My wife doesn't get it, but you will! PICS

[jix]

So, I've been a pretend tractor guy for a while now with my Kubota G1900 garden tractor (really just a killer diesel lawn mower) and have just acquired a BX 1860. I know that's still a pretend tractor to many of you, but I am thrilled. My wife, on the other hand, seems only capable of feigning passing interest. I've tried to explain to her that "a man ain't no kind of a man what but he don't have something with a hydraulic cylinder." "Meh," she says, "we live in a subdivision - what on earth are you going to do with that thing?" "Stuff" didn't seem to be a very satisfactory answer to her.

I've already got a whole mental list of projects and can't wait to get some seat time. I look at all the landscaping and outdoor projects I've done with wheelbarrows and shovels and I don't know why I've waited this long. For instance, I've got a patio/retaining wall made of 25 tons of cut stone. It's located in an area where I couldn't get a truck close so I had to move it all by wheelbarrow to the building site! I really didn't consider it at the time but I don't know why I didn't rent a machine for a couple of days instead of breaking my back for a couple of weeks!

Bought the tractor with 134 hours and the previous owner threw in a snow blade, piranha bar, under armor plate, ballast box, and 4 bar tires/rims. Everything is almost like new. Good guy, and I appreciate following a meticulous owner.

I've learned a lot through this forum and appreciate the expertise shared here. I've picked up a lot of good information about my garden tractor which, surprisingly, has the same D722 motor that the new BX does. Configured slightly different, but same model number.

So, my plan is to try to get my wife on the machine and let her see just how awesome it is so it will be HER idea to order bucket hooks, lights, etc. Any advice?

Jeff

Yep...One idea... Put her on the wheelbarrow.
My wife didn't mind me buying the Kioti after last winters impossible snow fall. When she whined about the driveway, I handed her the snow shovel and the linament Lol.

Jix

 

[Ironmagz]

Yep...One idea... Put her on the wheelbarrow.
My wife didn't mind me buying the Kioti after last winters impossible snow fall. When she whined about the driveway, I handed her the snow shovel and the linament Lol.

Jix

Yep... that's good right there!!

 

[varmint]

I'm a little late to this party, but congratulations- that looks like a nice, new machine, and you are on your way to outfitting it so it can do all sorts of stuff.

You want LED lights! You could add 4 27W lights with good switches for well under $100, which means it hardly counts as an expense. Being able to work safely, and easily, at night might come in real handy, like plowing in a heavy snow storm to stay on top of it? Pallet forks? Grapple? Hooks on the bucket are almost a must, and some chains if you don't have them already. Harbor Freight has them on sale every now and then.

 

[Leejohn]

You do need lights and hooks. In my case I would get them and when the wife goes shopping put them on. It well be weeks before she will see them. When she does see them just say, honey you were so upset about me getting the tractor you just didn't see them they where there all the time. Act all upset she didn't look at your new tractor better.

PS: Before you do this get you bedroll in the shop!!

 

[dragoneggs]

You do need lights and hooks. In my case I would get them and when the wife goes shopping put them on. It well be weeks before she will see them. When she does see them just say, honey you were so upset about me getting the tractor you just didn't see them they where there all the time. Act all upset she didn't look at your new tractor better.

PS: Before you do this get you bedroll in the shop!!

Yep the BXpanded.com hooks work great and you can install them in seconds (before she knows it). The lights... definitely if you want to get home at night (to the dog house?). Not endorsing this seller in particular but I mounted 4 LEDs 27W, 2 rear and 2 facing front on the ROPS.

Amazon.com: Xtreme® 4" Inch 9 LED 27 Watt 4x4 Square Cube LED Work Lamp Light 2160 Lumen Lamp Offroad Light For Truck, 4WD, Atv, Utv, Polaris Ranger, Jeep, Truck, Tractor, Boat (4 Pack, 27W Square, Flood Light): Automotive

Here is my mod... looks like the lumens are higher now than what I bought but plenty bright.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/299015-led-light-install-but-look.html?highlight=

 

[varmint]

I got the light bug from reading Dragonegg's and 4shorts excellent threads on lighting, but getting into Click Bond was pricey, so I just went with some #10 cap screws and small holes in the rops for the wire looms, and used 1/4 -28 aircraft bolts to mount my alum. angle light brackets. (I can't have stuff inside the ROPS, due to a post hole auger handle that swings here and there.) All six lights totaled a whooping $80 or so. Plenty of empty plastic dash area to install switches. I would have mounted the lights higher, but my ROPS has to be down to get into our little barn. It measures as if it will clear, but it doesn't. I know this.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Any single upgrade for $100 or less does not require permission, consent, acquiescence, or forgiveness.

Beyond that it depends on cash flow and bravery.

Example, I told my wife I was getting a new MIG welder build my cab. Later she asked me what that cost. I told her it was about the same price of a new set of golf clubs. Oh, she said. Think about the price range of golf clubs. She had no idea but kinda understood that I was not going to ask for permission nor disclose the price. I could never have gotten away with that with my first wife.

 

[mecan]

It's easier to if she's not home when ups/FedEx delivers but you are. Or at least get home before she does. Boxes waiting on the porch tends to bring questions if not wrath....

 

[mshumack]

Any single upgrade for $100 or less does not require permission, consent, acquiescence, or forgiveness.

!!!! :thumbsup:

 

[BigBoyToys]

It must be a GUY thing!
I suffer from an incurable disease with no know cure... "I SEE...I LIKE...I BUY"!!! :confused3:
Over the years my wife has tried many "home remedies" and I've been in remission a few time. But when she see the big brown truck pull up she knows I've had a relapse!!! :laughing: