My goal in contributing to the discussion is not to say what is right or wrong, simply to clarify what Kioti's position is. I guess it wouldn't really matter to me what they said in the maintenance schedule, I'll follow it to protect my warranty, especially when my dealer is following the same maintenance regime.
I agree with a lot of what you say, but in the end, it's the white collars, not the engineers that make the decision on whether or not to accept or deny your $3000 warranty claim, something I've already had to deal with. I will also say, that first hand experience tells me there's metal shavings that come out when the oil is changed.
After the warranty period is over, you assume the risk, so it's fair to make your own interpretations or modifications to the schedule.
I don't think any of us know what to think anymore. I will bet I can find at least 4 different recommendations for wheel torque between my service manual and owners manual! I will go with a standard torque chart per size and grade [if I can find it] of the bolt/nut. Your statement where you said it seems about right is key for someone with experience with this stuff. Good call.
