Prime Directive

Today, the Prime Directive was to get the lawn tractor going.  I sure could have used some Star Trek technology to assist me <LOL>.

I grabbed the shed padlock key and headed down the driveway, unsure what to expect after almost five months.  I opened the shed, and noticed that there was a noticeable lean to the right, due to an almost flat rear tire. The good news is that the tractor started up with no problem. I drove the tractor and parked it behind Blacky, retrieved the air compressor, and alas, the dc plug to the car was not long enough to reach more than two feet beyond the rear corner of the car. 

So, what is a guy to do?  I headed out to Lowes to get a new compressor (also got a $10 tool box to keep in the house since my tools moved to the detached garage today).  Not sure how we ever got by without a better air compressor.  I highly recommend the little guy shown to the left - it runs off of either ac or dc power, and the dial with the red arrow is a limit switch to ensure you do not over inflate.  It is really a nice little device, and cost less than $50.

I filled the tires on both tractors, and look forward to doing the same for the bikes (motorcycle and bicycles :o), and for the vehicles.  Remember, properly inflated tires helps with the gas mileage, so take the time to ensure your tires remain properly inflated.

Turns out that was the easy part of getting the tractor in mowing condition.  On the last cut of the year last fall, the blade drive belt broke.  We picked up a new belt at Lowes (note, the generic belt was $20 less than the direct replacement belt at Sears). 

 We go through several belts a year due to the twigs and "junk" that gets up under the mower (this year, I have walked the yard to pick up sticks versus just mowing over them).  This is only the second time I have replaced the blade drive belt, it is usually the main drive belt that goes (resulting in me pushing the tractor back to the shed).  It took me well over an hour, mostly because I was challenged to get a spring removed to properly position the belt.  Lesson learned, grab the end of the spring with needle nose pliers and twist to get it unhooked.  I was finally able to get it all put back together.

So then, it was off to perform the first mowing of the year.  With winter decending on us so fast last year, there were still a lot of leaves left in the yard.  So it was a very dusty endeavor today, as the leaves and new grass were mulched together.  The path I have through the marsh is still too wet to get through, but I was able to get the front and back grass done, as well as the stretch along the road.  Take a look, doesn't the lawn look nice, and so green, I LOVE SPRING.  Sure is nice to be outside.  Hope you are having a nice weekend. 

Off to grill some steaks :o)

Tags: Mowing, Spring, Mulch