Big Boy Toys

A couple of weeks ago I finally bit the bullet and sprung for a new riding mower. The hydrostatic drive on the old one was worn out and barely able to propel the tractor along the flat ground much less our sloping back yard, all its joints were starting to rattle loose, and the steering pinion was developing a troubling tendency to skip a few cogs at critical moments, so I decided that I'd pushed it far enough. In addition, the other little tractor that I'd bought from my father in law a few years back was sitting in my shed with a busted rod and a hole in the engine case, so it was a good time to turn a couple of pieces of well-used equipment into something shiny. The local Deere dealer had what I wanted.

The kids waste no time checking it out.

Did you know that they make lawn mowers now with cup holders, cruise control, four-wheel-drive and power steering?! Mine doesn't have the power steering or the front drive, but it still drives like a Cadillac compared to the old one. Hopefully it lasts as long.