DK45 CAB - A/C issue

[highboard]

Just got a DK45Cab, had A/C compressor replaced after only 6 hours (squealing). put another 40 hours on & now again it squeals really bad upon start-up. Anyone else having this problem?

for some reason it takes about 5 - 10 minutes of engine "warm-up" before I can turn the A/C on without it squealing. THis is of great concern since I mow a 60 mile trail in the middle of nowhere and would hate to get stranded in 90+ deg weather.

 

[IH3444]

Is it the compressor locking up, or just the belt loose?

 

[Oleozz]

I have the 45 cab (85 hrs), as of yet no problems with the AC. I start the tractor and let it warm up a bit and then turn on the AC, you can hear it pull the motor rpm's down but no squealing from the compressor. Yesterday I was mowing in 90 plus heat, had it cranked up and was comfortable but not freezing. I am fussy about keeping the radiator fins clean and the screens clear, after two hours of mowing I blow out the radiator with an air compressor. I also take off the side panels on the tractor, when left on those panels get so hot you can't touch them.

 

[highboard]

belts are adjusted correctly, the compressor just locks up & belt slips on compressor pulley. so far it seems ok as long as I let the tractor warm up for about 5 minutes then start A/C. but having gone through 1 compressor already, it sure makes me nervous about mowing the 60 mile trail, because I CANNOT run this tractor without A/C in 90+ weather for 12 hours - would be like an oven.

anyone know what changes occur after 5 minutes (warm-up) that would then allow the AC to run without belt slipping?

 

[depratt_equip]

I know you said the belt is adjusted correctly, but are you sure? I had this happen on a DK65s cab, customer thought the compressor was going out, said he adjusted the belt. When we got it in all we had to do was tighten the belt and all was fine.

Are you sure you are not just seeing the compressor clutch engage and that is what you think is locking up?

When we start and run our tractors around on the lot the A/C is on from the get go.... pretty much like my truck.

The only reason I can think the belt doesn't slip after 5 min is that the belt has warmed up and is less likely to slip on the clutch. I would say tighten it up a tad bit more and see what happens.

 

[VT_Kioti]

I have had my A/C belt scream a few times also. This afternoon I checked the belt and found it to be loose. I tightened it up. Simple job. I think it was just belt stretch. Common for a new belt.
No more scream on start up.

 

[4sarge]

highboard

I had never considered a cab or AC but as HOT as it has been this summer, it may have been a wise choice. Hope everything works out with your AC problem.

 

[Gringo_Viejo]

I had the same problem on my DK65SC shortly after I got it. I checked the belt, and it felt tight. Then I tried belt dressing. It helped, but I still got squeeling after start-up. Mine also quit after a few minutes. I finally decided to tighten the belt more before I called the dealer. That cured the problem. I have put about 25 hours on it since tightening the belt without a repeat, and that air conditioner gets a work-out down here. I asked the service tech about it when he came out to do the 50 hr. service, and he told me that he was sure it was the belt.

 

[DrRick]

I had the same thing occur on my new dk55c. At ten or so hours the air caused the noise and the snugging up of the new belt fixed it. %0 hrs now and no repeat. I suspect a new belt stretch is a bit the norm.
rick

 

[Dargo]

I don't think what you are describing is unique to Kioti at all. As the others have said, sometimes a belt that seems tight starts slipping in the heat. It apparently doesn't take much slipping to cause a loss in output. Good luck.

 

[unhappykioti]

make sure the belt has'nt glazed from slipping. If it has only a new belt will fix it.

 

[highboard]

well.... you guys seem to be right about the belt. I thought for sure it was tight, but I got it a little bit tighter & no problems. My dealer has told me this was not an uncommon problem.

Dealer has a different belt (green side or line??) that I am supposed to pick up. apparently this style of belt has a steel cord or braided steel in it that will prevent it from stretching / slipping.

Since the last snug of the belt seems to have solved my problem I haven't been in a hurry to stop by & pick up the belt. But will try it out since the dealer is very curious to see if it helps.

just had the 50 hr done @ dealer (actually had 69 hours), everything checked out great.
The DK45 is one heck of a machine!

Now looking for a ZTR mower (Husqvarna maybe)... it just doesn't end......

 

[Oleozz]

We were up at Penn State's Ag Progress Days yesterday and the DK 45 seemed to be the featured tractor at the Kioti dealer's stand. He had a cab and noncab 45 and they were attracting a lot of attention.

 

[bart2ndson]

I have a DK 50 c and I had the exact same problem with it when it was new. The belt would howl and then settle down. The air finally quit. I sent it to another dealer because the one I bought it from went out of business. They said it was the belt. They tightened it and sent it back to me (it was under warrenty) for a $200 transportation fee. I used the tractor about another 6 or 7 hours and the compressor locked up, the belt was destroyed into a hundred pieces. I call the dealer back and they came and got the tractor. They wanted to charge me again but I called Kioti and I think they got back to the dealer because I was never billed for the transportation. I would guess that the compressor is no good.