Finally get a chance to make it to the Fifty Acre Wood since November of last year. Since it has been raining and the land was sure to be wet, I didn't plan for any major activities. Today was more about tractor upgrades. I purchased a new proof-meter and temperature gauge and was excited to finally get a day where I could install them and today seemed like a good day.
When arriving I check out the tractor, after six weeks it appears it is as I left it. With the key in the ignition, clutch pushed in turn of the key and tractor turns and turns but won't turn over. After a couple more failed attempts I check the fuel tank and it is empty. After adding gas it turned right over. As this is not the first time I have done this, a mental note to always check the fuel tank before trying to crank the tractor.
A little warming up and I finally ease the tractor to the designated "fixin' spot", a shade tree off the pseudo driveway. Replacing the proof-meter was pretty straight forward after removing the necessary body panels to get access, it was a simple as replacing the gauge. I will find out later if the new gauge works. After I removed the old one, the rattling sound it made when I shook it assured me that the gauge has seen better days.
Now if only the temperature gauge goes this well it will be a fruitful day. Unfortunately, the sensor into the block is in a tight space and the tools I had with me were inadequate to start the job. I guess this will have to wait for another day.
One last job on the tractor, installing a fire extinguisher, on these old gas tractors I have read that some times the valve under the gas tank which is above the engine can leak gas and ignite. I though it might be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy should this ever happen. Easy install for this with a couple of zip ties and extinguisher in place.
Tractor work done and now its time to move it back to its hideaway. This is when my day took a turn, as I'm taking my turn to back prepare to back it in, the front tire sinks into a squishy spot in the turf that I did not see. Since the ground is mushy, as I try to back out, my tires spin, as I go forward my tires spin. Using the front loader I try to lift the front end and back it out, but again not success as the front loader just compacts the turf. I'm stuck!
With the ground as soft as it is, I don't risk trying to pull with the truck, just can't any traction. With no equipment to help with getting the tractor unstuck, the best I can do is to try and get the front wheel out of the mud since by this time, it is totally covered with muck. I pile up what logs and tree limbs I can find under the front loader to give it a solid base to push and jack the front up. After some work and configuring the pile, I'm finally able to lift the front out of the mud. I throw some logs in the hole so the wheel has a solid foundation to rest. Still with no option for getting the tractor unstuck the only option I have is to leave it for a dryer day when the wheels will catch and pull itself out. I hope I'm right.
