Yeah have to do it when you can. Just don't do it when the grass is wet. Rusts out the base really fast.
After I change the oil I get a old paint brush, clean out under the deck and brush with oil. Slows down the process for sure. The older lawnmower we have has a cast deck so I can cut wet or dry.
I bought a used 0 turn a couple years ago and try to keep the deck clean as I can. They cost to much to let them rust away. Oil is a good idea Mark easy and cheap protection.