Fertilized

 This week in Cullman, we got a late start. Sara and Jamie had a birthday dinner at our house on Wednesday, so we drove up Thursday. We hauled out the fertilizer and spread it under the apple trees and pecan trees. I have enough pecan tree fertilizer I can reapply later in March.

Then I tackled the sprayer arm. After trying it with 3 medium sprayer nozzles, I changed them to brown nozzles. I think that will produce an effective spray. I got the hand sprayer cleaned and ready. Now we just have to wait for the privit to green up. I can start spraying then.

I went on to attempt to disassemble the mower. I got the seized spindle out. I thought I'd be able to just purchase a replacement but it appears I will have to order the bearings and rebuild it.

When moving the John Deere tractor, I stepped off onto my left foot and felt something painful. I think I've broken something in there. I'll see Tropeano ASAP.

Getting something done

We came up to Cullman Tuesday night, My plan was to get the carburetor fixed on the 284, fix the carburetor on the roto-tiller, and get the parts for the trellis sprayer assembly. 

The initial work on the 284 turned out well. Preston was able to see that there was a problem with the needle valve and had a replacement that turned out to work just fine. 

I got the tiller disassembled and am headed to Lowes for the bits I need to fix it. I also plan to pick up the parts for the side sprayer assembly from tractor supply. All this after dinner tonight. 

My body is tired and sore. It probably means a much earlier bedtime.

The second day was rainy and cold. worked on the tiller first. I thought I'd pull that fuel nipple with the bolt but a pair of vice grips worked fine. Problem. The nipple on the replacement part was 8mm and the hole was 6mm. I did a little search today and I see where I can buy a 6mm brass nipple. Since I wanted to get the tiller running, I simply worked at it and got everything reassembled and working. If a problem arises later, I'll order the 90 degree 6mm inlet. Now the tiller runs like a top.

I discovered that Tractor Supply failed to include the gauge with my parts last night and charged me for a bag of pine bark. I rode back over and got that taken care of. Now I have almost everything I need to build the trellis sprayer.

The six wheeler front right tire had a slow leak so I pulled it off and took it over to be repaired. I also got a new supply of gasoline. 

When I come back again, it will probably be time for the fertilizer to be spread under the pecan trees. I will also want to break out the tiller implement for the big tractor. The fertilizer spreader is tucked away behind an accumulation of stuff that needs to be moved. More organization in the barn is in order.