And then, depression set in.

So I got the engine running on the tractor. Yay me. Took long enough, but then I was just doing it in spare minutes, right? Not my tractor.

But then, having let it warm up through posting the previous, er, post, I go outside to play with it a bit. Take off the trickle charger, rescue my wrenches, swing the battery tray back over the engine.

Close the hood.

Climb into the seat.

Goose the throttle once or twice: Nice and smooth now.

Run the scoop up so it'll roll.

Engage the clutch. (Hm! That's a mighty easy clutch!)

Attempt to put it in gear. (GRIND)

Attempt to put it into another gear. (GRIND)

Hmm. I think maybe we got snookered.