60D Mower Deck Maintenance Tips for Hot and Dusty California Conditions
8/18/2025
California is a beautiful place to live and work, but it often faces dry spells that can create dusty environments. The heat and dust are not only tough on your body, but they are also detrimental to the longevity of your equipment.
If you’re a landscaper or property owner with a 60D mower deck on your compact tractor, you know how important it is to keep your equipment running in top shape. How do you protect your 60D mower deck from the hot and dusty California conditions? In this blog, we’ll dive into the basics of protecting your 60D mower deck investment and make sure it continues to have many years of use.
The 60D high-capacity mower deck is the perfect companion for 1 Series and a few 2 Series John Deere compact utility tractors. It’s compatible with the very popular 1025R as well as the 1023E, 1026R, and 2025R tractors. The 60-inch cutting width ensures a wide and efficient cut for any property maintenance, home lawncare, or highway mowing work. The 60D can be connected using the easy-to-use AutoConnect power take-off connection. All you have to do is align your wheels, drive over the deck, listen for the PTO to attach, and then you're ready to mow!
The 60D is also compatible with other rear 3-point hitch attachments, backhoes, and loaders, so you can keep these implements attached while mowing, turning your tractor into an all-in-one mowing machine.
Regular tractor maintenance can be a big undertaking under normal conditions, but when you factor in additional heat and dust, it becomes critically important to maintain both your tractor and mower deck. Here are a couple of easy, but important, steps you can take to maintain your 60D mower deck in California’s Central Valley.
Like any mower, grass and debris can build up underneath your mower deck. Grass, when wet, is more likely to clump and stick underneath your deck, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time grass can build up. Dry grass can also stick underneath your deck and gum up the blade mechanisms. If you constantly work in dry conditions, it’s vital to spray down and clean the underside of your deck at least once a week.
Your engine air filter keeps your tractor running smoothly, but if that air filter gets clogged, it can quickly lead to engine overheating and failure. This is especially a concern when it’s already hot and dusty outside. When you’re constantly working in dusty conditions, it’s critical to inspect your air filter regularly, sometimes daily! Keep extra filters on hand so you can change them out when needed.
Your mower deck’s belts keep your entire operation moving – literally! Make sure you are inspecting your 60D’s belts regularly to check for dry, cracked, or worn out and loose belts. When you’re working in hot and dusty conditions, the heat can wear down your belts much faster than in milder weather conditions. Like air filters, make sure you keep a few extra mower deck belts on hand for quick changes.
Regular greasing of all fittings on your 60D mower deck is crucial in hot, dusty conditions. Apply fresh grease to spindle bearings, pivot points, and lift mechanisms every 8 to 10 hours of operation rather than the standard schedule. When you’re working in harsh conditions, regular maintenance just won’t cut it, hence the need for increased lubrication. Trust us, you’ll thank us later when your mower deck is still working rather than sitting out of commission!
Inspect and secure all shields and guards on your 60D mower deck before each use in dusty environments. Why? These protective covers prevent debris from entering spindle housings, belt drives, and hydraulic components, where small, abrasive particles can cause exceptional wear to your deck. Simply rinsing them off with a hose is a good way to prevent further issues down the road.
If you’re in the market for a powerful 60D mid-mount mower deck, then stop by one of Belkorp Ag’s convenient locations around the California Central Valley. We carry the best selection of tractors, mowers, attachments, and parts to help you get the job done right.
If you’re ever in need of more extensive maintenance on your tractor or mower deck, just bring your equipment into the shop. Our team of experts is ready and willing to help you get your mower deck in optimal operating condition. At Belkorp Ag, we treat your equipment like our own!
