<font color="blue">Could it be a case of using 4WD on pavement by mistake? </font>
Man, I don't know ... that reminds me of a little boo-boo of mine. Right before my 50-hour oil changes, I took my tractor for a high-speed joyride around the (paved) parking lot - maybe about a 1/4 mile, at 14-15 MPH. "Man, listen to that hydro whine - cool", I'm saying to myself. When I parked it, I looked down at my feet and realized I had been in 4WD the whole time. "Sorry baby, good thing I'm about to change your fluids. We'll wash those nasty metal filings out of you, and I promise you, it'll never happen again". Oh well, another broken promise. I've done it since, but never quite like that.
I guess the point of my little story is that I wouldn't expect a scrubbing tire to exert enough force on a drive gear to break it. Break it IN maybe, but not break it.
I really am sorry if I've alienated anyone by what I've said in this thread. It really is not my intention to bad-mouth any particular make of tractor, and I have every reason to believe that this is not at all indicative of Kioti's in general. It couldn't possibly be, or they wouldn't have the very loyal following that they do. In fact, I just saw some up close and personal just yesterday, and stopped to take a picture (attached) and check them out. They looked great, well-designed, and very rugged. All the more reason I hope we get some more info on this situation. Could well be there's more than meets the eye, and for all I know, I've been hoodwinked. If so, shame on me for making assumptions, in which case, live and learn.
I really do try to do my best not to offend anyone, and be respectful of other people. We're all in this together, and I really do like the Golden Rule. I do my best to call them like I see them, and when I screw up, all I can do is apologize and ask for forgiveness. If and when you screw up, I promise to return the favor.
John
*****
The picture was taken about .3 miles from my shop. (I think ones a DK40, not sure about the other one). Canton [CT] Feed & Supply obviously just became a dealer, cuz those babies weren't sitting there last week. They sure do look nice though - and I like the <font color="orange"> color </font> too! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif