Yet another subcompact thread.. Small backhoe, BX vs Rural King

[Overtaxed]

RK will be here, the Next time you wade into the tractor market, a nice shade of Red.

I'll absolutely be looking at RK the next (being realistic, there will be a next time) time I wade into the tractor market. Once the initial demand get's fulfilled, I can't wait to see them in person and get a feel for what they've brought to the market!

Tractor was 17K, 2012 JD 2720 with the JD 46 (I think) backhoe and FEL; ~300 hours. Thought that was a pretty good price, perhaps could have done better, but I thought that was reasonable.

Not likely? You must know my wife.

OK, I'll keep one shovel around, just for old times sake!

 

[Ford850]

I'll absolutely be looking at RK the next (being realistic, there will be a next time) time I wade into the tractor market. Once the initial demand get's fulfilled, I can't wait to see them in person and get a feel for what they've brought to the market!

Tractor was 17K, 2012 JD 2720 with the JD 46 (I think) backhoe and FEL; ~300 hours. Thought that was a pretty good price, perhaps could have done better, but I thought that was reasonable.

Not likely? You must know my wife.

OK, I'll keep one shovel around, just for old times sake!

The shovel will be handy to lean on, while you watch your wife run your tractor.

 

[RTBee]

My wife loves using the backhoe. Wish I hadn't showed her how it works.

 

[prof fate]

Is he bashing a 'dealer' or 'manufacturer' or 'retailer'?

And RK has sold and DROPPED tractors TWICE before...regardless of the reasons, which could occur again or a new reason, that's not a sterling track record if you're a buyer.

As for 'house brands' of other products and such in the past or with other retailers- it happens all the time. I don't keep up on who made craftsman this or that, and in some ways, as a consumer, do you care?

But cabela's sold tractors. Go there and see what kind of service you get for your tractor bought there...or go to RK with a brand they quit selling and see if they have parts, cover warranty repairs, etc. I'm thinking they won't - they'll send you someplace else.

It's a risk. Perhaps for the lower price, higher feature content, it's a risk many are willing to take. I wasn't. I actually a very simlarly equipped kioti from a 'real' tractor dealer for less than the RK.

Quality of boht tractors seem good - and the RK backhoe is much less than the kioti, had a wanted a backhoe who knows which way i would have gone.

Guess I expected a little more class and etiquette from Messick's. Showing a little tarnish on that sterling reputation. Dealer bashing by a dealer, Hypocrisy on display...?..

 

[Btown]

Is he bashing a 'dealer' or 'manufacturer' or 'retailer'?

And RK has sold and DROPPED tractors TWICE before...regardless of the reasons, which could occur again or a new reason, that's not a sterling track record if you're a buyer.

As for 'house brands' of other products and such in the past or with other retailers- it happens all the time. I don't keep up on who made craftsman this or that, and in some ways, as a consumer, do you care?

But cabela's sold tractors. Go there and see what kind of service you get for your tractor bought there...or go to RK with a brand they quit selling and see if they have parts, cover warranty repairs, etc. I'm thinking they won't - they'll send you someplace else.

It's a risk. Perhaps for the lower price, higher feature content, it's a risk many are willing to take. I wasn't. I actually a very simlarly equipped kioti from a 'real' tractor dealer for less than the RK.

Quality of boht tractors seem good - and the RK backhoe is much less than the kioti, had a wanted a backhoe who knows which way i would have gone.

Other large tractor companies have also ended contracts with companies to make their tractors like New Holland and McCormick. TYM will be around and you can always get parts there

 

[prof fate]

Other large tractor companies have also ended contracts with companies to make their tractors like New Holland and McCormick. TYM will be around and you can always get parts there

"always be around"... suzuki sold cars in the US..they don't know. Oldsmobile was around 100 years...sears even longer.

There are no guarantees.

RK is 10 minutes from me. TYM about 2 hours.

Not sure how RK is claiming (RKtractorguy in another post) to have outsold some other brands with only 40 stores (last I heard) selling tractors. I see 5 kubota dealers with 20-50 tractors on their lots at any given time..RK here had maybe 10 at the most..1 of each model, maybe 2 of some.

I don't doubt the quality of the tractors, I do question RK's commitment based on their own track record selling tractors. I know what kind of support I've received from kioti and kubota dealers...I know what kind of service/support I've received from big box stores...and it's not even close. (experience). Will RK be different? Will they keep employees for 10, 20, 30 years? (since our store is 5 months old...there is no comparison on experience with any tractor dealer) Will shorter term employees have the experience, knowledge and commitment to do what dealership employees do?

 

[Diggin It]

^^ I'm not convinced of the service set-up either. I talked to the small engine repair guy at our RK store a couple of years ago. I wasn't impressed.

I apparently have a TYM dealer within about 5 miles of the RK store. I'll be stopping in to see them in the next few weeks, but they seem to be a new TYM partner also, so I don't know how well established they are.

 

[prof fate]

^^ I'm not convinced of the service set-up either. I talked to the small engine repair guy at our RK store a couple of years ago. I wasn't impressed.

I apparently have a TYM dealer within about 5 miles of the RK store. I'll be stopping in to see them in the next few weeks, but they seem to be a new TYM partner also, so I don't know how well established they are.

I'm super happy with my kioti. Paid less than the comparable RK and am only 'missing' tilt wheel and telescoping lower links (if rk has them). I added my own lights and tool box ($40). Got options added at dealer (2 rear remotes (RK has 1), horn, floor mat, arm rest, mirror (RK has mounts, no mirror), cruise, link pedal, loaded tires. RK might have more loader lift capacity, not sure how they measure it (based on online comments) but I can pick up more than I'd like even with loaded tires for 'support'.

I don't think there are many 'bad' tractors out there..you hear some about deere or kubota but they make a lot more tractors..law of averages say you'll hear more about them.

Whatever you get you'll get used to the way it is...so unless you're changing brands it's unlikely you'll have complaints about something unless it really sucks - and I bet ALL models/brands have SOMETHING that SOMEONE would like improved.

I like the fuel tank behind the seat better than in the hood..but it's still less than fun to hoist 40lb fuel can up there, and some implements make it less fun yet. But spills don't end up all over the hood and down the side of the tractor either.

I get on and off my tractor often to open/close gates..a step on the right side would be nice. A mirror on the right too (no mount there...odd) Wheel is good, no need for tilt for me. Even in my cars that have it i set it and forget it.

I rarely "need" the dealer, but when I do (questions, parts, filters, etc) I don't want a run around, 'jim might know' answers, etc. I go into the dealer I get the same guy/gal all the time, they remember me, etc. At RK when I've had issues I have to wait for them to find someone, and it's never the same someone. TSC is the same.

I've worked for dealers and have friends at big box stores...there IS a difference. I've bought power equipment from both as well - and again, there IS a difference.

RK could do it 'right', but from my RK I'm not seeing any difference from any other big box store. Very impersonal, you're just a sale not a valued customer experience.

 

[majorwager]

Let's be honest, the fatalist hates the fact that RK is enjoying a successful venture into the tractor market and it is one opinion. When reviewing opinions is it fair to examine credentials?
The condemnation isn't about tractors, it IS an assault upon the RK Corporation and their commitment to their customer base.

Is the opinionated person a SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MOGUL? Educational background? Held verifiable senior management positions w/ fortune 500 Corporations? A noted author and speaker at economics forums?

Is the critic a person who has worked at 40 or 50 different businesses from car/motorcycle dealerships, food service, bus driver, never ascending the ladder of success, always the cynic, seeing the world through a prism of darkness and negativity. ??

There are many differing opinions on TBN. Reading the repetitive outcry of failure, doom and gloom , simply rings hollow to those who heard the boy crying wolf so often , that said cries became ignored, akin to a subtle white noise off in the distance.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I would think it would be tough for a TYM dealer to exist near a Rural King. It is just hard to sell the same thing as the other guy, but at a higher price.