I really want an RK 24, talk me out of it. Please.

[blacktruck]

I've been in the market for a new tractor for almost two years. I was ready to pull the trigger on a purchase in Feb 2020 and then all of this craziness happened. You can make your own decisions about the cause and results of that but that is for another place. I had talked with a guy from the RK store and was ready to order one. Early this year, I started to do more research and get a new one this year. I went to the RK website and checked the features offered. I was ready to order until I called the local store. My impression of the calls I made there were not good. I did not get the impression they really wanted to sell tractors. I played a little phone tag to try to make contact. Crazy thing is that I still really like the size and options they have for the 24. I do not intend to buy another new tractor so this one should have everything I want. Reading here and some other forums, it does give the impression that any service or warranty work is about out of the question. Anybody have other thoughts on this? I will get a new red tractor but time will tell if it is an RK. Help me out here folks. Is it a good buy or not?

 

[sea2summit]

Just my opinion but very few tractor dealers will make deals over the phone unless you already have a relationship. This might be even more true now with inventory levels so low a phone call isn't a high chance of success anyway. Go in and talk face to face and see what it's like.

I'm not going to say every person that buys a <25 HP SCUT gets will trade it in for a larger unit but many will. Do you just like the 24 or have you actually looked at all the tasks you want to do, time you have to do it, and terrain you'll operate on? Group here is pretty good about recommendations or identifying pitfalls.

 

[blacktruck]

Just my opinion but very few tractor dealers will make deals over the phone unless you already have a relationship. This might be even more true now with inventory levels so low a phone call isn't a high chance of success anyway. Go in and talk face to face and see what it's like.

I'm not going to say every person that buys a <25 HP SCUT gets will trade it in for a larger unit but many will. Do you just like the 24 or have you actually looked at all the tasks you want to do, time you have to do it, and terrain you'll operate on? Group here is pretty good about recommendations or identifying pitfalls.

Thanks sir for the reply.
Yes, I have owned a subcompact tractor for over ten years. I am at a point in my life that if I need a larger tractor or piece of equipment for a specific task outside the capabilities of the subcompact, I will rent whatever I need. The subcompact fits the need for a tractor that would be used very often around one of my properties. Everything from mowing to moving snow and light excavation work.
I agree with what you are saying about a phone call in making a big purchase. That said those who sell with the help of the internet and the proliferation of cell phones means there will be calls regarding a purchase of this magnitude. I did not mention making a deal over the phone. I was inquiring about options and availability. Both fair and expected topics if you ask me. If I feel they know anything, I will make an in person visit. The closest store is about two hours away. I do get what you are saying but a little feigned interest in my call would have made a lot of difference. I called the store I would most probably have used trying to get more info. I still like the tractor but unsure of the rest of the deal.

 

[TractorTYMe]

I suggest since the RK are made by TYM, check out a TYM dealer in your area and see if you like the T254, or even slightly bigger T264 or the brand new T25? It will have a better network and parts backing, although this Covid BS has sent every manufacturer for a runaround for parts availability it seems? There seems to be a dealer in Magnolia, AR?

 

[blacktruck]

The Texarkana thing is just a ruse. I am here on a work assignment but going home to land of imprisoned governors when this task is over. Surprisingly there were fewer TYM dealers there than RK dealers when last I checked. None in my area that I recall. I've thought about a different size but with my past uses of my current subcompact tractor, I don't really want a bigger tractor. Almost makes me unAmerican but I really just don't want a bigger tractor. I am planning for the tractor I buy to be my retirement present to me. Something to keep me occupied when my office days are done.

 

[sea2summit]

The Texarkana thing is just a ruse. I am here on a work assignment but going home to land of imprisoned governors when this task is over. Surprisingly there were fewer TYM dealers there than RK dealers when last I checked. None in my area that I recall. I've thought about a different size but with my past uses of my current subcompact tractor, I don't really want a bigger tractor. Almost makes me unAmerican but I really just don't want a bigger tractor. I am planning for the tractor I buy to be my retirement present to me. Something to keep me occupied when my office days are done.

10 years of experience in your actual conditions beat any opinions you get here. Hope you find what you're looking for at the right price.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I've been in the market for a new tractor for almost two years. I was ready to pull the trigger on a purchase in Feb 2020 and then all of this craziness happened. You can make your own decisions about the cause and results of that but that is for another place. I had talked with a guy from the RK store and was ready to order one. Early this year, I started to do more research and get a new one this year. I went to the RK website and checked the features offered. I was ready to order until I called the local store. My impression of the calls I made there were not good. I did not get the impression they really wanted to sell tractors. I played a little phone tag to try to make contact. Crazy thing is that I still really like the size and options they have for the 24. I do not intend to buy another new tractor so this one should have everything I want. Reading here and some other forums, it does give the impression that any service or warranty work is about out of the question. Anybody have other thoughts on this? I will get a new red tractor but time will tell if it is an RK. Help me out here folks. Is it a good buy or not?

If it was me... no way. If and when you do need a dealer, RK isn't it. Look at New Holland, Massey, Kioti, and the big K, Kubota; but definitely buy from a dealer.

 

[TractorGuy]

If you have a TYM dealer nearby that looks to be a legitimate tractor dealer maybe. Buying a rebranded tractor is something I won't do.

I considered a TYM cab tractor a couple years back but the nearest dealer is 150 miles away and is a lawn and garden center.

I say suck it up and stick with a JD or Kubota.

 

[fried1765]

I've been in the market for a new tractor for almost two years. I was ready to pull the trigger on a purchase in Feb 2020 and then all of this craziness happened. You can make your own decisions about the cause and results of that but that is for another place. I had talked with a guy from the RK store and was ready to order one. Early this year, I started to do more research and get a new one this year. I went to the RK website and checked the features offered. I was ready to order until I called the local store. My impression of the calls I made there were not good. I did not get the impression they really wanted to sell tractors. I played a little phone tag to try to make contact. Crazy thing is that I still really like the size and options they have for the 24. I do not intend to buy another new tractor so this one should have everything I want. Reading here and some other forums, it does give the impression that any service or warranty work is about out of the question. Anybody have other thoughts on this? I will get a new red tractor but time will tell if it is an RK. Help me out here folks. Is it a good buy or not?

"I will get a new red tractor"
If it must be red, go to Massey Ferguson, or Branson.
You will likely find solid dealer support and resale at either, 365 a year!

 

[Raines]

Blacktruck, I too looked for about a year and the rk24, gc1725mb, and ls mt125 were my finalists and I just ordered the massey gc1725mb last week. For me it came down to quality and ease of use meaning how easily is it to swap out backhoe and attachments. I did not want to be taking the 3 point off and on when installing the backhoe. Also massey has a great history of being a proven solid machine with the gc series. Best of luck, it's a tough decision for sure.

 

[Yallwatchthis]

Blacktruck, I think we have chatted before on DM. I own an RK24 & have had great service with it. I am very blessed to have an RK store/service center within 30 miles. Last fall, I took it in for the 50 hour service & being a new tractor owner/operator, I was allowed to watch & assist in servicing my tractor. I am a very hands-on type learner & I now have a better understanding of what is where & how to troubleshoot minor issues. The service tech was great & after realizing that my intentions were of pure learning, he relaxed & gave me several other tips, as well as things to keep an eye on.

I definitely agree with other posts & suggest locating a more local TYM dealer or service center if one is available, if RK is a trek to get to. Another option is to check around your town to see if anyone else owns an RK24. I live in a small city in SWVA with a population in the ballpark of 7k. There are at least 6 of us RK24 owners among the 7k. I have yet to meet the first one that isn't satisfied with their 24. A dear friend of mine, who is also a police officer, worked on tractors/implements as a side gig for a few years, purchased a 24 as well. He, like myself, spent a significant amount of time researching similar sized subcompact tractors. With the capacities, size & power of the 24, it was/is the best option for the money. I always know that if I have generalized questions or have a problem with my RK24, I have him on speed dial & we can take a look at it together to see if it is something that we can handle. He has an exceptional grasp on mechanical functions of cars, trucks, tractors, etc.

If you really like the RK24, go for it! I have thoroughly enjoyed mine & guess what...my 24 brush hogs, driveway scrapes, grapples brush/logs, spreads gravel & pushes snow just like any other tractor with a different name or different color paint. The only thing I would trade my RK24 for in right now would be for one of the new RK25's. Those things are SWEET! I could care less about the additional 1 HP. It's the layout of the levers/functions that I like better. Hope this helps & if you want any other information, feel free to direct message me.

 

[blacktruck]

Blacktruck, I too looked for about a year and the rk24, gc1725mb, and ls mt125 were my finalists and I just ordered the massey gc1725mb last week. For me it came down to quality and ease of use meaning how easily is it to swap out backhoe and attachments. I did not want to be taking the 3 point off and on when installing the backhoe. Also massey has a great history of being a proven solid machine with the gc series. Best of luck, it's a tough decision for sure.

Yes my very short list has the Massey GC1725MB, the RK24 and the Yanmar SA424. I like the price point of the RK tractors (several thousand less than similar brands) but not feeling the love on the dealer set up. I like the Yanmar for their quality and experience in building tractors. I also like very much the 1725MB partly because there is a family owned dealership about 5 miles from my home. I don't really suspect I will need much from the dealer but it would be nice if I did. From the tractors I have seen, the MF does have all of the features I want in one package. I actually have two John Deere 420 garden tractors that I still use to mow with. They're solid old tractors and I will probably never get rid of them but the local dealership lost me when I went to look at a 1025R a few years ago. They and I were not on the same page for price or being able to get what I wanted instead of what they wanted sell. Same story with Kubota. Please keep us posted when you get your new tractor. They really do look like a solid performer.

 

[blacktruck]

Blacktruck, I think we have chatted before on DM. I own an RK24 & have had great service with it. I am very blessed to have an RK store/service center within 30 miles. Last fall, I took it in for the 50 hour service & being a new tractor owner/operator, I was allowed to watch & assist in servicing my tractor. I am a very hands-on type learner & I now have a better understanding of what is where & how to troubleshoot minor issues. The service tech was great & after realizing that my intentions were of pure learning, he relaxed & gave me several other tips, as well as things to keep an eye on.

I definitely agree with other posts & suggest locating a more local TYM dealer or service center if one is available, if RK is a trek to get to. Another option is to check around your town to see if anyone else owns an RK24. I live in a small city in SWVA with a population in the ballpark of 7k. There are at least 6 of us RK24 owners among the 7k. I have yet to meet the first one that isn't satisfied with their 24. A dear friend of mine, who is also a police officer, worked on tractors/implements as a side gig for a few years, purchased a 24 as well. He, like myself, spent a significant amount of time researching similar sized subcompact tractors. With the capacities, size & power of the 24, it was/is the best option for the money. I always know that if I have generalized questions or have a problem with my RK24, I have him on speed dial & we can take a look at it together to see if it is something that we can handle. He has an exceptional grasp on mechanical functions of cars, trucks, tractors, etc.

If you really like the RK24, go for it! I have thoroughly enjoyed mine & guess what...my 24 brush hogs, driveway scrapes, grapples brush/logs, spreads gravel & pushes snow just like any other tractor with a different name or different color paint. The only thing I would trade my RK24 for in right now would be for one of the new RK25's. Those things are SWEET! I could care less about the additional 1 HP. It's the layout of the levers/functions that I like better. Hope this helps & if you want any other information, feel free to direct message me.

Yes I think we may have. The RK series look to be good tractors in every way. I like many of the features and options available for it. I do not like the dealer set up. I've long worked for a major equipment manufacturer and know first hand the value of a dealer set up and service. I used to shop at an RK store many decades ago before they sold tractors and had good experiences with them. I have no fear of buying their tractors but am a little shy about the dealer support network. I appreciate the responses and until I get home again, the hunt continues.

 

[fried1765]

Yes I think we may have. The RK series look to be good tractors in every way. I like many of the features and options available for it. I do not like the dealer set up. I've long worked for a major equipment manufacturer and know first hand the value of a dealer set up and service. I used to shop at an RK store many decades ago before they sold tractors and had good experiences with them. I have no fear of buying their tractors but am a little shy about the dealer support network. I appreciate the responses and until I get home again, the hunt continues.

I believe that for the long haul there is a significant likelihood of the RK tractor brand going the way of Cabelas tractors.
That would lead me away from considering an RK tractor.
Individuals make RK tractor purchase decisions based primarily on price, as Cabelas tractor purchase decisions were made as well.

When someone at RK corporate decides there is not enough profit in tractors, RK tractors will be gone!

 

[blacktruck]

I believe that for the long haul there is a significant likelihood of the RK tractor brand going the way of Cabelas tractors.
That would lead me away from considering an RK tractor.
Individuals make RK tractor purchase decisions based primarily on price, as Cabelas tractor purchase decisions were made as well.

When someone at RK corporate decides there is not enough profit in tractors, RK tractors will be gone!

Yea I had forgotten about those. I recall them when first marketed. Not so much after that. That is what I am concerned about also.

 

[fried1765]

Yea I had forgotten about those. I recall them when first marketed. Not so much after that. That is what I am concerned about also.

Buying an RK tractor is a 20K -30K roll of the dice that I would not be willing to take!

 

[TractorTYMe]

The SCUT and CUT Masseys are made by Japanese Iseki I believe? So both a Massey and a Yanmar will be HARD to go wrong with to be honest.

 

[blacktruck]

The SCUT and CUT Masseys are made by Japanese Iseki I believe? So both a Massey and a Yanmar will be HARD to go wrong with to be honest.

Agreed. I bought a Cub Cadet/Yanmar new in 2009 or 2010. It's been a great tractor and Yanmar has made many tractors and engines for a lot of companies so I have no qualms of getting one of those. Same with the Iseki brand. As much as I wish to buy a US made tractor, they don't exist in that market so I will go to a foreign company. My only gripe with the Yanmar model is the local dealer when I am home, has the tractors as a small part of their business. They seem like good folks but not really intent on selling a tractor. Contrast that to the MF tractor dealer right up the road from my farm. I reached out to the Yanmar dealer the other day. I will see if they get back to me. My red list is getting shorter. I appreciate the insight from others. Good dialogue on what we are all seeing and experiencing is important.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Buying a rebranded tractor is something I won't do.

IF you have a john deere, you already did... lol

SR

 

[blacktruck]

"I will get a new red tractor"
If it must be red, go to Massey Ferguson, or Branson.
You will likely find solid dealer support and resale at either, 365 a year!

The MF looks to be a solid performer and have a long time dealer very close to my home. Branson looks good but no dealer is in what I consider my buying area. I was also considering a new Yanmar which I really like but my experience with Yanmar customer service lacks a little in my book.

Blacktruck, I too looked for about a year and the rk24, gc1725mb, and ls mt125 were my finalists and I just ordered the massey gc1725mb last week. For me it came down to quality and ease of use meaning how easily is it to swap out backhoe and attachments. I did not want to be taking the 3 point off and on when installing the backhoe. Also massey has a great history of being a proven solid machine with the gc series. Best of luck, it's a tough decision for sure.

I am still away but going home soon and hoping to order my new tractor. I've looked at all the brands that have what I want and are somewhere close to my home. My final two on the list were MF and Yanmar. I reached out to Yanmar through their website and direct to the dealer. Neither was what I would call a satisfying experience. Pretty sure the new tractor will be a GC1725MB. It would take something really out of the ordinary to change my mind at this point. I really liked the RK 24 and the Yanmar SA424 but in both cases, dealer interaction with me turned me away.