My wife and I purchased a new RK24 approximately 10 months ago. So far it's been down about six weeks all toll. A day after it was delivered, both rear axel seals leaked and a mechanic from their main distribution center came and picked it up. Ok, stuff happens, right? About a month ago the hydraulic operator control valve for the backhoe sprung a leak. I have to admit that I figured it was just an O-ring. I had O-rings but naturally I didn't have the correct metric size. So, I ordered a variety pack from China. A week or so later they arrived and I installed the O-ring. It did slow down the leak but didn't stop it. Next I took the line off and used my cell phone camera to take a picture of the threaded area where the line thread in. I enlarged it and found a crack starting just below the seat and running to the outer edge of the valve casting. I contacted the dealer and he contacted the main office. A new valve was ordered and the mechanic showed up to install the valve. Of course, the valve appeared to be the correct one, BUT WAS NOT. Ok, the mechanic used his cell phone and called the main distribution center. Since he was an hour late he couldn't have overnight delivery. Before he left he said that since this was Tuesday the valve should be in by Friday. Ok, now it's Friday and no call to let me know when or if he will be here. Or, the part didn't come in. Or, they once again sent the wrong valve. The reason I'm telling you this story is to let you know what you could be letting yourself into. Funny, I never found the multitude of problems that apparently plague all the compact tractors. That is, not until I began having problems myself. I've been back and forth on whether or not I would buy another RK tractor. Just the other day I stated that the tractor itself was a good tractor. The problems lie in the people who assemble them on the line, and available of parts. Keeping your customers informed about what's going on is important. Supply chain is important. The absence of all these things can put any business out of business. Want to buy a good tractor? I'd recommend you purchase a very old John Deer, the older the better. Granted, it will not have four wheel drive but I can also guarantee you that it will run forever. Pick up a bucket and A backhoe if you need one. When it comes to tractors, older is better, much better.