After two weeks of very cold weather (for us), the temperatures have returned to “normal”. It’s in the mid-50’s and perfect weather for doing a little yard work.
Back in April, I purchased a lawn mower. I really, really like my lawn mower, and since it has mulching blades, I use it to mulch pine straw and leaves in the yard. Unfortunately, when I opened my shed this morning, the left-rear tire of the lawn mower was flat.
I pumped the tire back up and pored some soapy water on it. Noting the area where the soapy water “bubbled-up”, I located a small nail that was causing the tire to leak. I removed the nail with a pair of pliers and then repaired the leak with a simple tire plug. The tire is holding pressure – and for less than 5 bucks (the cost of the tire plug repair kit) – it’s ready for some mowing.
While I was at it, I checked the owners manual, to see when the next oil change was scheduled. Since I had the time – and the weather is so nice – I went ahead and changed the mower’s oil, a couple of hours ahead of schedule.
I also checked the air filter and inspected all of the mower’s nuts and bolts. We had a relatively dry summer, so the mower didn’t get a lot of use. I used it a couple of times in the fall, to mulch up leaves, and I’ll use it later today, just to give the engine some time to run and clean up the few leaves that are in the front yard.
Oh, I almost forgot. I also had to put a charge on the battery. Several years ago, I got a battery charger for Christmas. It’s one of my all-time-favorite received-gifts. I use it for the lawn mower – or my old truck – when their batteries need a boost.
One final note – I was able to quickly locate the owner’s manual for the mower because I keep all of my manuals in my handy-dandy Owners Manuals Binder. Click to read how this idea can help you keep track of all of your owners manuals.
If we are going to save money – the money that we’ve worked so hard to make – it’s important to take care of the things that we buy. It pays to spend a little more time (and a little more money) to keep something running, rather than a whole lot of time (and whole lot of money) trying to replace it.
Good post NCN! I’m always amazed at the poor condition people leave their expensive tools in. I’m a big believer of taking care of things so that they last as long as possible and hold as much of their value as possible in case I decide to sell them later.
I walked in to a Home Depot a few years ago and it just happened to be their yellow tag clearance event. On top of that they were giving 50% off all yellow tag items to clear them out. I walked out with a self propelled top end Honda lawnmower for less than $300. I keep it clean, change the oil regularly etc and I’m anticipating using that Honda for the rest of my lawnmowing career! With a tiny bit of effort and a tiny bit of money, I think that’s a realistic goal!
Hazzard
I agree it pays to spend a little now than to have to buy a new one.
Your attitude is pretty striking, and is one that ought to be adopted on a large scale if people hope to climb their way out of all the financial crisis and woe stuff. Fixing things has become too much of a hobby and less of a necessity, something that I think is probably responsible for a good chunk of modern problems. Cheers.