Lawnmower Man

Mike Blankenhorn · Post by **Mike Blankenhorn** » Sat May 23, 2009 8:43 pm

I would be happy to take on the responsibility of lawn mowing now that the motorcycle, my only transportation besides Greblo, will be back in commission again next week. I live 15 minutes away in Tujunga and possess enough mechanical knowledge and skill to keep the damn thing running as well.
So unless someone else has already expressed a deep desire to engage in this botanical mutilation...let me have at it!

BudRob · Post by **BudRob** » Sun May 24, 2009 8:25 am

Mike,

You are the first I have heard to step up and I doubt anyone will fight you for it. I heard yesterday that the mower "just stopped cutting" so was put away without completing the job. It may be the belt slipping or maybe the blades need sharpening. If you want to fix it and jump on, I will be there daily and can help on whatever you may need.

lswendt · Post by **lswendt** » Thu May 28, 2009 2:03 pm

It's my understanding that we PAY gardeners for providing that service.

Board, speak up here.

lw

BudRob · Post by **BudRob** » Sat May 30, 2009 12:13 pm

I spoke to Mike about this last week and he stated he was ready to take over the mowing as soon as he got the mower completly operational. I am not sure when that might be. Today the grass was once again mowed by whoever we pay for doing it.

When Mike says that the mower is 100% ready, I think the board should consider dropping the service, unless there is some kind of contract. I am not familiar how this service was obtained so I do not know. I think it should be discussed at the next board meeting.

Until then, Mike can do it on the off weeks since the service only mows it every 2 weeks and it really needs to be mowed weekly.

Mike - what is the status of the mower?

max · Post by **max** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:34 am

I took the mower a part need to weld some brackets and replace the blades so it might be down for another week or two

dhmartens · Post by **dhmartens** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:34 pm

I think we need to determine the area to be mowed and walk it and remove all rocks and things that would damage the blade or stretch the belts. I heard about its history and all the things it ran over including gopher mounds. I wonder if anyone has any idea how fast it should be driven - It seems to go pretty fast - and how high the blade should be set on the different terrain types.

Oh, what about the 2 beer minimum before operating?

http://willardssmallengines.com/shop/mu ... page1.html

has a list of many different blade types including mulching. None can cut gopher Mohawks though.

the Mower is a Murray 42813x14a built in 1974.

Similar to ours but with the 42" cut deck removed

WingNutz · Post by **WingNutz** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 9:26 am

Max -

I'm happy to do the welding. Just show me again all that it needs. I can go out there tomorrow, if that's convenient for all.

Larry

dhmartens · Post by **dhmartens** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:24 am

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... _200128924

I wonder if it could be fitted with a small utility trailer/dump cart for hauling compost to increase the topsoil depth or haul jugs of water distances for watering/fire fighting etc.

max · Post by **max** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:22 pm

Thanks Larry but I got the blade assembly at my shop and I'm working on so be patient grasshopper

Mike Blankenhorn · Post by **Mike Blankenhorn** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 3:53 pm

As the vehicle I am using is not mine I kinda jumped the gun on this one. Unfortunately I will need my own vehicle before I can commit to this. I just got a sales job at Fry's electronics and would be happy to start mowing the lawn once my transportation issues are resolved