When I started looking for a new tractor I put together a list of things I needed and then spent time visiting all dealers in the Lockyer Valley.
It became obvious very quickly that there were only a couple of companies that had the package that I was looking for without having to pay for ‘options’. My budget was very tight. To get to just one dealer I delved into the details of service warranties and local dealer after sales support.
AgKing had the AK404 tractor with everything I needed including flexible options with local after sales service at the right price. I already had a 3pl offset blade from my last tractor and I have since purchased a 3pl spray unit.
My property is on the side of a steep hill so safety was my 1st concern. I rarely take the AK404 out of 4wd and feel safe with the seat belt, ROPS and wheel weights that come standard. The slasher has easily dealt with everything I’ve thrown at it including a fair amount of Lantana clearing on steep ground. With the blade I have created tracks and shed pads into the hard clay on the side of our hill.
The 4 in 1 bucket is fantastic. Apart from pushing over the occasional dead tree, moving large water tanks and holding shed frames whilst I put the bolts in, I have spent over 50 hours carting and laying 120tons of asphalt onto my driveway, which has a 16deg slope. The tractor has done a great job and I’m not worried about the next 120tons!
Yes, things do “break”, but with the local support from AgKing I have not only been able to quickly repair problems, with information and parts, but also learn a lot about my tractor. Not been stuck in a standard warranty deal has been a great benefit as I can do the work myself straight away without risking breaking warranty guidelines. Most of the problems have been because of the lack of using Loctite on bolts but slowly I am resolving that.
The best thing for me is that the AK404 is a tractor that is powerful and robust enough to do what I need. It is a great base for the many tasks that I will be throwing at it and it is easy to maintain here on the property without needing propitiatory equipment and parts.
I recommend the AK404 as a very capable 40hp tractor package at a great price.