Is Kioti addressing ongoing problems

[k0ua]

I would take a different approach and just make sure water doesn't get in. I imagine that water proofing sprays for electronics would help too but I think I am correct in saying that most everyone who has had problems has exposed the tractors to rain/weather for extended periods.

I have a sunshade that keeps out rain even when I do leave it out of the barn. Kioti must know at least on general principles that keeping water out of the ignition switch is important as they do provide a little plastic cap that most of us lose. If I left mine outside for storage I'd probably just put a tarp flap over the steering column.

Well I will have the sunshade, that might help, some, and will have a shed, before too long,but the tractor is not going into the little barn I have the Kubota in now.

James K0UA

 

[IslandTractor]

Well I will have the sunshade, that might help, some, and will have a shed, before too long,but the tractor is not going into the little barn I have the Kubota in now.

James K0UA

It is not that the ignition switches turn to rust the minute they get wet. Many people, the vast majority, have had no problem regardless of how they store the tractors. It is just a simple thing to prevent which is why I would take the time to bungee a small piece of tarp over the switch if I left it outside for a while. I also imagine that Kioti will or has already upgraded the switch as they don't want to replace them under warranty either. Really not a big deal but it does show you how reliable the rest of the tractor is when this is the type of thing that gets peoples attention.

 

[kco]

I bought my DK 35 around 11 years ago and have around 1625 hours on it so far.
If I had to do it all over again I would pick the same tractor. Its been great.

Same here Vince! My DK35 HST is exactly 1 year old with 242 hours on it. It is perfect for my needs and has had 0 problems.

 

[Dingo Man]

Ok all, I think you've warmed my feet back up. You guys have been great with the testimonials and intelect with this topic. I will give them a chance, that is if the dealer will play ball. I will update you on the buying process. Thanks again.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Island would it be a good idea to maybe squirt a little Fluid Film into the ignition switch when new to prevent any future corrosion problems from developing from moisture? (just trying to think ahead.)

I haven't used that stuff (fluid film). Would it collect dirt? If so, I'd say don't use it. On the other hand, electrical contact cleaner dries and doesn't attract dirt so that may be the ticket.

The switch has two parts: the mechanical "tumblers" that mate with the key and the electrical contacts. In my case, the mechanical part was fine but dust (or maybe corrosion) effected the electrical portion to the extent that one of the contacts was unreliable. I don't recall if squirting stuff in the keyhole could reach the electrical portion or not. By the way, it appears that my tractor sat in the weather for about 3-4 years before I bought it.

Back to the original question, I see that the schematics show different circuits for various Kioti models and years which, in turn, requires different switches. So I suspect Kioti has tried to fix the switch problem

 

[k0ua]

I haven't used that stuff (fluid film). Would it collect dirt? If so, I'd say don't use it. On the other hand, electrical contact cleaner dries and doesn't attract dirt so that may be the ticket.

The switch has two parts: the mechanical "tumblers" that mate with the key and the electrical contacts. In my case, the mechanical part was fine but dust (or maybe corrosion) effected the electrical portion to the extent that one of the contacts was unreliable. I don't recall if squirting stuff in the keyhole could reach the electrical portion or not. By the way, it appears that my tractor sat in the weather for about 3-4 years before I bought it.

Back to the original question, I see that the schematics show different circuits for various Kioti models and years which, in turn, requires different switches. So I suspect Kioti has tried to fix the switch problem

Thanks, Fluid Film is great to use around the tractor and other things as a film protectant, but it may attract some dirt. I like to use in on FEL control valve linkage, hitch parts etc. Anything that needs a light anti-corrosion film and light almost greaselike film. I got hooked on it when they sent a small free can. They know if they can get you using it you will like it.

James K0UA

 

[Loren49]

I'm very satisfied with my Kioti (about 300 hrs in 3 years). Switch location leaves it exposed to precipitation though mine is stored inside.

My opinion on the number of Kioti issues discussed on this forum is that a higher percentage of Kioti owners are "do it yourself" types and many solve their problems with other board members help.

One of my relatives who does free lance mechanic work on tractors says "John Deere is my favorite because they have kept me in business". To be somewhat fair, there are a good number of green tractors in my area.:thumbsup:

Loren

 

[Gittyup]

I'm one owner who has had trouble with the ignition switch even though my tractor has never seen the rain. And I'm not one to wash my tractor very often either, maybe once in 6 years. Kept it tarped and with the ignition switch cover on the first year. Cover broke off in short order. It's now kept under a huge leanto and never sees any precipitation.

Still think it's corrosion related though. Haven't had any trouble since using fluid film.

 

[k0ua]

I'm one owner who has had trouble with the ignition switch even though my tractor has never seen the rain. And I'm not one to wash my tractor very often either, maybe once in 6 years. Kept it tarped and with the ignition switch cover on the first year. Cover broke off in short order. It's now kept under a huge leanto and never sees any precipitation.

Still think it's corrosion related though. Haven't had any trouble since using fluid film.

did you just squirt the FF in the keyhole?

James K0UA

 

[coobie]

Hi everyone. I am in the last stages of my tractor shopping quest. I had a big change of events yesterday after leaving my Mahindra dealer and going to my Kioti dealer. Looked at the DK40SE. Got a much better price than Mahindra could offer on a similar tractor.

So today I began really hammering the websites and this forum to learn more about Kioti and the Dk40. From what I have read there seems to be alot of Kioti owners on here that are expericencing problems with their tractors. Some of them are smaller problems, some are not. It looks like there is an abnormal about of problems listed here as opposed to the other brand's forums. Is it because Kioti owners are just so honest. I spent eight years working on a dairy farm so I understand things will break from time to time. But alot of Kioti's issue appear to keep happening year after year.

It sounds like Kioti has been having an on going issue with ignition and starting problems. This is related to post from 2008 to present. Is Kioti addressing these problems.

I really want to buy but the more I am reading the more I am becoming hinky about them.

I am not trying to tick anyone off I am just trying to make the right purchase. I have spent several hours on other brand forums and have not heard half the problems. Why?

Questions for you??What are all of these nagging problems we are supposed to have?I own a 2008 Kioti DK40SE no problems yet with 250 hours.coobie