RK Tractors and the average person

[4get gto]

Yes but more concerning to me though when we are talking about a retail store. In a typical service environment there is enough work coming and going to lean and a team where the techs can learn from each others experiences or point out that your a turd and need to move on. Just being honest with myself as I was when I decided to purchase anyway. How much are they going to invest in what may be 1 guy at each store and how much related work will he get to keep him good/current and stay. It can't be easy. I think they either wont be able to pay what I would define as an experienced tech and/or the experienced tech doesnt stay from lack of work and wants to stay current and employable. These are just my opinions which I had going in when I made the decision to purchase anyway. Thus far my experiences have most definately aligned with my thinking.

I totally get what you're saying. You want that reassurance that someone will be there if you want or need something. An insurance policy if you will.

I'm not here to say they will or won't. But I don't think they want people left wondering either. I hope this works out for Rk. They seem to be trying hard to make this work.

 

[ovrszd]

Chester's very well stated explanations of his experience so far is what I expected to hear.

If I decide to go into business building houses, do I bid a project before I buy a tool belt? Or before I learn how to build a house?

It's all singing birds and Spring flowers until something goes wrong.

 

[chesternator]

To be fair, you do have to start somewhere and I think RK is off to a good start. This is my first tractor, I love it and I wouldn't have it if RK didnt get into the business. For me I've not been exposed to tractors or Diesel engines at all growing up and RK made it easy for me to buy new. Eventually I may have ended up with something used but I was uncomfortable buying used not knowing anything about tractors.

RK please work on your manuals. I am not alone, I have seen many newbies on here like myself and the visibility of your RK line at retail stores is attracting us. I think this makes it even more import to have a decent manual. Side note: wonder if you have first time owner data? I might suggest in addition the the manual a first time tractor owner manual or pamphlet. I was and remain excited about my RK but every time I look at the manual it brings question and some disappointment. The manual is for a low end tractor not worth the time and money to invest in. That's what I think when I look at the manual but I *think it's a great tractor.

Give us part #'s out front, fluid type recommendations. Clean up what's wrong and detail around whats missing.

 

[Diggin It]

My LS Owner's Manuals aren't the greatest in that they are the usual oddly translated to English from something else. There are a few well written pages interspersed for some reason. But they do have a list of fluids, parts, capacities, working loads, and so on.

I'm curious now about the manuals provided with TYM branded machines.

 

[ovrszd]

The only advantage RK has would be selling an already established product. I consider TYM to be just that. Basic design and function. Very typical grey market tractor.

 

[Ford850]

Since RK is already selling more tractors than TYM USA, they will be tasked with having techs up to speed very quickly. Maybe they already do. But with their escalation design within their service process, with the ability to haul a tractor to the main service hub for high level repairs, that's better than most other brands today. I thought that was a little odd way to offer service when I first heard of it, but then realized it's basically what I have with my equipment. If I need service, my tractor is hauled to a tech. The advantage of RK is that they have much more experienced techs available within their same family, rather than my dealers which are customers talking to a manufacturer trying to get support on high level things. The manufacturer in my case is mainly an importer, which is what RK is too. But RK is both the importer and the dealer all in one. Much better for support. It's definitely a uniquely designed tractor company so it's not fair in my opinion to compare them to the past companies who failed while trying to compete by rebranding a tractor. RK seems to have entered the market by going to the source and creating it's own line, including design and service, rather than just a new color and sticker. I don't own one and have no plans for a new tractor at this point, but I do like their 'outside the box' thinking and support.

 

[chesternator]

Since RK is already selling more tractors than TYM USA, they will be tasked with having techs up to speed very quickly. Maybe they already do. But with their escalation design within their service process, with the ability to haul a tractor to the main service hub for high level repairs, that's better than most other brands today. I thought that was a little odd way to offer service when I first heard of it, but then realized it's basically what I have with my equipment. If I need service, my tractor is hauled to a tech. The advantage of RK is that they have much more experienced techs available within their same family, rather than my dealers which are customers talking to a manufacturer trying to get support on high level things. The manufacturer in my case is mainly an importer, which is what RK is too. But RK is both the importer and the dealer all in one. Much better for support. It's definitely a uniquely designed tractor company so it's not fair in my opinion to compare them to the past companies who failed while trying to compete by rebranding a tractor. RK seems to have entered the market by going to the source and creating it's own line, including design and service, rather than just a new color and sticker. I don't own one and have no plans for a new tractor at this point, but I do like their 'outside the box' thinking and support.

Good point and some of which I wasn't aware of. More transparency around service and not just here on TBN. Great resource but folks should not have to rely on forums for some info. Salesmen are not on the same page with info either so consistancy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Maybe off Topic. Whatever happened to Saturn? Were they simply bought, and crushed out of existence? Did they have financial troubles? For they too were a breath of fresh air in the marketplace with good ideas and technology.

 

[fried1765]

This TYM-RK discussion is somewhat analogous to a past issue, but in a different industry.

Back in the 80's several major US airlines decided that they could market a cheaper product through developing a subsidiary.

The parent companies produced the product (passenger transportation), but marketed the product through a subsidiary/secondary retailer (I do realize that RK is not a subsidiary of TYM).

A great way to market airline seats?

NOT!

There were 4 of these entities.

Delta Express (Delta), Song (Delta), Ted (United), and Continental Lite, (Continental).
NONE SURVIVED !

Most folks probably do not remember any of them, but the parent companies remain (Continental merged with United in 2010).

Seems as though TYM (the producer-parent) might be analogous to DAL or UAL?.... and RK (the discount marketer) analogous to either DAL Express, Song, Ted, or CAL lite?

When the producer-parent decides to change their business model, the at arms length seller suddenly is without a product.

 

[cvestes]

You can't buy the same tractor from TYM at the same price as RK.
But you should buy what "you" want with your money.
We on this forum are, for the most part, a group of RK owners sharing our experiences.
Enjoy your TYM and that forum, fried1765.