing a cracked John Deere lawn tractor hood may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite straightforward, and the materials required are easily accessible. With the above steps, you'll be able to repair your lawn tractor hood in no time and continue using it for your lawn care needs. Remember to practice safety measures when using the heat gun and follow instructions carefully for the best results.
