A Beefy, Potent Compact
Model Year: 2010
I've had this tractor a year and a half and am only now using it regularly because of a family illness. So that's why the low hours. This is my second compact tractor; the first was a Ford 1320. Overall I'm finding this machine intelligently designed, plenty powerful for its size, solidly built, and easy to operate and maintain. The 50-hour service was no problem to do; I also changed the fuel filter and bled the fuel system with no issues. Most service points are easy or fairly easy to find and access. The manual is well-illustrated and pretty clear, although the "Korean English" can be a little goofy in places, and at least one of the photos has mislabeled parts. I have the industrial tires, which the dealer recommended over the ag tires, and they're working out just fine for me and are easier on the land. When I get some slippage on a muddy trail, I just apply the differential lock and that pulls me out every time (so far). No problem starting it up so far even in cold weather. It's pretty heavy for its size and seems quite stable on uneven ground, although caution in such conditions is always called for. You should have the dealer fill the tires. I have the K-130 FEL and have no complaints about it; it doesn't seem underpowered or flimsy as a few people have claimed. But then again this is my first FEL. The HST is a joy esp. when using the FEL; I can't imagine being without it even though by nature I am a gear man. I will say, though, that the shift lever for H-M-L tends to stick, which can be annoying, but always works free with a little gentle manipulation (or just rocking the tractor with your body weight in the seat). Another minor problem I had is that the headlights filled up with water whenever it rained hard. So there was a bad seal. The dealer replaced the headlight unit with no questions asked. Also the hood latch tended not to release, so often I had to struggle to open the hood. But I've greased it carefully and it seems okay now. Ground clearance could be higher, so exercise usual care when going over stumps etc. as other reviewers have noted. This is a tractor, not a tank. The Kioti CK-35 is plenty of tractor with plenty of power for most applications, and I'm not regretting I didn't get a 40 or 45 hp Kioti. So far so great, and lot better than my old Ford! I'd recommend this tractor to anyone with a small or mid-sized property and mid-sized needs.
Pros: Good design, ease of maintenance, solid performance.
Cons: Nothing serious.