KL130 on a CK30 Problem

[coasterez]

Well, I originally wasn't one of those with a cracked loader. But, I am now: Four cracks at the ends of the welded in gussets that go to where the tube starts to fold. Now I'm anxious for a fix! It's been long enough.

 

[HODAK]

I got tired of waiting for a fix........and a kit is not for me. Look for the old arms on ebay. Maybe someone will want to do a modification on the old ones and then swap.

Good luck to all.

 

[Highbeam]

Good job Hodak. Take the bull by the horns. The photos of the cracks were an excellent example of what you do not want to see on a critical structural member.

 

[coasterez]

Hodak,

Did you pay for the new arms yourself?

I sent an email to Kioti, and to my dealer (again). I'm tired of waiting too. But, I don't have $2k to spend on a piece of equipment I just bought new 150 hours ago, and that's hardly been used. Most of my work (<100 hours) was done with the backhoe. I've been one to say be patient. But, even my patience has expired.

 

[IslandTractor]

For what it's worth, I think it is obscene for Kioti to have let this problem fester for over 18 months. Eighteen months at least since Highbeam first reported it. The Kioti USA corporate motto says they "put their customers first"....NOT! It is such a shame that great tractors have flat out mediocre corporate customer and engineering support.

 

[PA hayseed]

I am currently looking at a CK and a Dk35, the new loader that comes with these has an issue? or is it an older version of the loader? The dealer gave me a quote on the loader and wrote it up as a KL351. I know people have been referring to another model number, but more than one model number has been mentioned in this thread.

I just want to be sure I am not contemplating a purchase of a faulty loader. The woods one is only 500.00 more or so.

 

[IslandTractor]

The only loaders that have the cracking problem are the KL120 and KL130. The KL351 is new but has a different design and is not really at risk. The replacement (new model) loaders for the CK20 and CK30 are the KL120b and the KL130b and those should be fine too.

One thing to be careful of in looking at a "new" CK20 or CK30 is to make sure that the loader is the new style (the "b" suffix should be clearly part of the model number on the side of the loader). I wouldn't worry about getting an older style loader if it had the repair kit installed but I'd expect an extra discount.

 

[PA hayseed]

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

 

[RexB]

Hi PA hayseed, iso IslandTractor's good info, here is a pic of the new "B" model FEL arm and how the torque-tube penetrates both sides of both arms with welded steel plates on both sides. On the FEL the barcode label will read "KL130B Loader", tho the "B" is not on the larger "KL130" stencil on the loader arm.

click n zoom



Happy tractor-hunting, and did you get it yet? We love Pics

 

[shvl73]

I do believe that it is possible to repair a freshly cracked loader in a manner that is professional and nearly impossible to detect.

If I am remembering correctly, Dick B. at Batchelders in Lebanon Maine did just that for a customer. I think the guy's statement was essentially that it appeared as new after he was done. I guess it would depend on the skill level of the welder doing the repair.