Dealer Dealer and Distributor refuse remedial action

[bullebak]

In a late email received from the dealer tonight, he confirms that the distributor orders the larger size tires for all DK35 and DK40 in Australia. Only AG tires are ordered (from South Korea).

One interstate dealer has a DK35 with fibreglass fenders and a DK40 with metal fenders. From what I can see the dimensions of the body for both tractors is the same (can anybody confirm that?).

The brochure shows metal fenders for both. Dealer now says that brochure is for the "international market" and that it is different for Australia. Yeah right, they might have told me that before (but it shows white wheels - you guys have red ones)!!!

Dealer added that the distributor will look for a solution and will let me know by tomorrow (Wednesday). I suppose if the fenders are interchangable than that's what should happen.

I still say that the dealer isn't faultless, and at least this matter should have been dealt with much earlier, rather than testing the customer to see if he will give up.

 

[IslandTractor]

I still say that the dealer isn't faultless, and at least this matter should have been dealt with much earlier, rather than testing the customer to see if he will give up.

I wouldn't personally fault him for the original mix up of tires/fenders...that is a pretty esoteric point that could well escape even a good dealer's attention. However, his failure to promptly respond to you once you noted the problem is another matter.

 

[DK35vince]

I've never seen fiberglass fenders on a DK here in the States.

My DK 35 (a 2001 model) has the more rounded fiber glass rear fenders. Appear to be the same fenders as in bullebak's photos.

 

[bullebak]

There are also a number of items missing from this tractor, on the brochure claimed as "standard equipments", such as:

Front weights (not required with a FEL, but they could have told the customer they aren't going to supply it), Rear view mirror (2 shown on brochure), Horn.

 

[bullebak]

UPDATE

After one year of negotiating and only after I gave the dealer and distributor an ultimatum to litigation, today we exchanged tractor (from DK35) to a DK40 and an agreed amount of money (AU$4,000).

I should be happy, but not quite. On the plus side, the tires do have proper clearance, it does have mid PTO, a horn and a mirror as indicated on brochures. On the minus side, the seat is lower (too low) and does not appear to be adjustable in height. The seatbelt is of a different (less convenient) type, the FEL bucket appears to have been changed from the one fitted when I inspected it and I am unable to operate the 4WD lever (can't get it to come up to 2WD). The DK35 had a convenient push-button.

At time of inspection it has done 9 hours with about 2/3 tank of diesel. On delivery is has done 10 with the tank virtually empty. But that's not really a big deal but does reflect on the dealer's attitude.

I am sorry for having ever dealt with a Kioti/Daedong dealer. Maybe I should place a stop payment on the cheque and return to litigation. Or perhaps I have become too paranoid about the whole thing.

 

[bullebak]

UPDATE (2)

On request the dealer swapped the seat and seatbelt with my old DK35 and fitted it to my new DK40.

I am much happier with this tractor - also because some parts are more accessible. One should carefully compare and physically inspect the tractor ordered before accepting delivery, making sure it is what was expected.

One good use for the creep speed I found is when attaching implements you can carefully align the tractor and without the need for assistance (built a frame for the post-hole digger).

This machine is great (and the dealer is superfast with service - came within the hour to check the 4WD lever and swap the seat from 50km away).

 

[IslandTractor]

Glad to hear things are working out in the end. Good luck.

 

[TractorLegend]

I want a horn and a mirrior too!!

ps...were those (previously) too huge of tires on there when you picked it up? Or did they deliver it in the dark?

Glad all is working out well---maybe just recheck all the "pre delivery" stuff they are supposed to do- even wheel torque...lots of loose lug nuts out there even in the states.
They are great tractors in the end. Your dealer should be replaced however.

 

[bullebak]

The tractor was delivered in "broad daylight"... not having owned a tractor before the lack of clearance (and other issues) was not apparent to me immediately.

The only time I saw the tractor (of the same model) was at a show a few months earlier.

I agree that the tractor is a great machine, but with hindsight I would go elsewhere (another brand) for a tractor. I don't need the hassles I've been through with these people (distributor included).

 

[bullebak]

2.5 YEARS LATER

Still very happy with the DK40, virtually trouble free. I make it work hard pushing clay, and the tires do suffer a bit.

One of the hydraulic quick connect couplers leaked a few months ago. Replaced rubber O ring, and all OK. But yesterday the same coupler leaked again. Maybe bad O ring rubber... or bad installation...

But this time I made the mistake of disconnecting the coupler with the bucket not resting on the ground... then wondering why it wouldn't go back on - not realizing the pressure remaining in the hose. Reading this forum made me aware of the issue.

Will use a crowbar to lift the bucket and try again tomorrow.