How to convince parents that a subcompact is a good idea

[ROUSTABOUT]

My dad is 75 and hops on and off tractors all day everyday. Saw him slip by with a load of logs headed to the sawmill yesterday. He and I fried fish for the whole family last night. Known nothing but hard labor all his life.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

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.

You've got to include all 75 genders nowadays.

 

[Eagle1]

You've got to include all 75 genders nowadays.

Just remember that gender reassignment surgery only has 2 options.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Just remember that gender reassignment surgery only has 2 options.

Yeah, but when the morality police catch up with you, they'll make you recite all 75 genders backwards while standing on one leg. Just a warning.

 

[lman]

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

Aren't most tractors or their assembly parts imported here?

 

[wotandbuy]

You mean 30% interest?

Sadly no, 30% deposit is the bare minimum for financing here, interest is normally 5-6~% and avg 2 years.

Trust me I'm highly jealous of the 80 months 0% financing I hear about, but sofar none of the lenders I've looked at can offer that. When we go looking in person later this year however, I'll be sure to check with the dealership

 

[wotandbuy]

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.

Thankyou so much, yes hopefully when we have some free time I'm planning to take them to the dealership. And I myself having a friend who has cerebral palsy understand the struggle, again thankyou

 

[wotandbuy]

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.

Haha yeah, I guess the Australian really shows late at night when I'm writing

 

[wotandbuy]

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.

Well, ours is 1.43 to every USD so, about 1.5X the USD price, or about 24000usd. Granted I'd prefer if that price had a few zeros taken off haha

 

[wotandbuy]

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

Well,that would really explain alot if true. As far as I know our models are definitely different. For instance we still use the 10 series kiotis, even though america is well into the 20 series. Minor annoyance as the 2520's are seemingly perfect. I do know however alot of Chinese equipment is sold here,so that would definitely explain