The Lawnmower Story (Updated)
Well, many of you have read ‘The Lawnmower Story’. Well, 2 weeks ago, when cutting the grass, the mower started to make this odd vibrating noise. I didnt think too much about it, but then suddenly the motor made this great crash, lurched to the left, made a terrible noise, and blew a massive spark out the side.
Turns out that my blade had completely flown off the shaft.
So I went to the local hardware store, and picked up a new replacement bolt for the blade as the other one had sheared off. I replaced it, and everything seemed to be just fine, when yesterday, the very same thing happened again. This time the blade shot towards the back of the lawn mower and ended up about 6 inches from my ankle.
Hmmm… my theory on fixing up old lawnmowers might not be the most prudent after all.
One thing I didn’t mention before was that in order to start my lawnmower, a certain, very specific ceremony must take place.
1. Tilt the lawn mower on it’s side.
2. Pump the primer 12 times.
3. Pull the throttle all the way out, and clamp it to the handle with vice grips (the knob had broken off years ago).
4. Yank the cord.
5. As the engine sputters, quickly jump down and pump the primer another 1/2 dozen times to keep the engine running.
6. Do a hand-stand, spin around 3 times, and high-five the low hanging branch of the tree that overhangs my driveway.
Surely if this procedure is not done step by step, there is no chance in the world for this lawn mower to run.
Since my son Caleb is also learning to cut the lawn, and the starting procedure is so extensive, that I thought it would be time (for my sake and his) to finally retire the original lawn mower, and upgrade to a shiny new one.
So down to the hardware store I go again, and for $220, I purchased another simple mulching lawnmower with a 5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine.
Now I should be good for another 15 years.
Eddie.