Is Brian still around?

[Gator6x4]

I'm reluctant to believe the tank theory. 100lbs on the left rear tire isn't going to have much effect.

To test this simply add air pressure to the left rear tire. If you can level your bucket by adding a few lbs of air pressure, less than 5psi, then simply run your tires that way.

Curious to hear the result.

Agree. :thumbsup:

 

[jeff9366]

EA and RK are barely on the same planet.

EA is a manufacturer or a product.

RK manufactures nothing.

Right to the kernel of the nut, OVRSZD.

 

[MossRoad]

Me too. And I think TYM builds a solid tractor.

Yep. Haven't heard anything but good about them. :thumbsup:

 

[4tillingdirt]

So did Brian overstep his bounds by getting on the forum and trying to be the voice of RK Tractors? From what I have read I think RK has realized they have bitten off a little more than they can chew? My guess is that as time has gone by, the deficiencies in RK's business model have become evident.

 

[lilranch2001]

Wow. The thread title looked interesting and I wanted to know who 釘rian was. Thought maybe it was the real name of a popular member that had passed.

Had to read almost 40 posts to understand what was going on and what the heck è¿*K was. I was determined to figure it out without having to ask an explanation that was so obvious to everyone else. I知 still unsure of what make tractor is even being discussed. LOL


ANYHOW the fuel tank explanation is the dumbest thing I致e ever heard of IMO. Carry on...

:thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

The issue for RK may have been the legal concept of "agency". As Brian worked for RK and offered support on this public forum, he probably legally was RK's agent and his comments could obligate RK, whether or not RK monitored his writing.

Agency may be the primary reason tractor manufacturers do not post on public forums.

A second reason is that corporate is more interested in the opinions of its dealers. I expect that RK is in regular contact with TYM sales and marketing. Once the price is beat down, TYM probably has little interest in spending more money supporting RK although most manufactures are interested in how retailers suggest improving the physical product.

A high proportion of tractor consumers here have an agenda of their own, many of which if addressed by RK directly would involve RK spending money on a brand (TYM) that RK does not own and could lose at the expiration of whatever term contract RK has with TYM.

A better explanation of the "kernel".

 

[Citydude]

The issue for RK may have been the legal concept of "agency". As Brian worked for RK and offered support on this public forum, he probably legally was RK's agent and his comments could obligate RK, whether or not RK monitored his writing.

Agency may be the primary reason tractor manufacturers do not post on public forums.

A second reason is that corporate is more interested in the opinions of its dealers. I expect that RK is in regular contact with TYM sales and marketing. Once the price is beat down, TYM probably has little interest in spending more money supporting RK although most manufactures are interested in how retailers suggest improving the physical product.

A high proportion of tractor consumers here have an agenda of their own, many of which if addressed by RK directly would involve RK spending money on a brand (TYM) that RK does not own and could lose at the expiration of whatever term contract RK has with TYM.

During my working years I worked as an independent contractor providing sales services for California wineries, as a formally recognized agent. Pretty complicated relationships. The second winery eventually purchased my business and added me and my employees to the winery payroll, me as a direct employee at the VP level.

As a former manager responsible for coal quality to the tune of 23 million tons a year, I can attest to the salesman being the "agent of the company". This said agent or salesman promised an eastern customer of ours a quality margin that was not in our best interest with a hand shake over coctails. The contract stated otherwise and the " agent" was replaced with someone who knew our product.

However, it took a few months to appease the customer because their " agent of the company" was not familiar with the contract.

2 incompetent people created a whole host of issues.

I agree with Jeff. There is a high probability that RK wants to keep things in house with dealer support rather than interacting with a forum.

 

[lilranch2001]

opinions......
much like something else, we all have them!

 

[ovrszd]

As a former manager responsible for coal quality to the tune of 23 million tons a year, I can attest to the salesman being the "agent of the company". This said agent or salesman promised an eastern customer of ours a quality margin that was not in our best interest with a hand shake over coctails. The contract stated otherwise and the " agent" was replaced with someone who knew our product.

However, it took a few months to appease the customer because their " agent of the company" was not familiar with the contract.

2 incompetent people created a whole host of issues.

I agree with Jeff. There is a high probability that RK wants to keep things in house with dealer support rather than interacting with a forum.

I agree.

This goes back to the "dealership" discussion we've all read hundreds of times here on TBN. Without solid dealership technical support the owner of the tractor is at grave risk. In RK's case they are a Farm and Home store. Expecting their employees to provide technical support would be foolish. The way I understand it their answer to this is mobile service trucks? Again foolish.

So again, using Gunny as an example, he's inquired about his crooked loader situation. One employee at his store is trying to help him but without technical knowledge. So he's still not gotten resolution. From where I stand, I don't see any resolution in the future. I think the tractor needs to be inspected and repaired by a technically qualified mechanic. Where are we going to find one?

 

[fried1765]

As a former manager responsible for coal quality to the tune of 23 million tons a year, I can attest to the salesman being the "agent of the company". This said agent or salesman promised an eastern customer of ours a quality margin that was not in our best interest with a hand shake over coctails. The contract stated otherwise and the " agent" was replaced with someone who knew our product.

However, it took a few months to appease the customer because their " agent of the company" was not familiar with the contract.

2 incompetent people created a whole host of issues.

I agree with Jeff. There is a high probability that RK wants to keep things in house with dealer support rather than interacting with a forum.

"There is a high probability that RK wants to keep things in house"

I think "there is a high probability", like Cabelas, etal., that RK will, at some point, decide to exit the tractor market, and focus on their core retail store business.

 

[jeff9366]

When manufactures expand plant, it is usually most efficient to double the plant size.

Once doubled, with intention to use all capacity for primary brand in the future, it is not unusual to sell "private label" products temporarily to keep expanded plant operating near 100% capacity while primary brand expands. The "private label" produced after plant expansion reduces cost of producing primary brand in numerous ways.

Will RK have TYM as a low cost supplier in ten years? No way to know.

 

[ovrszd]

When manufactures expand plant, it is usually most efficient to double the plant size.

Once doubled, with intention to use all capacity for primary brand in the future, it is not unusual to sell "private label" products temporarily to keep expanded plant operating near 100% capacity while primary brand expands. The "private label" produced after plant expansion reduces cost of producing primary brand in numerous ways.

Will RK have TYM as a low cost supplier in ten years? No way to know.

Good point.

I can't imagine TYM is in contract with RK so they don't have to sell TYM tractors anymore.

 

[Diggin It]

I can't imagine TYM is in contract with RK so they don't have to sell TYM tractors anymore.

I keep thinking there's something involved with the Branson acquisition/merger that is making TYM rethink their deal here.

 

[JD230511]

I live within 50 minutes of 3 John Deere dealers 3 Rural kings, a kubota dealer a CAT dealer LS dealer ( the LS dealer is new as of August and it's really close) and probably others I havent found yet. With the research I have done I dont think any of them make their owe tractor. Either it be Deere, Kubota, CAT, RK, or LS. I'm sure some place you can get parts. Now for major work. If you cant do it. I would like for a tractor repair shop. I hauled my uncles tractor for him to a place I never heard of and they had it fixed in no time. But I see everybody's point with warranty work.

 

[fried1765]

I live within 50 minutes of 3 John Deere dealers 3 Rural kings, a kubota dealer a CAT dealer LS dealer ( the LS dealer is new as of August and it's really close) and probably others I havent found yet. With the research I have done I dont think any of them make their owe tractor. Either it be Deere, Kubota, CAT, RK, or LS. I'm sure some place you can get parts. Now for major work. If you cant do it. I would like for a tractor repair shop. I hauled my uncles tractor for him to a place I never heard of and they had it fixed in no time. But I see everybody's point with warranty work.

I have three tractors, the youngest of which is 13 years old. (I have never bought a new tractor).
The nearest tractor repair shop is about 80 miles away.
My tractors are long past having valid warranties.

I have a 14K equipment trailer to take them..... somewhere, if they should need major repair.

 

[Qapla]

As far as I understand - Kubota is made by Kubota and LS is made by LS (part of the LG Group)


Setting that aside, just because TYM makes the RK tractor does not mean they make the FEL that comes on the RK55. What makes it worse, since someone mentioned Gunny's problem, is that Gunny got his tractor from the RK store in Gainesville, Fl ... which makes it the local store for the Williston, Fl assembly plant (one of only two such plants RK has in the US ... and most likely where Gunny's tractor was assembled). It would be quite simple for RK to have Gunny's tractor taken to Williston from where he lives ... or even have someone from the assembly plant go to Gunny's home - it is about a 40 minute trip on back roads.

If RK were to do this it would give them a chance to see first hand what the problem is and perhaps find a solution. The fact that, with their assembly people so close to a tractor known by RK to have this problem does give pause ... why have they not checked Gunny's tractor when it is so close to the assembly plant?

If I were Gunny, I would be asking that question at the Gainesville RK store.

 

[fried1765]

As far as I understand - Kubota is made by Kubota and LS is made by LS (part of the LG Group)


Setting that aside, just because TYM makes the RK tractor does not mean they make the FEL that comes on the RK55. What makes it worse, since someone mentioned Gunny's problem, is that Gunny got his tractor from the RK store in Gainesville, Fl ... which makes it the local store for the Williston, Fl assembly plant (one of only two such plants RK has in the US ... and most likely where Gunny's tractor was assembled). It would be quite simple for RK to have Gunny's tractor taken to Williston from where he lives ... or even have someone from the assembly plant go to Gunny's home - it is about a 40 minute trip on back roads.

If RK were to do this it would give them a chance to see first hand what the problem is and perhaps find a solution. The fact that, with their assembly people so close to a tractor known by RK to have this problem does give pause ... why have they not checked Gunny's tractor when it is so close to the assembly plant?

If I were Gunny, I would be asking that question at the Gainesville RK store.

Thus, it would appear that no one at RK with real authority, is willing to step up to solve Gunny's loader problem.
Certainly not the way to build brand loyalty.

 

[jeff9366]

Gunny got his tractor from the RK store in Gainesville, Fl ... which makes it the local store for the Williston, Fl assembly plant (one of only two such plants RK has in the US ... and most likely where Gunny's tractor was assembled).

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.

 

[Ford850]

Gunny needs to get his dealer to resolve this by them running it up the Corp ladder. It sounds like his salesperson wants to be family, which is nice, but that doesn’t help fix issues. I’d be having a direct conversation with the service or salesperson before trying to find support on a tractor forum.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

More importantly....... will another RK guy even try to "pick up" where they left off?

Seeing what it got the other two, not if he is smart.