Day 268

As we have continued with the restoration process, we have looked at different equipment. Knowing it is an investment and that we have many uses for larger equipment, we haven't yet pulled the trigger on new purchases for a few reasons. First, wanting to recoup some of our savings after a yearlong house renovation, we aren't ready to spend money unless we absolutely have to. We also aren't quite sure exactly what we need so we don't want to spend money frivolously, especially at such a large scale.

When we first bought the farm, we had a regular push mower, a push behind trimmer, a very old riding lawn mower donated to us, a refurbished riding lawn mower we bought from a friend, and a broken down riding mower left behind by the previous owner. Within a few weeks, the trimmer stopped working, the rider we bought had major mechanical issues, and we realized the mower left behind wasn't worth salvaging. With just over twenty acres to manage, we knew this simply wouldn't cut it. 

Literally and figuratively.

Fortunately, we have found local friends who have been able to assist with some smaller projects around the farm. We have also paid our restoration partner to help with more major restoration projects. However, we are always keeping our eyes open should an equipment opportunity arise.

At this point, we still have the original (and oddly most reliable) push behind mower, a trimmer that works sporadically, and a rider that barely moves. We have also added an industrial mower that is used primarily for trailbuilding and maintaining. 

With winter on the horizon, new or at least “new to us” equipment isn’t an immediate need, but that doesn't mean we aren’t still looking. Maybe we will add a new rider. Maybe we will find a suitable tractor at an even more suitable price.  Maybe we will find a machine we haven’t considered or know anything about. We are open to adding equipment that will help us reach our goals without breaking the bank. 

Of course, if we continue our “the more you grow, the less you mow” mentality, maybe we won't need too much more equipment after all.