Jari Sickle Mower

The beast.  A 1980 something Jari Sickle Mower that I was surprised to learn was still in production.

I had last ran this in my teens for my grandfather on the property.  I'm sure it had sit unused since then, and would have made it to the recycler had a close friend not sang its glories when its appendage removing sickle was directed toward to grasses taller than me.  A few trips to the parts store and she sprang to life.

I call it the Mangler.

Last ran during the Reagan Administration, this self propelled monstrosity is least likely to start a Summer fire other than in your lungs as you desperately try to keep up with its single speed on the steep grades.


But oh, nothing munches on the woody stalks of recalcitrant star thistle like it.

Field Mowing

Warm weather is here now in Northern California and the hills are starting to turn brown, as they must.   The grass has mostly stopped growing which is good because I'm not sure how many more times I'm going to be able get out the mower without the worry of sparking a fire.  The only plant left to grow now is that darned star thistle, a literal thorn in my side.

A gopher ran out across the field today while I was mowing.  He wasn't very fast and I could have easily stepped on him.  But I didn't.  I didn't have the heart.  I figure I haven't lost any trees yet so, maybe some other day.  That reminds me, one time I was helping grandpa clean out a shed and as he hefted an old carboard box around a large rat popped out and dropped to the floor.  Grandpa didn't miss a beat and slammed his foot on that poor rat, who like a cartoon, ballooned on both sides of of Grandpa's foot.  Best part was, when he lifted his foot, that dang rat ran off like nothing happened!

Anyway, that mower deck for the Deere sure is paying for itself.  I've mowed the fields three times now with it.  Even with my time included we're well ahead of hiring the mowing out.