With below freezing temperatures in the forecast for the next few days I figured I better get some things ready for winter. First order of business was to bring the 446 up to the shop and put the carry all / weight box on the back. I thought I might as well use it for some of the chores.
I decided to get the winter quarters set up for the chickens.
I put down some extra hay, set up the heat lamp, and got the water heater ready to go.
Next up let’s check antifreeze in the equipment. The six tractors look good to well below zero but Herbie the truck is too low to check, it still has a little leak I haven’t stopped up yet. I went to top off the radiator and then started it up to mix it in and test. Of course on the first cool and damp day of the season I promptly flooded the engine and ran the battery down!
So I drug out the charger and let it sit for awhile. I finally got it started and warmed up. Antifreeze is pretty dirty but it tests good to 30 below.
They were calling for a chance of rain today but with my schedule pretty full for the next few weeks I figured I better get the zero turn out and cut the grass. Should be the last time this year. I went to move the 2N out of the way and guess what I did? Yup flooded it and ran the battery down!
I don’t claim to be a genius, but sometimes I really get mad at the dumb things I do!
So I set up the charger and snuck the mower past to go cut grass
I got about half way done and wouldn’t you know it, the weather guessers were right! Finished mowing in a light rain and about 40F.
Boy the first cool days sure make me feel like I’m at the arctic circle in mid winter, I thought I was going to freeze to death!
I got the mower put up about the time the rain stopped. So I
turned my attention back to the Ford. It still wouldn’t start so I pulled the plugs and they were wet with gas. I took them in and cleaned them up and set them on the bench to dry out. Just about the time I went out to put them back in the tractor here comes a steady rain!
I guess I’m just stubborn because was going to start this dang tractor whether it’s a cold rain or not! I threw the plugs in gave it little choke hit the button and it sputtered then started! With the rain still coming down I jumped on and plopped down on a wet seat. I dove it around a bit just to make sure it was running ok and wheeled into the shop.
Me and the tractor are soaking wet!
That’s enough fun for me! Time to quit and head for the house for a hot meal and a hot shower!
There’s my cold and rainy chore day ramble!