Is Brian still around?

[Lineman North Florida]

I don't own an RK tractor and don't plan to but I can certainly understand why some would want one, they appear well built they have all the extras as standard and they are certainly priced right, but when you have a real problem and there is no competent customer service meaning a real tractor mechanic to fix the problem you are on your own, most that buy these tractors will probably be happy because they probably won't have a problem therefore a good purchase for them, but then there are the others that have problems that they will most likely have to address themselves. I bought a Farmtrac brand new years ago and while it has been good, I have been on my own to resolve problems. The sour taste of no service far outweighs the sweet taste of a low purchase price, I know first hand.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I have never taken any vehicle or tractor back for any warranty work. I would buy RK before most other brands.

 

[fried1765]

I have never taken any vehicle or tractor back for any warranty work. I would buy RK before most other brands.

Though I acknowledge that an RK tractor is the current best new tractor value in the marketplace, I very much question it's residual value.
I would expect a new John Deere, or Kubota to depreciate much more slowly, and to sell used more quickly.

At this point, the RK tractor depreciation/resale factor is somewhat unknown.
Can it be expected that many dealers will take an RK trade?

There is currently a 2019 RK 55 (no loader) with 32 hours listed on Tractorhouse for $15,950.
The new price for that RK 55 is $22,599 (plus sales tax?)
That is a loss of $6649 or 30% in less than one year, and with that potential loss being based on the ASKING PRICE.
Maybe nearly a one year 40% loss, if the actual selling price should be $14,000 (somewhat likely?).

I understand that some here will state that they do plan to keep their tractor forever.
Forever...... is not how long many folks actually do keep the same model/size tractor though.

A plan.....is just that ....a plan.
Plans/life situations, often change.

I understand that no one would buy a particular brand tractor specifically for it's resale value.
But the potential for a nearly 40% loss in less than a year?
Even a new car loss is not nearly that bad!
How much loss at 2 years, 5 years, 10 years?

Buyer beware?

 

[Qapla]

I live 35 miles from Williston, Florida. Whatever RK has in Williston is small. Google search brings up no address, no telephone number for RK in Williston.

RK periodically advertises for tractor technicians one job at a time. Probably more accurate to describe Williston operation as a regional repair facility rather than grandiose image Assembly Plant.

RK has seven retail stores in agricultural north Florida, none in south Florida. No store in Williston.

RK has two assembly plants in the US that serve the entire chain. From the RK Tractor site

Final assembly takes place in Waverly, OH, and Williston, FL

The plant in Williston in in the old Dixie Lily building located at 12 NW 5th Place ... it is located across from the Circle K that sits between Hwy121 (to Gainesville) and US27/US41 (to Archer)
You can see it from the Circle K if you look for it - this is a view from the gas pumps


Here is a better look at the building


If go by there you can see some of the RK red tractors from the road - I have not actually gone to the building.

Regardless of how small we may think this plant is, it is the assembly plant for the South/South East region of the US for RK. Rural King does not advertise the location of this plant so it is no wonder a Google search does not find it. That does not change the fact that this is where Rural King assembles tractors ... including the ones sold in Ocala and Gainesville as well as the rest of Florida and, in particular, the tractor that Gunny bought was assembled at this plant.

You are correct that there is not a Rural King store in Williston - it is just not a big enough city to warrant such a store - the Williston area is served by the RK stores in Gainesville and Ocala - both stores sell tractors.

The Williston Assembly Plant is only 23 miles from the Ocala store and also 23 miles from the Gainesville store. It is only 38 miles from Gunny's location - a straight shot up US27/US41

Since the problem may have occurred in the Williston facility, you would think that RK would have looked into it by now ... especially with the tractor being that close

 

[fried1765]

I live 35 miles from Williston, Florida. Whatever RK has in Williston is small. Google search brings up no address, no telephone number for RK in Williston.

RK periodically advertises for tractor technicians one job at a time. Probably more accurate to describe Williston operation as a regional repair facility rather than grandiose image Assembly Plant.

RK has seven retail stores in agricultural north Florida, none in south Florida. No store in Williston.


COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Rural King Supply, America's Farm and Home Department Store, planted its roots in Mattoon, Illinois in 1960. Since that time, Rural King has added over 100 stores in a twelve state area (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia). The heart of Rural King is the corporate office, distribution center and flagship store, located in its city of origin, Mattoon IL.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Assembly Technician
Reports To:
Assembly Center Manager

Job Location:
Williston Tractor Assembly

FLSA Status:
Hourly Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The tractor assembly technician assembles components by examining connections for correct fit; fastening parts and subassemblies.

Assembler Job Duties:

Prepares work to be accomplished by studying assembly instructions, blueprint specifications, and parts lists; gathering parts, subassemblies, tools, and materials.
Positions parts and subassemblies by using templates or reading measurements.
Assembles components by examining connections for correct fit; fastening parts and subassemblies.
Verifies specifications by measuring completed component.
Resolves assembly problems by altering dimensions to meet specifications; notifying supervisor to obtain additional resources.
Keeps equipment operational by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Maintains supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
Conserves resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Documents actions by completing production and quality forms.


Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to work independently without supervision
Ability to access and use the in-store computer, scanning system, and wireless handheld unit
Ability to participate in our online applicant and new hire onboarding process remotely
Ability to complete computer-based training
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Good visual acuity and close vision for computer work
Ability to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively
Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time
Ability to use a ladder and/or pallet jack
Repetitive wrist movements on keyboard
Ability to walk up and down stairs multiple times per day
Ability to verbally communicate effectively and professionally with all audiences (in-person or via handheld transceiver)
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.


Apply
on career page
Application currently closed

This job was posted on Thu Jun 27 2019 and expired on Fri Jul 12 2019.

I do not believe that the RK store in Lake Wales would be considered to be in "North Florida".

 

[Threepoint]

I have never taken any vehicle or tractor back for any warranty work. I would buy RK before most other brands.

Wow! :thumbsup: With that run of luck, I'd be buying lottery tickets every chance I got, and I'm not a gambling man. But on the other hand, there is also the law of averages. :laughing:

 

[Rustyiron]

Though I acknowledge that an RK tractor is the current best new tractor value in the marketplace, I very much question it's residual value.
I would expect a new John Deere, or Kubota to depreciate much more slowly, and to sell used more quickly.


Buyer beware?

Fried I've never read any of this thread before tonight, (I also thought Brian was a possibly ill member) and I really don't have a dog in this (RK) fight and have never been to one.
But after reading all this, I started to think that these sound (sadly) like what's called "Grey market" machines, only brand new but the same you're on your own results for an owner, at least so far. I sure hope everything works out for all. The praise for the RK stores in this thread makes me wish I had one closer than VA, a good 600+ miles south.
Fingers are crossed for all involved that everything will get worked out for all involved.

 

[fried1765]

Fried I've never read any of this thread before tonight, (I also thought Brian was a possibly ill member) and I really don't have a dog in this (RK) fight and have never been to one.
But after reading all this, I started to think that these sound (sadly) like what's called "Grey market" machines, only brand new but the same you're on your own results for an owner, at least so far. I sure hope everything works out for all. The praise for the RK stores in this thread makes me wish I had one closer than VA, a good 600+ miles south.
Fingers are crossed for all involved that everything will get worked out for all involved.

I do not "have a dog in this fight" either.
I have been to an RK store here in Florida, and I keep hoping that eventually there will be one much closer to me.
Having looked at their RK tractors, they do appear to be very good (TYM) machines.
It is unlikely that I would buy a new RK tractor though, as the long term (8 year) RK warranty seems very iffy to me, the long term RK parts support (maybe from TYM dealer?) is a concern as well, and the potential RK used tractor value, is very much a question.
All serve to undermine my confidence in the RK tractor brand.
For similar reasons, I did not seriously consider a new Cabelas (TYM) tractor either, even at the end, when Cabelas had their heavily discounted tractor closeout.

 

[Qapla]

I found myself in Williston today and took these pics at the RK Assembly Plant




As you can see - they do have RK tractors and one of the RK mobile trucks. In fact, with that truck and trailer it would be simple for them to go and get Gunny's tractor and bring it back to see what is wrong.

 

[markie61]

I found myself in Williston today and took these pics at the RK Assembly Plant

Supa cool! Thanks for the pix.