We Are the Used Equipment Division of RDO Equipment Co.

This was the website for the Used Equipment Division of RDO Equipment Co. in the early 2000's. The content below is from the site's 2005 archived pages.

We are here to help you fill your used equipment needs. Whether you're in the market for construction equipment, heavy duty trucks, material handling equipment, or quality used ag equipment, RDO has the largest selection of used equipment available anywhere.

RDO Financial Services Co.
700 7th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone:(701) 526-9700
Toll Free: (800) 950-4905
Fax: (701) 297-1551
Toll Free Fax: (877) 334-8714

About Us

We are the Used Equipment Division of RDO Equipment Co.

RDO Equipment Co. specializes in the distribution, sale, service, rental and finance of equipment and trucks to the agricultural, construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing industries, as well as to public service entities, government agencies and utilities. The Company operates the largest network of John Deere construction and agricultural equipment stores in North America, as well as Volvo and Mack truck centers. Information about the Company, including recent news and product information, is available on the RDO Equipment Co. corporate web site (www.rdoequipment.com).

History of RDO

In 1968, Ronald D. Offutt opened his first John Deere agriculture equipment dealership in Casselton, ND. He raised the money by taking out a bank loan, selling a potato warehouse and 160 acres of the family's farmland, and getting the last $10,000 from his grandmother. From that beginning, RDO Equipment Co. has grown to 53 locations in 10 states, and has become one of the leading companies engaged in the restructuring and consolidation of the equipment and truck retail industries.

  • Agricultural Equipment
  • Construction Equipment
  • Rental Equipment
  • Trucks
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Used Equipment
  • Financial Services

Since 1968, the Company has expanded its agricultural equipment division. Operations are now located in Arizona, California, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. These operations include an agricultural rental business in California.

RDO Equipment purchased its first truck dealership in 1997. Since then, the truck division continues to grow with acquisitions of Mack, Volvo, GMC and Isuzu dealerships and now operates truck centers in North Dakota.

In 1998, RDO Equipment Co. became a dealer of Hyster material handling products. The Material Handling division has designated stores in Minnesota and Nebraska. Our service area also includes Wisconsin and Iowa. To provide even better customer service, the RDO Construction Equipment stores in Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota sell and service the Hyster line, along with other material handling product lines.

RDO Financial Services Co. was established in 1997 to provide financial solutions for any equipment needs.  Financial alternatives are tailored to maximize your buying power, flexibility and convenience.  Solutions offered include:

  • Equipment notes and leases
  • Succe$$Link line of credit account
  • Credit life insurance
  • Extended Warranty
  • Physical damage insurance

We have conveniently placed Business Development Managers at our dealerships and they are prepared to assist customers with financing needs.
As RDO Equipment Co. continues to explore opportunities for growth, its commitment remains the same: to strive for excellence and to provide quality products and services to its customers.

 

Mission & Values

The RDO Vision: We will seek growth through the pursuit of opportunities in which our dedicated staff may apply their collective talents to do a job effectively and efficiently with the expectation of a fair and decent profit.

Our Mission

The RDO Mission consists of one strong and bold statement. "We will strive for excellence and be a premier dealer group in providing superior products and services to our customers."

Our Core Values and Beliefs

We will:

  • operate a lean corporate structure that allows the flexibility to respond quickly to opportunities and promotes a free flow of communication and teamwork.
  • hire and promote people who will grow professionally with our company. efficiently deliver quality products and services to our customers.
  • maintain strong partnerships based on honesty, integrity, and trust with our customers, our employees and our suppliers.
  • provide a stimulating work environment for our employees that rewards and recognizes efficiency, teamwork, individual initiative, creative thinking and personal responsibility.

Together we can achieve these high standards and will stop at nothing less.

 

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A Success Story

Rolain Tomasky's primary business was making specialized farm equipment accessible to smaller farms. He always saw lean times right after harvest and was looking for a way to either diversify or invest in a non-seasonal business. RDO made it possible to expand his enterprise into an evergreen market - the distribution of cleaning supplies. As a teenager, he helped his uncle run a small custodial shop and was responsible for making all cleaning supplies purchases. He used his contacts to create a new opportunity that's thriving. Tomasky Supply now distributes everything from toilet paper to major brands dishwashing soap to local restaurants and convenience stores. Rolain recently use his cleaning supplier knowledge to open a cleaning service for an even larger customer base. RDO can partner with customers to improve the business prospects for any size business.

This was the website for the  Used Equipment Division of RDO Equipment Co.

Complete Financing Options

RDO Financial Services Co. can provide financing solutions for any equipment needs. Financial alternatives are tailored to maximize your buying power, flexibility and convenience. Solutions offered include:

 

  • Equipment notes and leases
  • Succe$$Link line of credit account
  • Credit life insurance
  • Extended warranty
  • Physical damage insurance

We have conveniently placed Business Development Managers at our dealerships and they are prepared to assist you. You are also invited to contact our Fargo office and we will make arrangements for a personal appointment that will fit your schedule. The RDOF Team will listen to your needs and find the best solution available.

RDO Financial Services will work closely with your RDO Equipment Co. location to offer you the best financing and leasing options. We will continue to develop new or improved financial products providing value to our customers. We continue to be Customer Focused. Quality Driven.

 



 

More Background on RDOGlobalSales.com

RDO Equipment Co.: A Leader in Agriculture and Construction Equipment Founded in 1968 by Ronald D. Offutt, RDO Equipment Co. has grown from a single John Deere dealership in Casselton, North Dakota to become one of the largest equipment dealers in the world. With over 80 locations across the United States and international partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Ukraine, RDO Equipment Co. is a major player in the agriculture and construction equipment industries.

 

History and Growth

Ron Offutt's journey began as a potato farmer working alongside his father in Moorhead, Minnesota. At the age of 26, he took a chance and purchased his first John Deere dealership in nearby Casselton, North Dakota. This decision set the stage for what would become RDO Equipment Co. The company's growth was steady but significant. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, RDO expanded its presence in the agricultural equipment market, primarily in the Midwest. The 1990s saw the company diversify into the construction equipment sector, a move that would prove pivotal for its future growth. In 1997, RDO Equipment Co. entered the truck dealership business, acquiring Mack and Volvo dealerships. This expansion continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the company adding GMC and Isuzu truck centers to its portfolio. The turn of the millennium marked the beginning of RDO's international expansion. In 2005, the company established its first international venture in Krasnodar, Russia, forming a partnership with local entrepreneur Andrey Rybalkin. This move into the Russian market proved highly successful, with the company far surpassing its initial sales expectations. Following the success in Russia, RDO expanded into Ukraine in 2012, partnering with Volodymyr Kovalinsky. The company now operates five locations in Ukraine with over 150 team members. In recent years, RDO has continued its global expansion, establishing partnerships in Africa and Australia. The company's international growth strategy has been led by Ryan Offutt, son of founder Ron Offutt, who saw international expansion as an opportunity to create new avenues for the business.

 

Products and Services

RDO Equipment Co. is primarily known for its partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers, including:
  1. John Deere: RDO operates the largest network of John Deere construction and agricultural equipment dealerships in North America.
  2. Vermeer: RDO is a major dealer for Vermeer equipment, which is used in agriculture, construction, and environmental industries.
  3. Topcon: RDO offers Topcon's precision agriculture and construction technology solutions.
  4. Wirtgen Group: RDO provides sales and support for Wirtgen's road construction and mineral technologies equipment.
The company's product offerings span a wide range of equipment types, including:
  • Agricultural machinery: Tractors, combines, sprayers, planters, and more
  • Construction equipment: Excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and compactors
  • Environmental equipment: Wood chippers, stump grinders, and horizontal directional drills
  • Irrigation systems: Center pivots, linear systems, and drip irrigation solutions
In addition to equipment sales, RDO provides a comprehensive suite of services:
  1. Equipment rentals: Short-term and long-term rental options for various types of machinery
  2. Parts and service: Genuine OEM parts and expert maintenance and repair services
  3. Technology solutions: Precision agriculture and construction technology integration and support
  4. Financial services: Equipment financing and leasing options through RDO Equipment Co. Financial Services

 

Company Culture and Values

RDO Equipment Co. prides itself on a strong company culture built around five core values:
  1. Partner with employees
  2. Build customers for life
  3. Create opportunities
  4. Do what we say
  5. Play to win

These values are deeply ingrained in the company's culture and are evident in every interaction, from sales to service and beyond. At the heart of RDO's success is its commitment to building long-term relationships with both employees and customers. The company's approach to employee development is notable. RDO invests heavily in training and development programs, ensuring that its team members are well-equipped to handle the ever-evolving technology in the agriculture and construction industries. This commitment to employee growth has resulted in many long-term careers within the company, with some employees staying for over 50 years. RDO's culture also emphasizes community involvement and giving back. The company encourages its local stores to support organizations in their communities that are making a difference. Through the Offutt Family Foundation's Community Builder program, RDO has awarded over $1.4 million in grants to nonprofits and causes that its team members are passionate about since 2015.

 

Customer Service and Support

One of RDO Equipment Co.'s key differentiators is its commitment to customer service and support. The company's approach goes beyond simply selling equipment; it focuses on building long-term relationships with customers and providing comprehensive support throughout the equipment's lifecycle. RDO's service offerings include:
  1. 24/7 support: Many locations offer round-the-clock service to minimize downtime for customers
  2. Mobile service: Technicians can perform on-site repairs and maintenance
  3. Preventive maintenance programs: Scheduled service plans to keep equipment running at peak performance
  4. Technology support: Assistance with precision agriculture and construction technology integration and troubleshooting

The company has also embraced digital technologies to enhance its customer support. For example, RDO offers the John Deere Customer Service Advisor, a subscription-based service that provides customers with critical information for performing equipment repairs themselves.

 

International Expansion and Impact

RDO Equipment Co.'s international expansion has been a significant part of its growth strategy in recent years. The company's ventures into Russia, Ukraine, Africa, and Australia have not only expanded its market reach but also demonstrated its ability to adapt to diverse cultural and business environments. In Russia and Ukraine, RDO's entry into the market coincided with a boom in the agricultural sector. The company's expertise in modern farming equipment and techniques has played a crucial role in helping local farmers improve their productivity and efficiency. The expansion into Africa, particularly through RDO Equipment Africa in Zambia, has focused on providing access to affordable, pre-owned machines and after-sales support. This initiative has been crucial in helping small and medium-sized farmers in the region access modern farming equipment, potentially contributing to improved food security and economic development. In Australia, RDO has partnered with local businesses to strengthen its presence in the construction and agriculture sectors, bringing its expertise in equipment sales, rentals, and support to the Australian market. These international ventures have not only contributed to RDO's growth but have also had a positive impact on the local economies and agricultural sectors in these regions.

 

Challenges and Controversies

Like any large corporation, RDO Equipment Co. has faced its share of challenges and criticisms. Some of the issues that have been reported include:
  1. Management concerns: Some employee reviews on job sites like Glassdoor have mentioned issues with management, particularly at certain locations. Complaints have included poor communication and a lack of follow-through on promises.
  2. Work-life balance: Some employees have reported challenges with work-life balance, particularly in sales roles where there can be pressure to be available outside of regular working hours.
  3. Rapid growth and change: The company's rapid expansion has sometimes led to growing pains, with some employees reporting frequent changes in operations and job roles.
  4. Market fluctuations: As a company heavily tied to the agriculture and construction industries, RDO is susceptible to market fluctuations and economic downturns that affect these sectors.

Despite these challenges, it's worth noting that RDO Equipment Co. maintains a generally positive reputation, with many employees praising the company's culture, benefits, and opportunities for growth.

 

Future Outlook

As RDO Equipment Co. looks to the future, several trends and factors are likely to shape its trajectory:
  1. Technological advancements: The increasing integration of technology in agriculture and construction equipment presents both opportunities and challenges. RDO's ability to stay at the forefront of these technological changes will be crucial to its continued success.
  2. Sustainability: With growing emphasis on sustainable practices in agriculture and construction, RDO may need to adapt its product offerings and services to meet evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements.
  3. Global market dynamics: As an international player, RDO will need to navigate complex global market dynamics, including trade policies, economic fluctuations, and geopolitical issues.
  4. Workforce development: Attracting and retaining skilled workers, particularly in technical roles, will be an ongoing challenge for the company.
  5. Digital transformation: Continued investment in digital technologies for sales, customer support, and internal operations will likely be a key focus area.
RDO Equipment Co.'s history of adaptability and innovation, combined with its strong market position and diverse portfolio, suggests that the company is well-positioned to face these future challenges and opportunities. In conclusion, RDO Equipment Co. has grown from humble beginnings to become a major player in the agriculture and construction equipment industry. Its commitment to customer service, employee development, and community involvement, coupled with its strategic international expansion, has positioned the company as a leader in its field. As the industry continues to evolve, RDO's ability to adapt and innovate will be key to its continued success.


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