Are rural king tractors yanmars?

[majorwager]

There are many "stories" circulating about the renamed Cabelas. Not sure how many are accurate, or folks just annoyed they paid a premium for a tractor RK is marketing for a very reasonable cost. Also don't know what the Cabelas warranty language entailed nor duration.? There was clamoring for legal action against. Given the low bar for legal cases these days, don't YOU suspect if the grounds existed, the case would be pending.? Perhaps no grounds exist?

RK did try selling Chinese tractors, US buyers just weren't interested. And Massey didn't allow a competitive edge.

Bottom line, if someone has concerns, RK would rather you make other arrangements, no forced, high pressure sales.

RK has stated that they will definitively assist Cabelas owners W/ parts and presumably service, but their own work would be obviously prioritized, as expected.

RK is EXPOSING the inflated profit built into the compact tractor market, and that does NOT sit well w/ some. Those that pd $50k+ for a Grand L cab-- attachments/implements (few!), are as noted, now experiencing indigestion, and verbal about it!

RK is a successful business W/ 100+ stores and loyal following of customers, They can kiss that goodby if they default on this tracor committment. A committment w/ contracts for tractor and parts and personnel worth $$ millions.

Note this: There are many Yanmar, LS, kioti and mihindra dealers that are VERY small shops that could disappear today!

Look at it this way, RK has 100+ branches in their RK dealership. How many deere dealerships has 100+ branches?

 

[prof fate]

Well, any dealer COULD dissappear of course.

If i had an RK chinese or MF tractor will RK support it? Parts, warranty? I don't think RK failed when they booted the previous two brands...

Today the 'always low prices' mentality is KILLING businesses - service? Who needs it! Well, I like it.

Our local walmarts are 95% self check out now...I don't like it, but there's little choice in the matter. If there's only 1 or 2 registers open and 15 self serves the lines are too long.

So I'm changing when I go or I go elsewhere. ALDI can pay their cashiers $12-16/hour and have NO self checkout.

I go into my kubota or kioti dealer and they KNOW me. RK? I don't see the same person twice there, and the same at tractor supply. Poitn being, every day is a new day - wasting my time explaining/asking over and over again.

 

[s219]

There are many "stories" circulating about the renamed Cabelas. Not sure how many are accurate, or folks just annoyed they paid a premium for a tractor RK is marketing for a very reasonable cost. Also don't know what the Cabelas warranty language entailed nor duration.? There was clamoring for legal action against. Given the low bar for legal cases these days, don't YOU suspect if the grounds existed, the case would be pending.? Perhaps no grounds exist?

RK did try selling Chinese tractors, US buyers just weren't interested. And Massey didn't allow a competitive edge.

Bottom line, if someone has concerns, RK would rather you make other arrangements, no forced, high pressure sales.

RK has stated that they will definitively assist Cabelas owners W/ parts and presumably service, but their own work would be obviously prioritized, as expected.

RK is EXPOSING the inflated profit built into the compact tractor market, and that does NOT sit well w/ some. Those that pd $50k+ for a Grand L cab-- attachments/implements (few!), are as noted, now experiencing indigestion, and verbal about it!

RK is a successful business W/ 100+ stores and loyal following of customers, They can kiss that goodby if they default on this tracor committment. A committment w/ contracts for tractor and parts and personnel worth $$ millions.

Note this: There are many Yanmar, LS, kioti and mihindra dealers that are VERY small shops that could disappear today!

Look at it this way, RK has 100+ branches in their RK dealership. How many deere dealerships has 100+ branches?

Only parts I disagree with are the parts about profit and then "dealership" -- I would bet RK is making little profit on these machines right now, and it's probably intentional to start and grow the business. And at the same time, they do have less to offer right now in terms of support/service and expert staff. I am sure they will fill in those gaps, but right now they absolutely should be pricing less than a traditional dealership because they offer less of what some (not all) people want dealers for.

The main issues I have been aware of with Cabelas is poor warranty/parts support for customers. It's been documented in a few threads on TBN. I have no reason to doubt these folks. It's disgraceful for a company like Cabelas that is normally real good about customer service.

 

[prof fate]

I worked at a tech, service writer and service manager for many dealerships (motorcycle and car) and there is a lot that goes into a PROPER service department.

I doubt RK has that - based on what I SEE when I'm there for one thing..parts counter? nope. 'service' sign (or even a garage?) no, not really.

Then you need trained personnell - to do the warranty and other work, submit claims, etc. tools and equipment to do the work, diagnostics, etc. If you sell enough units or have repair work, great. If not..this becomes a cost issue. A trained tech can make good money...often paid flat rate..but not enough work means they starve..and leave.

A good flat rate tech in teh car world can make $70k plus. A lot less on motorcycles and boats (they are toys essentially, and seasonal). No idea what an 'ag' tech can make, but 30k plus a year would I think be a low wage - or they'd go work on cars.

You gotta sell a lot of low margin tractors to cover that payroll.

 

[majorwager]

Prof fate,
Take exception w/ your statement. First RK service areas are clearly marked and I would ask when you contacted the service folks and which faces were frequently different, ? So you are passing judgement, let's be specific, what items have you purchased at RK where You personally had a warrenty issue and we not treated w/ the immediacy of the issue, Please name them?

Next they service what they sell, lawn mowers, garden tractors, zero turns, chain saws, leave blowers and the like, believe select techs are being cross trained to deal w/ tractors. If the part is not a warranty item, it is available from a store aisle. Large tractor dealers do exactly the same thing.

Lets examine another scenario. I have purchased seven NEW tractors in my time on the planet, and at least that many lawn tractors.

I must be uniquely fortunate because I can't recall a single trip to the dealer for warranty work. I have read a significant # of TBN posts where members state their tractors have never returned to the dealer.

The point is that since they sell new tractors, and that volume may still be low yet growing, there is not alot of tractor tech work to perform.
There is assembly work which is quite routine.

Honestly, the face at the cash register has absolutely NO bearing upon the tractor quality or servive ability.

It is clear from your perspective that RK would be an improper source for your tractor purchase. You interject much personal bias and speculation as to how RK conducts their tractor purchase relationships w/ customers. Direct knowledge is verifiable and relative!!

If you have specific examples of deficiencies , by all means, bring them forward.

As to the price structure, neither you nor I am privy to the actual cost. They might be working on smaller margins, they deal in volume in many types of equipment and merchandise. Comparing them to a grocery store has no relevance.

So to reiterate, RK is a place you feel uncomfortable, I and many others do not share that concern. I find their customer service quite satisfactory, and a significant amount of farm supplies arrive weekly here, a product of online sales.

Cost of goods and product quality matter to me, not planning to marry any RK employees.

 

[majorwager]

I worked at a tech, service writer and service manager for many dealerships (motorcycle and car) and there is a lot that goes into a PROPER service department.

I doubt RK has that - based on what I SEE when I'm there for one thing..parts counter? nope. 'service' sign (or even a garage?) no, not really.

Then you need trained personnell - to do the warranty and other work, submit claims, etc. tools and equipment to do the work, diagnostics, etc. If you sell enough units or have repair work, great. If not..this becomes a cost issue. A trained tech can make good money...often paid flat rate..but not enough work means they starve..and leave.

A good flat rate tech in teh car world can make $70k plus. A lot less on motorcycles and boats (they are toys essentially, and seasonal). No idea what an 'ag' tech can make, but 30k plus a year would I think be a low wage - or they'd go work on cars.

You gotta sell a lot of low margin tractors to cover that payroll.

Why have you worked at so many dealerships? If face consistancy matters that much, why didn't the owner make every effort to retain you?, being loyal to YOUR customers, why would you leave?

 

[prof fate]

Been to the new RK every other week, if not more often. Bought many things there so far - livestock, pets, misc items, etc.
It's VERY odd layout to the store - there is a front door and a mall door - NO OTHER DOORS for teh public. NO inside tractor 'counter' or anything remotely like it. There is a wall of tractor items (blades, belts) but no dedicated person there.

yesterday spent 20 min looking at tractors and implements after spend $97 inside teh store..NOBODY walked up to me. NONE of the tractors had ANY pricing..well, there was an RK something with a cab with a weather beaten tag on it. The RK37? nothing.

There USED to be pricing and displays. Maybe going in on a sunday was the issue? (fathers day). I can't say. I CAN say I got NO help at RK and I can say that has NEVER happened at a 'real' tractor store -but then I don't go there on Sundays as they are all closed...perhaps being open sunday with no help is an RK benefit?

They do have a counter amidst a bunch of power tools (Stihl I think..) I"m not shopping for a chainsaw anymore than I am a gun, so why would I go there to ask about tractors and parts? Illogical to the max.

Yes, the face at the cash register IS a factor - ALL are employees of RK, yes? So if i never see the same face twice ANYWHERE, and those at the checkout are barely trained it would seem...why would I assume someone in another dept is well trained?

I've had similar poor experiences at TSC as well - similar to just about every big box store I've been in - lots of lowly employees with bare minumum of training and knowledge and if you're lucky you run into someone that know something. Often at Home Depot or Lowes you can find that - but not always there either.

I can google and get info - but then why bother to make a trip to a brick and mortar store? I might as well order from amazon and have it come to me.

And that is one of the reasons retail is failing these days. If I can't get service, can't get it now - I might as well do it online.

Staples is famous for that "we don't have it, but over here at the kiosk I cna order it for you and have it shipped to your house!"...yeah, I can that myself.

So why do I need you?

Prof fate,
Take exception w/ your statement. First RK service areas are clearly marked and I would ask when you contacted the service folks and which faces were frequently different, ? So you are passing judgement, let's be specific, what items have you purchased at RK where You personally had a warrenty issue and we not treated w/ the immediacy of the issue, Please name them?

Next they service what they sell, lawn mowers, garden tractors, zero turns, chain saws, leave blowers and the like, believe select techs are being cross trained to deal w/ tractors. If the part is not a warranty item, it is available from a store aisle. Large tractor dealers do exactly the same thing.

Lets examine another scenario. I have purchased seven NEW tractors in my time on the planet, and at least that many lawn tractors.

I must be uniquely fortunate because I can't recall a single trip to the dealer for warranty work. I have read a significant # of TBN posts where members state their tractors have never returned to the dealer.

The point is that since they sell new tractors, and that volume may still be low yet growing, there is not alot of tractor tech work to perform.
There is assembly work which is quite routine.

Honestly, the face at the cash register has absolutely NO bearing upon the tractor quality or servive ability.

It is clear from your perspective that RK would be an improper source for your tractor purchase. You interject much personal bias and speculation as to how RK conducts their tractor purchase relationships w/ customers. Direct knowledge is verifiable and relative!!

If you have specific examples of deficiencies , by all means, bring them forward.

As to the price structure, neither you nor I am privy to the actual cost. They might be working on smaller margins, they deal in volume in many types of equipment and merchandise. Comparing them to a grocery store has no relevance.

So to reiterate, RK is a place you feel uncomfortable, I and many others do not share that concern. I find their customer service quite satisfactory, and a significant amount of farm supplies arrive weekly here, a product of online sales.

Cost of goods and product quality matter to me, not planning to marry any RK employees.

 

[aczlan]

NO inside tractor 'counter' or anything remotely like it. There is a wall of tractor items (blades, belts) but no dedicated person there.

yesterday spent 20 min looking at tractors and implements after spend $97 inside teh store..NOBODY walked up to me. NONE of the tractors had ANY pricing..well, there was an RK something with a cab with a weather beaten tag on it. The RK37? nothing.

There USED to be pricing and displays. Maybe going in on a sunday was the issue? (fathers day). I can't say. I CAN say I got NO help at RK and I can say that has NEVER happened at a 'real' tractor store -but then I don't go there on Sundays as they are all closed...perhaps being open sunday with no help is an RK benefit?

They do have a counter amidst a bunch of power tools (Stihl I think..) I"m not shopping for a chainsaw anymore than I am a gun, so why would I go there to ask about tractors and parts? Illogical to the max.

Personally, I'm not surprised. It's not like most of the customers are looking for tractors so they wouldn't have someone assigned to stand out by the tractors all the time.
If it is like Tractor Supply and Runnings are around here, I am sure that their tractor implements are the same way as are their other large items such as gates, dog kennels etc etc etc. Most lumber yards do the same thing. If you want to talk to someone about something that is out on the yard, you go into the front desk and let them know and they will call the person who knows something about it. That way they can get more done with less people.

Aaron Z

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Was mildly surprised Cabela's got sold. Successful company with a great reputation. The new owners jettisoned a less-profitable division. We're about to lose Sears, maybe JCPenney, Kmart gone..... Brick and mortar is in trouble in most retail categories. Amazon is even taking a shot at a normally reliable B&M bastion: grocery stores. They are likely to take a bite out of that. So tractors. I actually think the model where the major components are sourced from different companies (like RK) has a certain resilience in this crazy world. If Yanmar folds, you can source your engines somewhere else. And if the tractor company doesn't OWN all the factories = less overhead and less risk.

As a business person, I see it pretty simply. RK is going to try this thing--selling tractors--and if it's profitable they will keep doing it. If not, they will stop. Quien sabe? (I do think it makes more sense for RK to sell tractors than for Cabela's. That always felt a bit odd to me.)

The RK tractors didn't suit my needs, but it they did, and I was a decent mechanic and didn't need to be reliant on my dealer for every little thing, I'd probably go for it. You cannot beat the prices! And shoot, any of these tractor companies could go out of business at almost any time before the *expected* life-span of a tractor, which we expect to be 30 years or so. I'm guessing long before then, all-electric tractors will have taken over. Meantime, if a trade war happens steel could go sky-high. Definitely one factor to me pulling the trigger.

My gut, FWIW which may not be much, most of us are paying, what, a couple hundred bucks a month to own one of these tractors. If it suits your needs, you like it, and it's priced right, buy it. Life is short.

 

[prof fate]

The USA has 45 sf of retail space for every man woman and child. Second in the world is England - with 9 sf.

Do you see a crash coming? I surely do. And that's before we account for internet and 'curbside pickup' - the latest thing here for grocery's - walmart charges a premium I think for it, the premium priced store advertises same prices either way. I'm not interested, but I know many that RAVE about it - no waiting in any line, ever.

There's always a risk - look at the last decade or so - suzuki abandoned the american car market, old, saturn, mercury, hummer, saab all shuttered. Sears was once the largest retailer in teh US - just about gone. Same for Kmart (and others before them). RK may be big..but they too can fold in a weekend and be gone. Nothing is certain anymore.

I've read that NO SCUT/CUT is american made anymore. Kubota assembles them here, might be the closest to made here. Deere and MF I assume are US companies so at least the profits stay here.