Backhoe purchase after tractor purchase

[chesternator]

I am considering purchasing the backhoe for my RK37 which I purchased months ago however I don't want my Rural King to install it. They still don't even have an oil filter for it yet and after 2 weeks they still dont know how to order a block heater so no way I will let inexperienced hands all over my expensive machine. Anyone know how hard it is to install the sub frame? Does anything have to come off? Not sure I could even handle taking the rear tires off. Any drilling required? I'm handy enough to swap engines on a car but I don't know that I even have a way to handle the weight/cumbersome back tire. First tractor and I don't have another one to help.

 

[RTBee]

I'm not with my tractor at the moment, but I think the RK37 and RK55 subframes are similar for the backhoes. On the 55, there are 2 contact points. The one up front requires (I believe) 4 bolts and I'm thinking about the same for the rear attach point. I would not worry about mounting one myself. It doesn't seem too complicated at all. Just my thoughts.

And Welcome to TBN!

 

[Diggin It]

They still don't even have an oil filter for it yet and after 2 weeks they still dont know how to order a block heater so ...

This is one for the board rep to jump on. This is exactly the kind of thing people have been mentioning might be a problem and it will need to be addressed if they want people to be confident in buying there.

 

[RTBee]

I'm not with my tractor at the moment, but I think the RK37 and RK55 subframes are similar for the backhoes. On the 55, there are 2 contact points. The one up front requires (I believe) 4 bolts and I'm thinking about the same for the rear attach point. I would not worry about mounting one myself. It doesn't seem too complicated at all. Just my thoughts.

And Welcome to TBN!

Sorry, didn't read the edited part. I don't think any drilling is required. It all looks as though it just bolts up to the subframe. Pretty heavy bolts. And I don't see any need to remove the rear tires. It bolts up between them. Not sure if any of this helps, and I'm only going by what I have seen on mine. I bought it with the backhoe installed already. But I really don't think you'd have any problems, especially if you're somewhat mechanically inclined, which it seems you are. :thumbsup:

 

[chesternator]

Thanks. I called the store yesterday. (Actually returned a missed call where the salesman told me he doesnt know when he can get a block heater) but honestly didnt expect him to know. #1 he's the salesman. #2 he just started, already replacing the salesman that sold me my tractor just a few months ago. #3 The store just started selling tractors late this year. He seemed to actually know and his response was inline with yours. No need to remove tires, no drilling. He would rather I let the store do it but made it sound easy. He said they remove some existing plate up under and replace it with one that has hooks for the backhoe. I should wait to get the backhoe but I'm going to kick myself if they stop selling and then I cant.

PS he mention it was just a magnet heater so I picked one up on Amazon

 

[RK Tractor Guy]

Thanks. I called the store yesterday. (Actually returned a missed call where the salesman told me he doesnt know when he can get a block heater) but honestly didnt expect him to know. #1 he's the salesman. #2 he just started, already replacing the salesman that sold me my tractor just a few months ago. #3 The store just started selling tractors late this year. He seemed to actually know and his response was inline with yours. No need to remove tires, no drilling. He would rather I let the store do it but made it sound easy. He said they remove some existing plate up under and replace it with one that has hooks for the backhoe. I should wait to get the backhoe but I'm going to kick myself if they stop selling and then I cant.

PS he mention it was just a magnet heater so I picked one up on Amazon

With respect to the block heater, we do not carry them online and only a few stores still maintain inventory as it has been discontinued. It is a simple magnetic heater that can be purchased in any number of places. With glow plugs, the magnetic heater would have a marginal benefit. If you would like a true-in block Yanmar heater, just send me a private message and I will tell you how to buy one. With respect to installing the backhoe, we will not sell you one unless we install it. Three customers have tried, three customers were not able to manage it. We won't sell them loose any longer. Our assembly team and mobile techs do an amazing job with this. If you'd like to proceed with the purchase of a backhoe, send me a private message and I will assist.

 

[chesternator]

With respect to the block heater, we do not carry them online and only a few stores still maintain inventory as it has been discontinued. It is a simple magnetic heater that can be purchased in any number of places. With glow plugs, the magnetic heater would have a marginal benefit. If you would like a true-in block Yanmar heater, just send me a private message and I will tell you how to buy one. With respect to installing the backhoe, we will not sell you one unless we install it. Three customers have tried, three customers were not able to manage it. We won't sell them loose any longer. Our assembly team and mobile techs do an amazing job with this. If you'd like to proceed with the purchase of a backhoe, send me a private message and I will assist.

Thanks but that's unfortunate since I don't have means to pull my tractor back to the store. My store indicated I could order it an do it myself, I guess I would be disappointed again when I found that's not actually true. Not trying to slam RK here but based on my experiences with my store, I have zero confidence in my RK store to do any work on my machine unless they let me watch them do it. I would have to go hours away to the next RK store but again I have no way to transport. I nearly purchased my tractor from this other store and paid them to transport it if that tells you anything.

 

[RK Tractor Guy]

Thanks but that's unfortunate since I don't have means to pull my tractor back to the store. My store indicated I could order it an do it myself, I guess I would be disappointed again when I found that's not actually true. Not trying to slam RK here but based on my experiences with my store, I have zero confidence in my RK store to do any work on my machine unless they let me watch them do it. I would have to go hours away to the next RK store but again I have no way to transport. I nearly purchased my tractor from this other store and paid them to transport it if that tells you anything.

Sorry that you feel that way. Suggest that you purchase a trailer for your tractor so you have the flexibility to move it to other locations for use and to bring it in for service when needed and getting attachments that require professional installation handled. You can find a used one for a good price. Our warranty policy and that of every other tractor brand requires the customer to bring the tractor in for warranty repair, so it is always good to be prepared. The backhoe for the RK37 weighs 1500 lbs. It requires a lift infrastructure such as a crane or forklift to handle just to transport, and then to manipulate it during the installation process. As mentioned, we did sell loose backhoes to three customers, all of which could not complete the installation, and required us to come to their location, which we did at no cost. That's actually a pretty responsive company. We won't have a 4th instance, that is why we will handle the installation of all after-market backhoes. Hope that your tractor is working well for you.

 

[chesternator]

Sorry that you feel that way. Suggest that you purchase a trailer for your tractor so you have the flexibility to move it to other locations for use and to bring it in for service when needed and getting attachments that require professional installation handled. You can find a used one for a good price. Our warranty policy and that of every other tractor brand requires the customer to bring the tractor in for warranty repair, so it is always good to be prepared. The backhoe for the RK37 weighs 1500 lbs. It requires a lift infrastructure such as a crane or forklift to handle just to transport, and then to manipulate it during the installation process. As mentioned, we did sell loose backhoes to three customers, all of which could not complete the installation, and required us to come to their location, which we did at no cost. That's actually a pretty responsive company. We won't have a 4th instance, that is why we will handle the installation of all after-market backhoes. Hope that your tractor is working well for you.

The tractor is great, if it was just a trailer that would be no problem. I cant buy a big truck to pull it any time soon though. I do have a 1ton gantry crane but I understand the position based on experience with other customers. If I want it bad enough I will either work it out or I wont.

 

[Tennsawdust]

Maybe you could suggest that RK have a competent tech meet your tractor at your local store for the install? That way you could have confidence it would be handled correctly and not have to pay a large tow bill.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks. I called the store yesterday. (Actually returned a missed call where the salesman told me he doesnt know when he can get a block heater) but honestly didnt expect him to know. #1 he's the salesman. #2 he just started, already replacing the salesman that sold me my tractor just a few months ago. #3 The store just started selling tractors late this year. He seemed to actually know and his response was inline with yours. No need to remove tires, no drilling. He would rather I let the store do it but made it sound easy. He said they remove some existing plate up under and replace it with one that has hooks for the backhoe. I should wait to get the backhoe but I'm going to kick myself if they stop selling and then I cant.

PS he mention it was just a magnet heater so I picked one up on Amazon

A magnetic heater is a waste of time and money!

 

[fried1765]

Sorry that you feel that way. Suggest that you purchase a trailer for your tractor so you have the flexibility to move it to other locations for use and to bring it in for service when needed and getting attachments that require professional installation handled. You can find a used one for a good price. Our warranty policy and that of every other tractor brand requires the customer to bring the tractor in for warranty repair, so it is always good to be prepared. The backhoe for the RK37 weighs 1500 lbs. It requires a lift infrastructure such as a crane or forklift to handle just to transport, and then to manipulate it during the installation process. As mentioned, we did sell loose backhoes to three customers, all of which could not complete the installation, and required us to come to their location, which we did at no cost. That's actually a pretty responsive company. We won't have a 4th instance, that is why we will handle the installation of all after-market backhoes. Hope that your tractor is working well for you.

GOOD ADVICE!
BUY A TRAILER!
I have 3 (old) tractors, and I would not be without a trailer!
Even a new trailer at $4000?? would be a good idea.
I bought mine new, 14K..$4400 two years ago.
I'll bet it will cost me less than $200 per year to own it.
Trailers (in good condition) hold their value exceptionally well.

I pull my trailer with a 1997 4x4 GMC 2500 Suburban with 454 V-8
A 22 year old vehicle.

 

[the old grind]

A dozen years ago I had one tractor and bought a Terramite T5C for a lot less than a truck and trailer, and for not much more than RK's very nice BH 7.5 I still have/use the TM after trading/replacing a few tractors. (now using #3, #4, & #5) Performance stats and 16" buckets of the two are similar, except that I have a bit more 'reach' (~1' depth) and the RK BH has a good bit more swing.

If your homestead is as new as your tractor, will you need the BH long term or might renting one or a mini-ex get the place fixed up? If you ever replace your tractor the BH will likely have to go with it. There are a few things I've learned to use other gadgets for (SSQA 'stump bucket', others) that get more use doing similar jobs, tho' the gas engine T5C is cheap to keep, and has paid for itself a few times over.

btw, I used to keep a shallow trench open (3' or so) for deer bones, trapped vermin or fleched 'coon carcasses, etc, all 'clean landfill', but the neighbors' Newfie and Dobe are welcome here and I was asked why(?) did they came home smelling like ___. The TM's 1/4 yd FEL quickly hid the evidence.

 

[RayfromTX]

If that is all you need a trailer for then the cost to maintain tags and insurance on the truck and trailer and to maintain the truck will add up to more than the occasional haul fees in my experience. People like the feeling of self sufficiency they get from owning these two things but I got tired of seeing the truck sit out there getting older with little use. I sold the truck and now I hire the haul when I move cattle or machinery. 100-150 will usually get it done and that is never going to add up to just the operating costs of a seldom used truck and trailer. Heck, keeping the lights working on the trailer is a pain. My hauler is constantly fiddling with them. I just smile and remember the years I fought that one. I now drive a fuel efficient vehicle and the gas savings alone are around 2,000$ a year. That pays for a lot of hauling and even pays for the man to do the driving. Your needs may be different but if I'm not using a truck at least weekly if not daily, I'll hire it done. I'm a contractor so hiring things done is a way of life. There isn't enough of me to go around.

The same argument can be made for the backhoe purchase. I watch mine out the window getting very little use. The tractor is used every day. The backhoe is rarely used and costs as much as a used truck. The only upside is the backhoe takes much less maintenance and no tags to keep up with.

 

[Diggin It]

OK, that was a little hard to read at first, but I got the gist of it. And it's something people don't always consider, especially when spending other people's money. Trucks and trailers cost money daily even when not being used. A tractor or BH can sit for months and not cost a dime over the original price and any payments. No matter their age or condition, road vehicles have ongoing costs for taxes, licenses, fees, inspections and insurance, all of which vary by state.

Unless you're moving things by road on a weekly basis, it may not be worth the cost over having somebody move it for you. I could have got a trailer to haul mine for $1500 or so. But I don't have a vehicle capable of trailering that weight. Even an older used truck would cost more for plates and insurance on a yearly basis that paying somebody to move my SCUT once in a while.

 

[plowhog]

Sorry that you feel that way. Suggest that you purchase a trailer ...

The new owner has low confidence in the local dealer. The proposed solution is to trailer it to a more far away dealer?

 

[fried1765]

If that is all you need a trailer for then the cost to maintain tags and insurance on the truck and trailer and to maintain the truck will add up to more than the occasional haul fees in my experience. People like the feeling of self sufficiency they get from owning these two things but I got tired of seeing the truck sit out there getting older with little use. I sold the truck and now I hire the haul when I move cattle or machinery. 100-150 will usually get it done and that is never going to add up to just the operating costs of a seldom used truck and trailer. Heck, keeping the lights working on the trailer is a pain. My hauler is constantly fiddling with them. I just smile and remember the years I fought that one. I now drive a fuel efficient vehicle and the gas savings alone are around 2,000$ a year. That pays for a lot of hauling and even pays for the man to do the driving. Your needs may be different but if I'm not using a truck at least weekly if not daily, I'll hire it done. I'm a contractor so hiring things done is a way of life. There isn't enough of me to go around.

The same argument can be made for the backhoe purchase. I watch mine out the window getting very little use. The tractor is used every day. The backhoe is rarely used and costs as much as a used truck. The only upside is the backhoe takes much less maintenance and no tags to keep up with.

I submit that trailer/vehicle costs can be widely variable.
My 14K equipment trailer registration cost is $20 per year.
My 22 year old tow vehicle registration is $60 per year, but I can use it for purposes other than towing as well.
I only keep Insurance on the tow vehicle for 5 months (about $200)
So .... for $280 I have a trailer at my disposal.

I live 120 miles from the nearest tractor dealer. Transport in my area is about $4 per loaded mile.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Fried1765 summed up what I was going to say very well. I have a trailer that is capable of hauling my tractor and implements plus some. We will be relocating within the next 4-5 years. I could have waited to get it closer to then, but figured the cost would only go up. Since I got it, I've used it far more than I thought I would, hauling everything but the tractor. I will eventually get a truck, but I tow it with my jeep. Anyone here also charges $4-5 per mile. Just to take my tractor to the nearest dealer (a K dealer) would cost me $320 round trip. To take it to an LS dealer would cost me $500 each way at a discount rate. I was able to buy my 90" wide x 16' 10K trailer for under $2,000 brand new about a year ago. Same trailer today is now $2850.

To each his own, different circumstances.

 

[chesternator]

Fried1765 summed up what I was going to say very well. I have a trailer that is capable of hauling my tractor and implements plus some. We will be relocating within the next 4-5 years. I could have waited to get it closer to then, but figured the cost would only go up. Since I got it, I've used it far more than I thought I would, hauling everything but the tractor. I will eventually get a truck, but I tow it with my jeep. Anyone here also charges $4-5 per mile. Just to take my tractor to the nearest dealer (a K dealer) would cost me $320 round trip. To take it to an LS dealer would cost me $500 each way at a discount rate. I was able to buy my 90" wide x 16' 10K trailer for under $2,000 brand new about a year ago. Same trailer today is now $2850.

To each his own, different circumstances.

You tow with a jeep!?

RK37HC depending on how/where you read it http://rktractors.com/pdf/brochures/RK37.pdf

According to the chart RK37HC total weight 3,450 lb (My manual says 3,400 with cabin)

Acoording to the breakdown above the chart
RK37 Weight 3,450
+Cab weight 1,610
=RK37 total weight 5,060

Backhoe weight 1,340 lb
Loader weight with bucket 1,052 (My manual says 1,192)

=5,842
Or
=7,452

+ballast weight 684 lbs? (I think according to rimguard.com and I'm assuming only rear tires are filled)
= 6,526 total weight
Or
= 8,136 total weight

After adding trailer weight, not just any vehicle can safely tow this much weight

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

You tow with a jeep!?

RK37HC depending on how/where you read it http://rktractors.com/pdf/brochures/RK37.pdf

According to the chart RK37HC total weight 3,450 lb (My manual says 3,400 with cabin)

Acoording to the breakdown above the chart
RK37 Weight 3,450
+Cab weight 1,610
=RK37 total weight 5,060

Backhoe weight 1,340 lb
Loader weight with bucket 1,052 (My manual says 1,192)

=5,842
Or
=7,452

+ballast weight 684 lbs? (I think according to rimguard.com and I'm assuming only rear tires are filled)
= 6,526 total weight
Or
= 8,136 total weight

After adding trailer weight, not just any vehicle can safely tow this much weight

No, no, no, I'm not towing that much. That was the OP's tractor. I would think he definitely would need a truck. Mine only weighs 2,800 including the BH. Sorry to get you sidetracked.