When I took Jake out to a farm this fall (you may have seen this post with the big tires!), he couldn’t wait to get a tractor started and moving. But wait he did.
Our new friend Fred wanted to treat Jake like he would a grown up in the same situation. He took time to walk through all the controls in the cab, explaining what they did before Jake got a feel for the driver’s seat. Jake was grinning getting in the tractor, by the time he touched controls, he was busting with excitement. But that was still just the promise…. Fred told Jake he needed to learn how to handle the tractor first. That meant insuring the visibility was at its maximum potential (ie, washing the windshield), helping get the gas pumped and (my personal favorite) climbing high up on a tire to check the oil. Yep, Jake had to work for the opportunity to get a tractor moving and his mom and I were thrilled with the experience he was getting!
After doing several of the chores, and making sure Jake understood how things worked, Fred thought the two of them were ready for a ride with the grain cart. Jake ran full speed to the next tractor at the very thought. The engine revved and they began reviewing controls & moving. And then a moment Jake couldn’t have dreamed would happen…. Fred let him take the wheel! And the memories will last FOREVER!
Thanks Frank and Fred for such incredible hospitality on our day…. and for the rest of you, there are more photos and tales of Jake’s adventure to come!
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I want a lesson from Fred, too!
He’s on the other coast but I bet I can get a farmer closer to you to do one too. I don’t think you’ve met the incredible Dino Giacomazzi who’s up near Hanford. His son Miro could help with the tour too!
Great photos – looks like Jake had a fabulous day!
Its a day made for guys at his age! And his mom was soaking up the day too! 🙂
Great shots of a super kid having a wonderful day! My John Deere is a bit smaller than that, but I have a lot less land to care for.
You have the tool for the job at hand though! Before we went, I ask Jake what color tractors he thought Frank had (Fred’s a hired hand I hadn’t met before) and he looked at me like that was a dumb question and said green of course. I’ll have to give Case and other tractor companies equal time I guess! LOL
That’s great. A it’s always rewarding to show a kiddo how to do it right.
And he loved EVERY MINUTE of it! He was so focused!
I love this! Now THAT’s a tractor. We have Yanmars – significantly smaller. I love that someone took the time to explain how to work this huge piece of machinery. I bet your son will never forget this day!
Well, he’s my nephew but I can guarantee this has left an incredible impression on him. And besides, he’s getting John Deere gear for Christmas! 🙂 I’m not familiar with Yanmar tractors, what do you guys use them for cause I know it isn’t about photography LOL!
That is so awesome. They taught him so much with this experience, to value the prize when he earned it!! What a great day…something my boys would love as well.
I will be glad to help you find a farmer in your part of the world who could take time to show your kids around… seriously, I know folks all over and so many of them love cultivating the love of farming and equipment (pun intended with cultivating 😉 ).
Nothing runs like a Deere….lol Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Well a boy running toward a Deere is pretty fast but it wouldn’t have the consistency long term so you are right! LOL.