Last year I put the tracks on Moon Bug the first week of November, and it was late. Late as in I sat home waiting for a storm to melt to get all the gear together, and get my truck properly down the mountain for the over winter stretch ahead. Late in the sense my neighbors left the mountain on tracks whilst mine sat idle.
I am putting tracks on earlier this year, today in fact. It feels even earlier due to the milder October we’re having versus last year. In 2020 I got my first 8 inches of heavy wet snow on September 8th and October was cold, heavy, and laden with several snow storms. This year I got the mildest of snow dusting on the last day of September. Comparatively, this October we have had one storm, there are still aspens clinging to their leaves, and yesterday was t-shirt weather before dinner time.
Last year it took me seven hours over the course of two days to put my tracks on. I sat in the bellowing winds both days, struggling, learning, and precariously jacking up Moon Bug with improper gear.
Today I reflect upon last year, and I am far better prepared. A large floor jack will lift one end of Moon Bug in twenty seconds instead of layered jacking. I have air tools to remove tire and install track lugs. I have the experience of having done this before, both installing last Fall and removing this Spring.
Compared to my two day adventure last year? I expect it to go smoothly today. I have had three separate offers from friends to help me install them. I am taking one friend up on that offer today, and now? It will still be work, but I have help, company, and will have great conversations during the work. A small self reflection, but compared to a year ago, this is another good aspect of the changes the ranch can proffer a man.
