DPF

[TractorNH]

Is the RK 3rd function a true 3rd function with a rocker switch like the WR Long VK12 or is it a diverter valve with a single push button like the VKS18 where you use the curl function of the bucket to operate the alternate hydraulic item?

 

[RK Tractor Guy]

Is the RK 3rd function a true 3rd function with a rocker switch like the WR Long VK12 or is it a diverter valve with a single push button like the VKS18 where you use the curl function of the bucket to operate the alternate hydraulic item?

It is a true 3rd function. The joysticks on the 37 and 55s come standard wired with a switch on the handle. The raise/lower and bucket tilt operate the same and the switch moves the 3rd function, in this case squeeze/open the grapple.

 

[RK Tractor Guy]

Appreciate everyone's comments, great to share information and perspective. Yes, the RK55 uses a DPF, which is predominant in 25 to 74 gross engine HP tractors. The EPA established emissions standards in HP slots; 24 and below, 25 to 74, 75 to 175, etc. We don't get into discussing competitor's products other than price, but love to talk about our tractors. The RK55H Cab is fully loaded, and so are the rear tires (RimGuard), as are all 37 and 55HP tractors sold with a loader. Yanmar four cylinder diesel engine, two sets of remotes standard, draft control standard, stall guard, HST sensitivity, cruise control, standard. 8-year powertrain warranty, parts & labor included, no deductible.

$29,998 is the price, same price, every day, every location. No assembly or inbound freight charges, ever. The Mahindra 2555 HST Cab lists for $45,350, but each dealer will end up selling it at different prices. None will get close to $29.9k though. If you want an RK BH8.5 backhoe with 18" bucket and mechanical thumb; $5,999. The Mahindra 65B backhoe with 18" bucket and mechanical thumb is $11,630 list. 3rd function kit? RK - $750. Mahindra - $1,302 list. Second set of remores? Included with RK, $565 list with Mahindra.

Add all that up and the RK55HC with loader, RimGuard, 2 sets of remotes, backhoe with 18" bucket with mechanical thumb, and 3rd function valve kit sells for $36,757, and the Mahindra 2555 HST Cab with loader, backhoe, 2 sets of rear remotes and 3rd function valve lists for $58,847. Again, each dealer will reduce that Mahindra list price, but not close to the $22k gap between RK selling price and Mahindra list price.

We are able to offer these prices for a couple of very simple reasons. One, we buy our tractors from TYM built to our specifications and brand, and then sell direct to the tractor buyer. Mahindra USA buys the 2555 from TYM in their specifications and brand, and then sell to Mahindra dealers, who in turn sell to the tractor buyers. Secondly, we are Rural King, and we have built our business since 1960 by offering lower prices on the things that farmers and rural lifestylers use for their work and to support their lifestyle.

With respect to service, we hired a leader that spent 25 years with John Deere and Lexis dealership groups, and he is building a parts & service infrastructure that will support our customers as well as anyone can. We have mobile techs with fully equipped service trucks to supplement our store shops and techs. We have nearly 2M sq/ft of distribution center space, and run our own truck fleet. We run trucks to our stores seven days a week. No tractor dealer is even open on a Sunday, and most are only open for a half day on Saturday, if at all.

Yes, we are proud of our tractors and our company. We are doing things in a very different way, and yes, it is sometimes hard to convince people that our tractors are as good as anyone else's, especially when the prices are so low. Fortunately, the word is getting out, and our biggest challenge at the moment is getting enough tractors to meet demand.



So there is an option to have a 3rd function installed, but will it be installed at the stores or would it have to be factory installed?

The install is done at the store for tractors already shipped to stores when a customer wants one and at one of our two tractor assembly centers when a customer order is placed for a tractor not presently in stock.

 

[majorwager]

Tractor nh,

With a straight face, you indicate that mihindra list prices are meaningless. The consumer is tasked w/ trying to determine the viability of their tractor purchase, yet there is such an extreme profit margin baked into the pricing structure, that $10,000 can be deducted from list and the dealer still realizes a profitable sale.? But the consumer should still maintain full faith in mahindra's integrity.?

The buying public will draw their own conclusions.

RK does not currently have a presence in New England. The dwindling population and exorbitant tax structure in MA and Ct, and totalitarian views toward sportsmen in general is a sufficient deterrent for any retail organization, dealing w/ goods offered by RK, to seek venues and business climates more favorable to their success. Not sure the business opportunities in the other NE States is any more appealing if the representatives sent to DC are any indication of public sentiment.

Decaying infrastructure, emasculated manufacturing base , severe opioid problems, and potential for negative growth further colors the NE business landscape.

 

[RK Tractor Guy]

Tractor nh,

With a straight face, you indicate that mihindra list prices are meaningless. The consumer is tasked w/ trying to determine the viability of their tractor purchase, yet there is such an extreme profit margin baked into the pricing structure, that $10,000 can be deducted from list and the dealer still realizes a profitable sale.? But the consumer should still maintain full faith in mahindra's integrity.?

The buying public will draw their own conclusions.

RK does not currently have a presence in New England. The dwindling population and exorbitant tax structure in MA and Ct, and totalitarian views toward sportsmen in general is a sufficient deterrent for any retail organization, dealing w/ goods offered by RK, to seek venues and business climates more favorable to their success. Not sure the business opportunities in the other NE States is any more appealing if the representatives sent to DC are any indication of public sentiment.

I’m a native New Englander having been born and raised in Cheshire CT. While my parents have passed and me and my siblings live elsewhere now, it is still home. We see lots of opportunities in NE, people will always like to have a large selection of things they use at low prices.

 

[Threepoint]

We don't get into discussing competitor's products other than price, but love to talk about our tractors. The RK55H Cab is fully loaded, and so are the rear tires (RimGuard), as are all 37 and 55HP tractors sold with a loader. Yanmar four cylinder diesel engine, two sets of remotes standard, draft control standard, stall guard, HST sensitivity, cruise control, standard. 8-year powertrain warranty, parts & labor included, no deductible.[snip]

RK Tractor Guy, glad you're on the forum. :thumbsup:

I'm confused as to which of the features you list above are standard on the RK37, as distinguished from the RK55. And if not standard, whether they are available as upgrades. E.g., I thought the RK37 comes standard with only one set of rear remotes, no cruise control, no telescoping lower link arms. Can a second, and even a third set of rear remotes be ordered with the tractor? How about the other features, if not standard? I.e., draft and cruise control, and HST sensitivitity, which I assume is what Kioti and some others call "linked pedal"?

Also, does RK have published pricing yet for any of the features that are upgrades? Also, is there pricing yet for the 3rd function? I gather the 3rd function can be ordered with both the RK37 and the RK55, since a toggle switch is pre-installed on the joystick.

I'm interested in the RK37 open-station as a possible future replacement for my smaller, 25 y/o loader tractor. Quite impressive on specs, although it might be a bit large for the amount of maneuverability I'd want. BTW, I didn't see a published turning radius in the specs. Also, do you happen to know the length of the RK37 overall, with loader installed? From end of link arms to the cutting edge of the loader in down position? I know the LOA of the tractor w/o loader is 126".

 

[RK Tractor Guy]

RK Tractor Guy, glad you're on the forum. :thumbsup:

I'm confused as to which of the features you list above are standard on the RK37, as distinguished from the RK55. And if not standard, whether they are available as upgrades. E.g., I thought the RK37 comes standard with only one set of rear remotes, no cruise control, no telescoping lower link arms. Can a second, and even a third set of rear remotes be ordered with the tractor? How about the other features, if not standard? I.e., draft and cruise control, and HST sensitivitity, which I assume is what Kioti and some others call "linked pedal"?

Also, does RK have published pricing yet for any of the features that are upgrades? Also, is there pricing yet for the 3rd function? I gather the 3rd function can be ordered with both the RK37 and the RK55, since a toggle switch is pre-installed on the joystick.

I'm interested in the RK37 open-station as a possible future replacement for my smaller, 25 y/o loader tractor. Quite impressive on specs, although it might be a bit large for the amount of maneuverability I'd want. BTW, I didn't see a published turning radius in the specs. Also, do you happen to know the length of the RK37 overall, with loader installed? From end of link arms to the cutting edge of the loader in down position? I know the LOA of the tractor w/o loader is 126".

Hi Threepoint.

1. RK37s come standard with one set of remotes, 2nd and 3rd set optional, $249 each
2. RK37H (cab and open station) - cruise control will be standard beginning with October deliveries. No draft control, no HST sensitivity. working on telescoping hitch arms. Work light, upgraded seat (same that is on RK55), RimGuard standard (when loader purchased).
3. 3rd Function valve kit option $749. Yes, joystick is pre-wired.
4. Turn radius: With brakes, 95", without brakes, 116"
5. Overall length with loader - 156" (13')
6. Prices with loader - RK37S - $19,998, RK37H - $21,998, RK37S Cab - $24,498. RK37H Cab - $25,498.

 

[TractorNH]

Tractor nh,

With a straight face, you indicate that mihindra list prices are meaningless. The consumer is tasked w/ trying to determine the viability of their tractor purchase, yet there is such an extreme profit margin baked into the pricing structure, that $10,000 can be deducted from list and the dealer still realizes a profitable sale.? But the consumer should still maintain full faith in mahindra's integrity.?

The buying public will draw their own conclusions.

RK does not currently have a presence in New England. The dwindling population and exorbitant tax structure in MA and Ct, and totalitarian views toward sportsmen in general is a sufficient deterrent for any retail organization, dealing w/ goods offered by RK, to seek venues and business climates more favorable to their success. Not sure the business opportunities in the other NE States is any more appealing if the representatives sent to DC are any indication of public sentiment.

Decaying infrastructure, emasculated manufacturing base , severe opioid problems, and potential for negative growth further colors the NE business landscape.

The list prices are so high so they can make it look like they are still selling below list when people go with the "not free" 0% financing. The 0% financing would have added almost $4k to the "cash" price since all you're doing is prepaying and financing the interest. When you pay cash it looks like a crazy amount below list, plus they were doing additional cash off promotions.

I 100% agree with your description of MA and CT. They are off the deep end though not quite as bad as CA. NH, ME, and VT are VASTLY different from MA and CT. They changed the law in NH and ME recently to allow constitutional carry though you can still get a shall-issue permit in NH for reciprocity with other states. VT has never required a permit for concealed carry that I know of. RK would do well in the northern New England states. We have Tractor Supply but I don't know how similar RK is. We have a lot of rural areas and people who I am sure would shop there. VT is still a state where the cows outnumber the people.

 

[majorwager]

It appears unprecedented for a mfg like RK to offer this level of support and consultation directly to the consumer, anonymously, through the internet. Typically a buyer would be directed to mandatorily visit the store/showroom and pose questions in person to the resident sales force.

RK has chosen an unconventional path toward marketing tractors that shatters the status quo.

It demonstrates that RK has enough faith in their product and the attractive pricing, that they need not strong arm the buyer in a home field setting, to close the deal and make a sale. Truly the unique no pressure sales approach and it is kinda refreshing.

EDIT:
Tractor nh.
With folks like yourself, there may be HOPE for the NE region after all?

Note: I have NO Affiliation w/ The RK Corporation whatsoever. I am just a satisfied on line customer w/ no special status nor privilege. This statement applies also to my friends and family members as well.

 

[Threepoint]

Hi Threepoint.

1. RK37s come standard with one set of remotes, 2nd and 3rd set optional, $249 each
2. RK37H (cab and open station) - cruise control will be standard beginning with October deliveries. No draft control, no HST sensitivity. working on telescoping hitch arms. Work light, upgraded seat (same that is on RK55), RimGuard standard (when loader purchased).
3. 3rd Function valve kit option $749. Yes, joystick is pre-wired.
4. Turn radius: With brakes, 95", without brakes, 116"
5. Overall length with loader - 156" (13')
6. Prices with loader - RK37S - $19,998, RK37H - $21,998, RK37S Cab - $24,498. RK37H Cab - $25,498.

Thanks very much for the response! Good to know additional rear remotes can be ordered for the R37, at a very reasonable price IMO. Also the possibility that telescoping link arms may become standard, although I use quick hitches, so not as important for my use. Disappointed though that HST Sensitivity/"Linked Pedal" isn't available on the R37 at any price. I never missed it until I got it four years ago with my NX, and now I'm totally spoiled. "How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen Paree?" :laughing: