How to convince parents that a subcompact is a good idea

[wotandbuy]

Hi all, second post here, so please let me know if this is the wrong place.

With my parents aging rapidly (both entering their 60s) and my father working a hard labor job all his life, I've been warming up to the idea of a subcompact for general houswork.

My concerns are

My father's age and career causing issues with pains ect. This is further pushed along by his "can do" attitude, it deeply worries me that oneday he'll overstress himself and 000 will ring to say he's in hospital. And sadly it's becoming more of a plausible thought

The others are,
My mother deeply loves gardening, but due to our soil type being clay it's borderline impossible to work in. And the planter boxes are a PITA (ground shifts therefore they just break, unless built out of tungsten). Therefore I need a way to ensure that she can atleast continue gardening without risking more injuries.

The need of heavy lifting, this one rings moreso for my father. However he routinely pushes himself, and I believe a FEL will atleast avoid that and keep it to a bare minimum.

The power steering would help, as our ground has many ruts and divets, and I can personally attest to nearly having my wrist broken driving into one on our lawnmower

The necessity to hold value somewhat, as they will be able to sell it to retire with some extra money (re I buy it off them and sneak in a few 1'000$ extra).

The sheer cost of contractors (yes a tractor is 35000$) but atleast it's not a sudden payment, whereas multiple times we have needed contractors that cost far too much

Whislt I understand this is a unusual request, as a 17yo I reasonably should be finding out how to turbo my mother's car, however I'd rather find a way to atleast improve their QOL,then turbo later. I guess what I really want to ask is, as people who most likely have children yourselves, aswell as having experience buying and owning these machines, what would be some good selling points?


I've already agreed to pay 50/50 deposit on the machine at 30%, aswell as paying any Christmas and birthday money (or more realistically job income, as they somehow find the best darn T-shirts) towards it until the machine is paid off, however I need a further way to sweeten the deal as they say. Since understandably asking for a tractor and an Xbox are two very different things.

The brands I've considered are

Massey gc1725M
Kioti cs2610 (not the20 series, not available in aus)
[AFFILIATE=1, nofollow=true, newwindow=true, title="Kubota"]Kubota[/AFFILIATE] BX23s (least preferred)
And any other brands around that price point

 

[fidowanttobe]

I admire your attitude young man , your parents should be very proud.
Perhaps a week rental straightening out as much as possible the spring ruts and washouts and garden prepping would be the best advertisement for them to see how much more can be done in less time with minimal effort. After it is returned, subtle reminders during manual labor might help also that "this would be sooo much easier with a tractor, wouldn't it Dad?"

 

[bearthebruce]

I second @fidowanttobe post. I admire your desire to improve the QOL of your parents as they are aging.

I am 67 and I like to work smarter and not harder. Using a tractor to do the work rather than beating my body up, is a good thing.

Sensitivity to your dad's "Can Do" attitude has to factor in here. I too am a "Can do" guy. There is nothing I will not try. Taking that away from your dad might be worse than letting him strain some muscles. He may want to feel that pain to know that he is still alive and still can do. He will come to a point where he knows his strength is waning and he needs help. Maybe he is not there yet.

I like @fidowanttobe idea. Rent a tractor. Show how it can do more work, with less effort, in a shorter time. There is real value to that. Show how it can lift the loads that cause hard grunts. Show the power that can be delivered into a task.

I don't have experience with the sub-compact tractors to which you have referred. I know they can do a lot of work. I won't make a recommendation.

I wish you the best as you work to help your parents. It is an awesome task you have endeavored to take.

 

[Avenger]

You're definitely a good child thinking of your parents and their potential needs before your own. Many children seem to put themselves first. Good on ya!

No one likes to be told they are getting old and shouldn't preform certain tasks, especially by their friends or family. A daily reminder we already have is our creaking bones and aching muscles. The last thing we need is others telling us that we look/act old!

That said, your definitely on the correct path. Helping them financially to help themselves. Tractors are not cheap, but can be life changers. However, some like doing hard work. Your dad seems to be this type of person. He enjoys the satisfaction of doing something the 'hard way.' Using a tractor, on the surface, might seem like an advantage, but might also be seen as the ability to do more work. Here is what I mean: Your dad might have a project that he knows he will get to one of these days, but since its a ton of manual labor, the project might get pushed back until next year, then the next, and the year after that. He knows he may never get to the project. Then comes along a tractor that will do 75% of the hard work! No excuses anymore!! But that left over 25% might really suck!

But ok, lets assume your parents are willing and able to help you buy them a tractor. Some good selling points to get them there:

• Tractors help in getting things done in a timely fashion with less wear and tear on the body.
• You can use the tractor to help others, neighbors and friends. Maybe even make some side money!
• Maintenance on some models is easy to do, and if using the dealer, not horribly expensive.
• Emergency transport. This one is a stretch, but in a jamb it can get you where you need to be over rough terrain.
• Backup power! You can get a PTO driven generator, or simply an inverter hooked to the battery. Diesel engines can run a long time at low RPM.
• Land clearing. You didnt mention how much land your parents are on. But if they wanted to build anything, having a tractor makes prepping the area essential.
• They're simply FUN! I love tractors, they are fun to drive and work with.

There are many reasons to for tractor ownership. I couldn't imagine what life would be like without my tractor, and I've only owned my tractor for 5 years! I use my tractor for several different tasks: moving things around the place like trailers, fence posts, bricks, etc. Mowing. Snow removal, building projects, visiting my neighbors, making money, grading the driveway, tilling the garden, feeding livestock, moving boxes, pulling people out of the ditch, spreading gravel, burning slash piles, land clearing... the list goes on and on!

But I honestly wouldn't push too hard. Pushing too hard might push them away. Maybe rent a tractor for a big project, see if it fits them. If not, drop the idea. I wish you luck on this endeavor. Welcome to the forum, and please keep us updated on what you and your parents decide.

 

[alexpops]

Not sure what the lending laws are where you are (in Australia?) but if it was me, I'd get a job & start saving then buy it for them as a gift. (look used rather than new if you can't get a loan) Did that for my dad with a boat (after arranging for dock space) since he loves to fish, but would never spend the money on himself (or pay for charter trips on any regular basis). Your dad "can do" more once he has it, & if anything like my dad (94 yo) he won't believe that until he experiences it.

 

[Eagle1]

All I can say I got more stuff done in my yard in the first 6 months after buying a BX2200 than I did the previous 8 years with a garden tractor. Just having a FEL to move dirt and "stuff" became a epiphany as to what was possible.
Last my son bought "us" a bigger tractor now that the BX has 4500 hour and we needed a backhoe.

 

[2manyrocks]

My advice to you is to first prepare yourself for the best earnings potential career you can attain. A tractor will be much more affordable without straining yourself after you have the opportunity to have a good earnings stream. It will also expand your ability to care for your parents as they age.

I am 100% serious about this.

 

[2manyrocks]

And .... your parents may be self sufficient as they go into their 60s. As they head into their 80s, their needs may change in unexpected ways. Today, it may seem like age 37 is far off for you, but it will come faster than you think. You may have family responsibilities of your own. It isn't uncommon to face family responsibilities and the needs of aging parents at the same time.

You are about to enter a transitional phase of your own life. Prepare yourself as well as you can for what the future may hold. Whatever your interests, abilities, and options are available to you, give it your best effort. Work towards preparing yourself to having the ability to care for your parents when they need you the most.

 

[hornett22]

Hi all, second post here, so please let me know if this is the wrong place.

With my parents aging rapidly (both entering their 60s) and my father working a hard labor job all his life, I've been warming up to the idea of a subcompact for general houswork.

My concerns are

My father's age and career causing issues with pains ect. This is further pushed along by his "can do" attitude, it deeply worries me that oneday he'll overstress himself and 000 will ring to say he's in hospital. And sadly it's becoming more of a plausible thought

The others are,
My mother deeply loves gardening, but due to our soil type being clay it's borderline impossible to work in. And the planter boxes are a PITA (ground shifts therefore they just break, unless built out of tungsten). Therefore I need a way to ensure that she can atleast continue gardening without risking more injuries.

The need of heavy lifting, this one rings moreso for my father. However he routinely pushes himself, and I believe a FEL will atleast avoid that and keep it to a bare minimum.

The power steering would help, as our ground has many ruts and divets, and I can personally attest to nearly having my wrist broken driving into one on our lawnmower

The necessity to hold value somewhat, as they will be able to sell it to retire with some extra money (re I buy it off them and sneak in a few 1'000$ extra).

The sheer cost of contractors (yes a tractor is 35000$) but atleast it's not a sudden payment, whereas multiple times we have needed contractors that cost far too much

Whislt I understand this is a unusual request, as a 17yo I reasonably should be finding out how to turbo my mother's car, however I'd rather find a way to atleast improve their QOL,then turbo later. I guess what I really want to ask is, as people who most likely have children yourselves, aswell as having experience buying and owning these machines, what would be some good selling points?


I've already agreed to pay 50/50 deposit on the machine at 30%, aswell as paying any Christmas and birthday money (or more realistically job income, as they somehow find the best darn T-shirts) towards it until the machine is paid off, however I need a further way to sweeten the deal as they say. Since understandably asking for a tractor and an Xbox are two very different things.

The brands I've considered are

Massey gc1725M
Kioti cs2610 (not the20 series, not available in aus)
[AFFILIATE='1, nofollow=true, newwindow=true, title="Kubota"']Kubota[/AFFILIATE] BX23s (least preferred)
And any other brands around that price point

You mean 30% interest?

 

[mikester]

I'd be willing to adopt a kid who helps around the place without being asked 13 times, buys me new tools, and pays rent, and doesn't hog the internet connection at night when we try to watch netflix.

 

[Torvy]

You mean 30% interest?

I read it as the deposit is 30% down and he was offering to pay half of that.

I don't speak Australian, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

 

[scaredychicken]

wotandbuy - Welcome to the TBN forum

i have so much to say, but i will try to be brief (you can send me a private message anytime).

1) you are a remarkable young man, and remind me a lot of my Son In Law who is about 5 yrs older than you.
2) I'm feeling a bit older suddenly, being 58 yrs old... I have a brother in Australia.
3) I have had a physical disability since birth, and much of my life is compromised (balancing, walking, carrying items etc) ... I have Cerebral Palsy to a moderate / significant impact. (you can ask me, or google it to better understand that limitation). I am only sharing that because the tractor has been such a blessing to me. I do a fair amount of physical work and activity, it just takes me longer, and I need to be careful. The tractor aids in almost everything outside. Let me just say that I have a hobby farm and the tractor is my friend. There are times when one of my (tractor knowledgeable) friends stops by, and has no hesitation to assist me, especially if the tractor is out.
4) I considered all of those tractors, and am glad that my tractor - the [AFFILIATE=1, nofollow=true, newwindow=true, title="Kubota"]Kubota[/AFFILIATE] BX23S actually made it onto your shortlist - mine is easy to operate and certainly saves me a lot of work. I have completed things that I could not have imagined doing without it. It is my first tractor ever. I love it. Kioti was my second choice actually - part of my decision was dealer proximity and my overall connection with the dealership.
5) re: mom's love for gardening - the tractor can do a lot of things to assist with gardening, and a small tractor can operate in confined areas. She may also enjoy having a Green House as another way of doing gardening and showing off her skills.

My first thought is to take your parents to a local / area Tractor Dealership and have them learn about the tractors, try out different features, to see what they like. There may also be used tractors to consider.

Perhaps you know a person with a tractor, a friendly farmer etc. to get further insight from.

There may be a way to get a short term tractor rental for a week or so, to check it out on the property.

All the best in your efforts to make things easier for your parents. This could be a fun time. Thank You for posting.

 

[hornett22]

I read it as the deposit is 30% down and he was offering to pay half of that.

I don't speak Australian, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

I guess that could be the case. I guess I'm not as fluent in Australian as I thought.

 

[hornett22]

I'm assuming without looking it up that there is a substantial different in the value of a dollar in australia too. $35,000 for a BX? I hope it has a backhoe, a cab, and a personal assistant that come with it.

I do admire your willingness to help your parents. Nice to see someone thinking of others once in a while.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I'm assuming without looking it up that there is a substantial different in the value of a dollar in australia too. $35,000 for a BX? I hope it has a backhoe, a cab, and a personal assistant that come with it.

I do admire your willingness to help your parents. Nice to see someone thinking of others once in a while.

So far as I understand, all new tractors sold in Australia are imported; that alone must add a good chunk to the overall price.

 

[duffer]

First off, you get my rarely used "at-a-boy" award!

Having past 60'ish more than 10 years ago, I can confidently tell you that your father probably does not consider himself "old" like you do. Especially with his can do attitude. The problem with us "old guys" is that our minds are still 30 years old, but our bodies are 100. Guys, (unlike some other genders) are pretty much logical. Every now and again you should remind your father of the age "difference" between his mind and his bodily abilities. And if he pulls his back out, he might be unable to do the simple things for months.

And if he's as active as you say, he's used his fair amount of tools in his life. Subtle reminders of "let the tool do the work" will get him going down the path you want. Part of his research might be to read this thread.

I can honestly say that 99.9% of the guys (and guyettes) on here, have never had a second thought about getting their tractor once they've had it for a while. I use mine 3-5 times a week for so many different tasks it's hard to list them.

 

[check]

Wotandby, how big is your parents’ property? And are you still living with them?

 

[hornett22]

So far as I understand, all new tractors sold in Australia are imported; that alone must add a good chunk to the overall price.

They may have a VAT tax as well. Who knows. I've never been and never plan on going.

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN!

One thing you should think about is the old saying of "Use it or lose it." It's true. If your can-do father is physically active, and has no serious health issues, he may use yard work as a form of 'using it' to keep his body in shape. A tractor, while very useful (I love mine), will promote riding VS walking when it comes to lawn mowing. If he gets other forms of exercise, well, the point is moot. If he doesn't, be prepared to see a slowdown of his physical condition in a short period of time.

My best advice would be to ask your folks what they want.

 

[GeneV]

I love reading this sort of stuff, you're a real good son to your P's. Yeh if they do their own yardwork and stuff, and are on some land, a small tractor with a loader is a serious force multiplier. Even for a younger dude like me, I'm fairly fit but doing my property with a garden tractor, hand tools and a dump cart got old, so I sprang for a Massey GC tractor. But they are costly, so only you guys would know if the investment is really worth it for you.