Introduction, RK Purchasing Team, Brian Evans

[BoylermanCT]

Can't you just have them shipped to a local FFL? Or does CT have asinine transfer fees that would negate any deals?

Yes, I can and do buy from RK and ship them to a FFL, but that adds shipping and transfer fee of $40-$50 to the cost. I enjoy gun shopping in person so I can handle the merchandise before buying. The largest gun shop in the area just announced they are waiving all FFL fees on out of state purchases, so I may take them up on that. Of course, we can't buy an AR's because the govt in CT determined that CT residents have no need for military weapons... as if any soldier would choose an AR to go to war with!

 

[cjoffutt]

Yes, I can and do buy from RK and ship them to a FFL, but that adds shipping and transfer fee of $40-$50 to the cost. I enjoy gun shopping in person so I can handle the merchandise before buying. The largest gun shop in the area just announced they are waiving all FFL fees on out of state purchases, so I may take them up on that. Of course, we can't buy an AR's because the govt in CT determined that CT residents have no need for military weapons... as if any soldier would choose an AR to go to war with!

$50 transfer fee? Good Lord almighty!! Highest around here is $25 per form regardless of the amount of firearms.

I am like you and enjoy handling the merch before purchase, however, my local RK flat out refuses to remove to trigger lock. Makes it rather pointless to go there IMO.

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't consider that efficient either in time or economics. Certainly not to the customer in terms of down time.

This seems like a reasonable plan for the early years of a new distributorship. NEW tractors seldom need to be split. I would expect the central repair shops to be super knowledgeable, super efficient and super fast. That will evolve to Regional Repair centers, and then volume local dealers. If it were me, I would have a couple of Super Techs - One to be available to Facetime with local mechanics to trouble shoot and walk though the repairs, and a few field techs to hit the road and put out fires. That model is often used, whether it is manufacturing equipment or construction equipment. I hope to see RK Tractors thrive and grow and keep the big boys honest. Parts availability and service will be a big part of that.

 

[fried1765]

This seems like a reasonable plan for the early years of a new distributorship. NEW tractors seldom need to be split. I would expect the central repair shops to be super knowledgeable, super efficient and super fast. That will evolve to Regional Repair centers, and then volume local dealers. If it were me, I would have a couple of Super Techs - One to be available to Facetime with local mechanics to trouble shoot and walk though the repairs, and a few field techs to hit the road and put out fires. That model is often used, whether it is manufacturing equipment or construction equipment. I hope to see RK Tractors thrive and grow and keep the big boys honest. Parts availability and service will be a big part of that.

"I hope to see RK Tractors thrive and grow"

I too "hope" that will be the case.
Unfortunately, there are lots of bodies along the way, of others who have tried and failed.
Let's hope that RK (this time) will be the exception.

 

[sandman2234]

NW 12th Street.

I haven't eaten at Ivy House. Worth it?

Well, it is worth the drive to Williston from Jacksonville, if that answers your question!
David from jax

 

[brianevans]

This seems like a reasonable plan for the early years of a new distributorship. NEW tractors seldom need to be split. I would expect the central repair shops to be super knowledgeable, super efficient and super fast. That will evolve to Regional Repair centers, and then volume local dealers. If it were me, I would have a couple of Super Techs - One to be available to Facetime with local mechanics to trouble shoot and walk though the repairs, and a few field techs to hit the road and put out fires. That model is often used, whether it is manufacturing equipment or construction equipment. I hope to see RK Tractors thrive and grow and keep the big boys honest. Parts availability and service will be a big part of that.

We have 9 mobile techs right now and will be adding an additional 5 in the west to support expansion in 2020. These guys are the "Super Techs" and absolutely consult with in store mechanics on troubleshooting and walking through repairs. They have trucks and are on the road to get bigger jobs done too.

 

[HAR]

To the point about splitting a case. If we have a tractor that needs a case split or something very big, like an engine replaced, we'd send the tractor to our Full Service Centers at either Waverly, OH in the north, or Williston, FL in the south. This is where our top mechanics have the space and large equipment like gantry cranes and large jacks that can lift tractors and pull them apart.
.

I also find "shipping" a tractor half way cross the country to split the case very inefficient and a waste of time. I have a neighbour who is a dedicated diesel mechanic. If it runs on or is powered by diesel, he can fix it. His small shop is busier than some of the local "dedicated dealers". He works on any make and model, and has access to any part needed. Should the job require that he do a split, he has no cranes, or gantry's, but with proper use of jacks and jack stands, he gets the job done, often times with 2 or more split units waiting on parts. His large quonset hut garage with large overhead door lets most trucks/tractors into his shop. What does not fit through the door, may be worked on in the yard. Besides repairs, he and his crew have a passion for tractor restorations. While his preference is "RED", his yard looks like a rainbow.

 

[Qapla]

We have split more than on tractor in the backyard ... but we do have a homemade engine puller that uses a chain hoist and pulls from above

 

[JLH4]

Hello Brien
I would like to welcome you here as well.:welcome:
I have a RK24 with about 110 hrs. on it and I’m very satisfied with it. But, there’s always a but involved, I would like to see an owner’s manual in good American English. It is a little hard to understand in some places, ie. Page 5-6 (When is loader installed, the turn clock-wise valve cock. Also when loader is not installed, turn counter clock-wise valve cock.). Also a repair/maintenance manual with a parts list would be very helpful.
I may have an older owners manual because mine doesn’t have section 8 and is in a slightly different configuration.
Again welcome and thanks for helping with our problems.
Joe:thumbsup:

 

[gunny0628]

Are we going to address the issue with the loaders not being level?

Gunny