Tractor Update

So, it's almost been a year since I purchase the Craftsman DYS 4500 Yard Tractor from Sears, and I've been meaning to post an update for a while.

Over the past year I've put almost 100 hours on the tractor (I know this because they have hour meters instead of odometers). I've used it to cut grass, dethatch, aerate, sweep and mulch leaves, haul dirt, and even plow snow. I've changed the oil several times, changed the tires, and even made some repairs (see Tractor Repair). I've done a lot with the little machine, much more than I anticipated.

Reliability has never been a problem. It always starts the first time I turn the key and I wouldn't expect any less (it's still young and lives in the garage). Performance has been very good. I've done much that just cut the grass with this tractor and it's stepped up to every challenge.

Overall I'm very pleased with the purchase. It has met my expectations very well. This success however, has lead to one small problem: now I want to do even more with my tractor! After seeing the potential of this machine, I've found several other things that it could be used for. The bad news is that for ground engaging tasks (such as landscape grading) you need a "Garden" tractor, and unfortunatly the DYS 4500 is not one.

I didn't think much about the difference between a "Yard" and "Garden" tractor at the time of purchase (I was too busy with all the other specifications), but now I realize that there is a significant difference. A "Garden Tractor" (or GT) has several things a "Yard" or "Lawn" tractor does not, including:

• Stronger frame with thicker steel.
• Bigger wheels, usually 23" in diameter.
• Stronger and more powerful, heavy-duty transmission.
• Capability for ground engaging attachments (via 3-point hitch).

With this in mind, if I was making the tractor selection decision again, I'd probably choose an upgrade to the extra capability offered by a GT. This would also help elevate my concern that perhaps I've been working the DYS 4500 a little bit too hard, and that maybe pulling more than 500lbs of dirt up a hill might be pushing it's limits?

In summary, one could describe the DYS 4500 as an over-powered Lawn Tractor that will leave you wishing for more. That however, would not reflect the fact that it's a great machine that will easily cut grass and much more.

Happy New Year

We spent Christmas in England this year. The weather was pleasant, and although a bit cold, it did not rain once. We visited several pubs. Dan ate fish and chips and stocked up on tea and biscuits. We saw family and friends and had good times.

Best wishes to all for the new year.

Snow Storm

December continues to be a month of excessive weather. Over the past weekend we received approximately 12 inches of snow, probably more. The storm began on Friday, briefly eased on Saturday, and then continued into Sunday.

Of course the driveway was a challenge throughout. We made several attempts at clearing snow, but in the end, I think the storm got the better of us (this time).


The snow has finally stopped, the sun is shining, but temperatures remain below freezing. That's leading to icy conditions as the snow melts in the sun before refreezing. On a positive note we managed to fit in some excellent snow-shoeing and even some sledding.

Torrential Rain

After 5 inches of rain in three days, the brook was close to overflowing and new streams were washing through the woods. These photos were taken soon after the rain stopped.

First Snow

Snow! A couple of hours worth of snowfall during the night left 1-2 inches on the ground this morning. Not a huge amount, but just enough to cover everything in a white blanket that really makes it look like winter outside.

It was just enough snow to practice with the snowplough (where lessons were learned). But not enough for Erin to try out the sled on the hill.

I'm sure it's only a mater of time.