Runs Like a Deere

This weekend, I had one of those retail experiences, where you know you need an item and spend a lot of time figuring out exactly which item you want. The next logical step, is that the item in question will have been discontinued.

When we bought our house, we purchased a "lawn tractor" from the previous owners. I have the term in quotes, because what we really bought was a complete piece of cr*p with a Montgomery Ward brand. After examining the tractor, I found that it has sludge, where one might expect to find oil, the air filter had about two handfuls of dirt in it, and the steering was broken. I managed to squeeze one more summer out of it, but during the last mow of 2007, it gave up the ghost and started spewing that bluish gray smoke out the back.

With the long cold spring, I hadn't needed to acquire the replacement until this weekend. During the winter, I would periodically do some online shopping, talk to the guys at the major hardware behemoths, and check for specials. Apparently, these things never go on sale. Anyway, what I arrived at was the John Deere, Model LA135. It's got the V-Twinn engine and a 42 inch deck. When I called the nearest JD dealer, I found that the LA135 had been discontinued, but for $100 more, I could purchase the LA145. The 145 basically has the same engine, but has a 48 inch deck, and electric blade engagement. My first instinct was to say stick to my guns and search around for the 135, but then decided that since there was a better alternative, I might as well step up for the extra $100.

Long story short, after backing it off the trailer, and giving the yard a mow, all I've got to say is, oh yeah. This thing is sweet, takes about half the time as the old piece of cr*p, and it even comes with a cup holder; should there ever be a need to consume a beverage...

Runs Like a Deere

Since the streams are blown out, and it will be rafting season for a few weeks until the spring runoff is over, it's time to work on some other activities.

Tight lines,

Dave