I知 in the market for a new tractor. I will be upgrading from a Massey Ferguson GC 1720 to something a little larger. I have narrowed it down to two tractors: the Kioti 3510 SE and Rural King 37. Any thoughts on one or the other? Most of my experience with tractors have been with JD and Massey Ferguson so I don稚 have much experience with these 2 brands. I live in southeast Ohio so there are about 6 rural kings within an hour drive of me including the warehouse in Waverly Ohio. Thanks
Seaofblue, that's a nice dilemma to have. :thumbsup: I haven't kicked the tires of the RK37, as Rural King is not projecting to have them available in Northern VA before next year. But TYM makes a good tractor, so I wouldn't have much concern about build quality even with the new brand. The big question, of course, with any new brand at first roll-out (and especially private-label) is long-term brand longevity and support. Only time will tell on that issue, even with the best of intentions on the part of Rural King. They seem to be off to a good start.
For the last couple of weeks I've spent some time researching both the CK3510 SE hydro open-station and the RK37H, among other brands. I wanted to add an open-station tractor in a smaller frame size than my Kioti NX4510HST Cab. My little Kubota B2150HST open-station is a workhorse and going strong, but it's 25 years old and a bit light for some of the close-quarters work that the large-framed NX is not well-suited for, especially with its cab. Then, unexpectedly last week, while helping a buddy shop for tractors, a Kioti dealer made me a straight-up offer I couldn't refuse on a new CK3510 SE. So I went ahead and added one to the pack.
You didn't say whether you're looking at HST or shuttle, or open-station vs. cab. Either way, the CK3510 SE and the RK37 appear on paper to be a pretty good match-up in specs and features for CUTS in that frame size. I'm sure you've studied the online claimed specs of both. In terms of prices actually quoted, I found they are quite close, but YMMV depending on your area and specific dealers. I'm just assuming that RK tractor locations have some flexibility to discount the advertised website prices, but maybe not. FWIW, my out-the-door cash price on my CK3510SE HSTwith the new KL4030 loader turned out to be quite a bit lower than the RK37H web price. That surprised me.
Note that there are a few differences right now in features of the two models, which may or may not be important to you, although they were to me. E.g., the Kioti CK3510SE HST comes standard with two sets of dual remote valves, telescoping lower lift arms and stabilizer bars, cruise control and "linked pedal", which automatically increases the RPM as needed when the HST pedals are pressed. On the RK37H, a second dual remote can be added as an option. Telescoping lower lift arms and cruise control reportedly will be available and come standard starting this October (I don't know about telescoping stabilizer bars). The "linked pedal" feature, which RK calls "HST Sensitivity", is not available on the RK37, even as an option, although it is standard on the RK55.
One of the TBN members is a Rural King rep who posts as RK Tractor Guy to pitch the RK tractors and answer questions. Maybe he'll weigh in on this thread.
Good luck with your decision making!
