First lawn mow of the year

[colincurry]

I have a 35 year old Suffolk Colt that is probably a great deal older than many WABers. The question of age could well be significant.

My Controller decided that the grass need cutting - I had already considered this and was awaiting the right window of opportunity - dry weather when I was not out birding. Yesterday was the day.

I got my trusty machine out of the garage. I checked and topped up the oil. I lubricated the drive chain and the two ends of the roller blade assembly. I filled the tank with petrol. I opened the throttle and adjusted the choke for cold conditions. I then pulled on the starting rope a good number of times; but nothing happened. Nothing daunted, and being a natural motor mechanic, I took the plug out and cleaned up the contacts and gap; and replaced it. I then starting pulling the starter rope again, several times; but also to no avail.

Finally, I turned on the petrol tap, and the mower fired first time.

I suppose there are two good things about this. One, the mower started; two, I found the error myself!

I mentioned age earlier........

Colin

[Kayleigh]

I don't think I will ever have to mow the grass again. Since we had the dog, 5 months ago. The so called lawn looks like a mud bath. At least the blackbirds can find the worms now.

[jennyb]

Don't worry, Colin - these senior moments happen to all of us at some time!

Our lawn needs a cut but it really is still too wet.

Jenny

[badgerwatcher]

But many younger people would not have taken that much care, Colin.
My lawn looks like a war zone, as the Badgers are mining for something.

[Kev Lewis]

I'll have to ask the wife if she has cut it yet lol

We've had our mower almost 10 years I found out last year that it has an oil filler cap so I added some

[smartie]

Originally Posted by jennyb

Don't worry, Colin - these senior moments happen to all of us at some time! Our lawn needs a cut but it really is still too wet.

I have to have written instructions on how to use our lawn mower as I can never remember the sequence of delicate manoeuvres that seem to be needed to get a petrol mower to start. Ours needs a cut as well but I really am too lazy

[nightshade]

I have pointed out this thread to the Lioness,I will post pics of the wounds inflicted

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, that's the crux. I could (should?) have mowed the lawn in November but flymo and I would have sunk into the sub-soil ....

Originally Posted by jennyb

Our lawn needs a cut but it really is still too wet.
Jenny

[wyevilla]

Reduce your carbon footprint - get guinea pigs!!

Since getting our three, 3 summers ago, I have only had to cut the grass once a year. They have a pen which I move around the lawn so we have an interesting pattern of rectangles of grazed, recovering and grown pasture. They do not stay out in the winter but are put out to graze on sunny or mild days. They just about keep up with the grass growth and convert to nice organic compost pellets. Another bonus - they love dandelions.

Not only that but they will also deal with veggie peelings too. I commend guinea pigs as a green alternative to powered mowers. Go on, give it a try!