I appreciate the support and constructive commentary, really!
Let me say that KTC is not dealing with the "typical" SCUT/CUT owner here, I have been tearing apart and fixing anything that moves, floats or has oil in it for 40 years. Additionally I KNOW that KTC sees itself as a "manufacturer" only and expects the Dealers to handle "retail" operations (ie: Customers). I am a VERY sophisticated buyer of equipment, this concern is not from wear & tear, lack of maintenance, poor maintenance or abusive operation. In fact, the OP (original purchaser) took it to the dealer for it's services, it has had Kubota fluids and filters it's WHOLE LIFE and there is Kubota oil, hydro oil and an air filter in the shop NOW! The gentleman brought this concern to their attention and nothing was ever done.
I have asked TWO dealers about this and both essentially suggested there was either no problem or it was repairable with a hydro service. Neither of these are true and that's a fact.
As this is a DESIGN FLAW, or at least an oversignt, on the part of KTC and one that occurs with normal use and often early in life, KTC should bear *some* responsibility.
What was I expecting? A communication, acknowledging the concern and at the bear minimum a copy of the bulletin outlining the fix. So far, we have nothing.
What was I hoping for? A letter in the post acknowledging the concern and another to present to a dealer offering the kit at cost.
If KTC was *really* customer-centric, what do I believe they would have done? Provided a letter, followed up by a phone call (they have our home and my cell #) instructing me where to take our tractor to have it repaired with the parts provided by KTC - just as they have done for hundreds, if not thousands of others. Alternately, send me the kit and I will install it at the next major, which is due in 13 hours.
I will add that the experience with KTC is not at ALL like my previous experiences with Stihl, Ford or IH, all of whome responded promptly, even if the answer was no.
BTW, we are NOT taking our tractor to either of these two nearest ETx dealers for work, routine or otherwise. If they don't know about this concern, or won't be honest about it, they don't deserve our business.
PS: I will not mention names of the infamous, but for those of you in the Tyler area (Canton, Longview, Mineola, etc), stay EAST of 69, if you get my meaning. I will tell you that Bagley Tractor has been very truthful in all my dealing with them.