New Kioti CK3510SE Owner

[wlspitz]

I am a new Kioto Owner and have only 35 hours (bought just over 1 year ago from dealer) on my first newly purchased tractor- a manual ck3510SE-learn something new every time I use it. Latest event is there is a leak from the steering column collecting on the floor mat. Looking and feeling underneath reveals oily collection of some type. Its really tight underneath and difficult to get to all the screw heads needed to open the dashboard and see what's going on. How should I proceed ? Is it really that hard to open the dash ? Should I download an online repair manual and figure out how to open the dash or make arrangements to take this to the dealer who is 40 minutes away ?

Also, I wonder about using a battery minder to keep the battery fully charged since I don't use the tractor every week. I am grateful for any thoughts on both of these items.
Thanks

 

[Carl_NH]

I use a battery tender from Shumacher 1.5 amp during the winter months to keep the battery up between snow storms as it gets less use. It gets enough use in the warmer months and doesn't need it.

Cannot comment on the steering leak, but I would take off some of the easy covers, get a good light and pictures, dry it off, then when running try and see where it may be coming from before taking it to the dealer (document/research as best as possible beforehand).

Definitely notify the dealer, but if it's minor, you might want to wait until the 50 hour service and have them do that all at the same time - some dealers will pickup/deliver as part of the 50 hr service - just depends on their policy.

These repairs can be tricky so that's why you want to document as much as possible before having them tear into it.

 

[Jstpssng]

Congratulations and welcome to TBN!!! Before taking it apart I would contact your dealer; it may still be covered on your bumper to bumper warranty. Even if it isn't they may still take care of you.

A lot of TBN members own the same tractor. They seem to be strong machines and I don't read about a lot of problems with them.

Good luck.

 

[Roadworthy]

You bought the tractor new last year? It has 35 hours? It should be on warranty. Check with the dealer for an opinion. It may be a common problem with a simple fix. If more involved you may not wish to risk losing the warranty. As far as a battery tender, I should probably own one but my tractor is far from electrical power. Since it never goes more than three months unused it continues to start until a new battery is needed - eight to ten years.

 

[DK35vince]

My tractor sets in a pole barn (no electrical power) never had a battery tender on it.
No issues. Starts right up every time.

 

[ljjhouser]

Welcome to TBN. Glad you have a nice tractor. I agree with Carl above - if under warranty, either take it to the dealer or at least talk to them about it. 50 hr is a good time to do that. They may want it back to be sure there are no more problems. They should know more about it than you. Maybe you also have an equipment trailer or an neighbor who has one to take it to the dealer.

About the tender. You did not list where you were located. If you are in a cold zone in the winter, might considered it them. On my Kubota, I did not use one until after the 5 year. It seemed to crank slower. So now I do keep in on all winter. A charged battery will not freeze. A discharged battery is mostly water and will freeze - ruin the battery. I use NOCO Genius.
Just a reminder - I would also suggest you run the tractor "at least" one time a month. If you let it set several months, be sure to always check all the fluids for water from condensation and fuel tank filled to the very top.
Just a reminder - you probably are doing that anyway. Best Wishes.

 

[wlspitz]

Thank you all- this is great advice and its very encouraging. I will call my dealer Monday morning. In response to some of the battery tender responses, I am in North Carolina and have purchased a NOCO genius and from the responses above it sounds like I am headed in a good direction. Thanks again, I appreciate your wise counsel.

 

[TugBarge]

Definitely call your dealer.
I currently work for a Kioti dealer (not for much longer).

We had a CK3510 with oily residue collecting on the floor mat. The hydraulic hoses on the steering 'valve' were the culprit, easy fix, covered by warranty.

Hopefully you can trailer it to the dealer OR the dealer doesn't charge too much to pick up. If so, I can send you some diagrams on how the cowlings are removed so you can access the hoses.

 

[wlspitz]

Definitely call your dealer.
I currently work for a Kioti dealer (not for much longer).

We had a CK3510 with oily residue collecting on the floor mat. The hydraulic hoses on the steering 'valve' were the culprit, easy fix, covered by warranty.

Hopefully you can trailer it to the dealer OR the dealer doesn't charge too much to pick up. If so, I can send you some diagrams on how the cowlings are removed so you can access the hoses.

Thank you so much. That's very helpful. Will call the dealer Monday morning.

 

[Thomas]

New tractor if your going to call the dealership do walk around list anything else needs attention.