Mountain Man Mondays
- March 23, 2009
- Category: Daily Diary
- (16) Comments
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on a farm? I used to think it involved wandering pastoral scenes and playing with the animals. I never thought about the behind the scenes work that takes place every day. But I’ve learned just how much hard work is involved in taking care of a farm. More so when you have no farm hands to pitch in. But, never fear, Mountain Man is here.
A few weeks ago, Mountain Man discovered that his very old farm tractor had a problem. The inner tube on his tire had popped through. Now, if this was a car, no problem but how do you handle changing a tire on a tractor? Well, it takes a LONG time. Because I don’t want you to fall asleep, I’ll just show you the highlights.
After Mountain Man got the tire off the old tractor, he loaded it onto his flat bed truck with the other tractor and took it to the repair shop. When I found out how much just repairing a tire cost, I couldn’t believe it. The grand total: over $900.00. Farming is a lifestyle choice and you have to love it because most of us are never going to get rich taking care of our farms and the equipment it takes to run them.
Hey there! Thanks for stopping by and visiting us at Fort Thompson! I love your blog. I wish that we just lived out in the country much less in the mountains with rivers and streams in our backyard. Which would be the dream home ya know. So Im just going to live that dream thru you for now if thats ok. LOL
900 bucks to fix a tire? Now thats crazy!
Love and Prayers,
Tim
Date: March 23, 2009
Oh yes,…. farming is a choice. My son is a dairy farmer and has taken over his father’s farm. I know all too well those sudden and expensive surprises. But it is a GOOD life!
Date: March 23, 2009
We had a combine tire go, right in the middle of harvest. It was the same type of process (I blogged about it) on the combine slipped off the jack which created another bigger mess.
It’s nice to be married to real farm guys. They know what to do so we don’t have to do it!:)
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/
Date: March 23, 2009
I can’t say I know a lot about farm life, but I can say I know about tractor repairs. They sure do hurt financially when they need a repair. My hubby has a few tractors for our business and they can consume an undetermined amount of $, it frightens me sometimes.
Date: March 23, 2009
Not to mention the fact that it was NOT a balmy 70 degrees!!
Date: March 23, 2009
Most people living in the country can repair a lot of things, but those parts are always $$$
I learned to drive tractors like the ones in your video. Have you learned how to drive one yet, scary at first, then easy as a car.
Date: March 23, 2009
The average person has no idea how much work it is or what the cost. That’s why I just want to visit you but I won’t move in. LOL
Date: March 24, 2009
Wow, $900!! I had no idea. My uncle is a farmer in Minnesota and just turned 84 and has no intentions of quitting anytime soon. They come to Florida for the winter and his neighbor keeps things going. He goes back the end of March in order to be there when the lambs are born.
Date: March 24, 2009
I feel your pain for real…our tire bill for the trucks is unprintable.
Date: March 24, 2009
Those unexpected bills like that sure can be a unpleasant surprise.
Date: March 24, 2009
That’s quite a chunk of change! It’s a shame that farming isn’t very profitable anymore – if farmers can’t make a decent living, soon we’ll have no one producing our food. Farmers are one of our unsung heroes.
Date: March 24, 2009
Farming is a life’s choice and the general public, just don’t understand the trials and tribulations a farmer must deal with, the up-keep expensens are far greater to a farmer because of the equipment they MUST have and maintain to provide for others. Keep trudging along!
Date: March 24, 2009
I was surprised to find out from a friend how much equipment maintenance and repair costs out of a yearly budget. It’s good that your Mountain Man is so handy, I’m sure that alone saves so much money!
Date: March 24, 2009
Wow, that is mighty expensive for a tire repair. But then, that is a MIGHTY big tire!
Date: March 24, 2009
Wow! I had no idea that the tire would cost that much to be repaired.
Date: March 25, 2009
yes, it is really a choice to work in a farm, just like we make choices too with other profession. i am a teacher and i know i will not get rich teaching but am happy with it. like farming
. however, i used to think since when i was younger farmers have the opportunity to get rich, or very rich, so, maybe, i was wrong too. you’re correct, what is more important is we love our choice and happy living with it. i always am thankful for the farmers (especially i have no knowledge how to farm) for the foods they bring in to our table. especialy that i am more into vegetables, nuts and fruits. the most i could produce are a few vegetables from our little backyard.
thanks for the visit and the comment.
Date: March 25, 2009