Good morning, DIY enthusiasts and heavy machinery aficionados! We’re back with another adventure, this time tackling a common issue many of us face with older machinery – especially when it’s been left out in the cold. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why won’t my skid steer start?” you’re in the right place. Join us as we navigate the challenges of getting an old John Deere skid steer back in action, sharing our journey and tips for fellow DIYers along the way.
Despite the chilly weather and the constraints of a tight schedule (we’re squeezing this project into a weekend and the precious few hours after work), our spirits are high. The cold has been relentless, but we’ve been fortunate with a short break in the weather. Our mission is clear: to make the most of our limited time and see how much we can accomplish.
One of the first hurdles we encountered was a potential oversight – did we disconnect the battery last time? It’s a common mistake that can lead to a dead battery, a lesson we seem to learn the hard way more often than we’d like to admit. As we approach the skid steer, the moment of truth awaits us. Will it start, or has the cold claimed another victim?
As we inspect the skid steer, we discover a rather unexpected issue – a fresh pile of what appears to be animal droppings right where we least expected it. It seems we’re not the only ones who found the skid steer to be a cozy spot during the cold days. Preparing to start the skid steer, we half-jokingly warn that we might have a furry friend dash out in a panic. But, against all odds, the skid steer roars to life, much to our amazement and relief.
The surprise doesn’t end there, though. What we initially thought might be a simple battery issue turns out to be a mini habitat for what we suspect is a pack rat. Armed with determination and a can-do attitude, we set out to clear the unexpected nest from our skid steer, using tools in ways they were never intended. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness that DIY projects often require.
As we work through the challenges, from clearing out the pack rat’s temporary home to ensuring the skid steer is operational, we’re reminded of the joys and unpredictability of working with old machinery. The satisfaction of bringing an old John Deere skid steer back to life, against the odds and amidst the quirks of DIY adventures, is unparalleled.
In the end, our weekend project is a success. We’ve navigated the hurdles of cold weather, tight schedules, and unexpected wildlife encounters, all while breathing life back into our beloved skid steer. For fellow DIYers facing similar challenges, remember that sometimes, all it takes is a bit of creativity, persistence, and perhaps a new battery, to overcome the odds.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Until next time, keep those old machines running and your DIY spirit high!
#offgridliving #skidsteers #arizonadesert