Getting A Leg Up On Winter
Skippy grows another whole foot

Skippy is only a subcompact tractor, a 1025R John Deere, but it is perfect for me and the tasks at hand. My property is heavily wooded, and the tractor has enough ground clearance and large enough tires to navigate over irregular ground. However, it is also narrow enough to fit between trees and travel down narrow paths.

It is used to haul dirt, dig trenches, grapple fallen trees and hold them for the chainsaw. It deep trenches for French drain excavation. It is also used to dig and pull out tree stumps, haul firewood, and carry heavy items back and forth between shop and worksite. It is the diminutive workhorse that snow blows deep heavy snow from 100 yards of driveway and opens paths for utility access and out buildings

I could not get along with out it and it’s three cylinder diesel engine and mid and rear PTOs. Still, there was one area of irreconcilable differences. Skippy’s left side step is 20″ high and I am built like a neanderthal; 6’5″ from the waist up, 5′ tall from the waist down, combined for a 28″ inseam. So in the winter, with snow boots and climbing aboard in deep snow, I had as much chance sliding under the tractor, as I did climbing up into its seat.

An accessory step is inline with the bottom of the loader arm, or 6″ lower that that of the tractor step, but not hanging low to catch on things. Only a left side is needed, as tractors are not boarded from the right where there is a chance of foot, gut or butt contact with tractor system controls. All of the significant system controls are on the right or on the dash.

The opening picture illustrates all that is required: a torque wrench that will click at 223 Ft.Lbs or 302 Fig Newtons, a 24mm shallow socket, Loctite Blue 242 or 243. I used 242 because I have it on hand, and because I scrubbed the bolts with carburetor/choke cleaner and a brush. I know, “What’s a carburetor? What’s a Choke?”. Ask someone older, like over 35.

To keep the loader arm in place while work is in progress, only two of the loader arm mount bolts are removed. 223 Ft. Lbs may not seem like much, but with a 22″ long wrench, I needed to stand on the loader arm mount support and stand on the torque wrench handle to break the bolts. I usually use the hollow handle from the floor jack over the wrench handle for added leverage, but it would not fit over this torque wrench’s handle.

The step is hung at the first hole with the blue Loctite coated bolt finger tight. Then the top bolt is removed, the step is swung up into position and the two remaining bolts are coated with thread locker and installed finger tight. All are then torqued to 223 Ft.Lbs.

Finally. It was an intense fifteen minute process, including test stepping. There is room for my boot toe, and no more doing chin-ups on the seat armrest. Yeah for me!

Meanwhile, back in the oven…

Turkey breast roasted to 165°F with giblet gravy and a side of sausage, baby bell mushrooms and white rice dressing. Somehow I forgot to prepare a vegetable. Well seasoned and quite tasty, especially when served with football. Followed by a slice of pumpkin pie, cool whip and dark roast coffee.

Why do I go through the trouble, since it is only me? Good question. That’s like asking why I make my bed every morning, take a shower, etc. and wear laundered clothes. Thanksgiving mostly incorporates family and friends, but they are joined to give thanks to the Lord for all we have received. Being on your own has no less reason to honor the day and give thanks. The rest is respect for the life we have been granted.  Even without veggies on the plate.

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