DK45S finally arrives ready for duty....or is it?

Sigarms · May 17, 2005

I do not own a tractor yet... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

It is my job to "start up" dealers in my business (I'm a distributor, not manufacturer).

A number of "variables" come "into play" when looking for a business to carry our line of equipment (not tractors by the way, if that were the case, I'd like to think I'd have one by now!).

Not to get to in depth, but...when I get a phone call from a homeowner, that dealer in question has A LOT of explaining to do. Although it is my responsiblity to make sure that the home owner is "happy", if the dealer is "good enough", I should of never of gotten the phone call in the first place.

This is only my opinion (sp?), and we all know what opinions (sp?) are like...

Welcome to the age of the internet.

Pricing becomes the BIGGEST issue to the consumer. Give me the best price, include shipping, and stand behind your product. We as consumers want it all. Heck, you don't even have to be in the same state to buy the tractor!

Service
Quality
Price

Pick two, it's hard to find a business and get all three.

I know nothing about the tractor business.

But. it takes time to know (as a manufacturer) to find out who your good dealers are and who your not so good dealers are.

From DonnyJ's posts, I am very impressed with Kioti. Donny may have issues with the dealer, but he actually was able to talk with Kioti. That is impressive.

If I were Kioti, I would have a VERY long talk with the dealer in question. I would have to think that in the near future, they may not be carrying the line.

Kiohio · May 18, 2005

First off let me say I do not disagree with any of you on the fact that some dealers need to be under more close watch.

With that said...
It is tough to get dealers to start BIG with any "new" brand. Most will have less of a set-up than a bigger dealer. The bigger dealer got that way how?? By having another brand! It's a catch 22. We have a dealer not far from us that has almost every major brand of tractor and 0-turn coming and going. At least one or more of those brands has to be suffering. Tractors are too closely priced to sell more than one or 2 brands and do either of them justice. But if you only sell on or 2 brands what happens if there is a shortage.....or shipping strike....you starve. Tough business this can be. Then there are parts...

That said we are one of the ones that started in a Garage, as a matter of fact so did the local JD dealer, the local NH dealer, the local Kubota dealer etc. The area we are in has a hard time supporting big dealerships.
On the issue of customers calling the manufacture/distributor, If need be they do need to do it BUT we had a customer completely bypass us, called on a Sunday(left no message) when we are closed, then called the dist. first thing monday and told them the were having trouble with the machine (not a Kioti BTW).
Give the dealer a chance (donnyj has) Then if you don't get satisfaction call the dist/manufacturer.

KO

KiotiJohn · May 19, 2005

( That said we are one of the ones that started in a Garage, as a matter of fact so did the local JD dealer, the local NH dealer, the local Kubota dealer etc. The area we are in has a hard time supporting big dealerships. )
Very well said KO. After a long conversation with my Kioti dealer today, I realize just how hard it can be at times. He sells only Kioti tractors, and three brands of 0-turns, and lots of implements etc. Right now, getting some more Kioties would be a real good thing, but larger volume dealers will get theirs first. Much like the car business I suspect. We put together two 1914s and a DK35 to go out tomorrow and that leaves him with 3 less tractors on the lot, and waiting for more to arrive.
Then in we come, looking for the very best price we can get after scouting the whole country for prices!
It's a tough business any way you look at it.
John

VictorW · May 19, 2005

Sad to hear you had these major problems from the start. I had two problems, seat and FEL cylinder, which a call to the dealer was all that was needed. Always give the dealer a chance to correct the problem. If they're good, they will. Sorry to hear that yours didn't. Depending on volume, dealers may be busy and you can't expect them to make the repair instantly but it should be timely. Also, with dealers so far apart, they can't be driving 50 to 200 miles to do the service. They'd never get anything done but drive. I had removed the FEL cylinder and dropped it off for repair. The dealer was nice and brought it back to me when done. Same thing with the seat. Luckily, I'm only about 25 miles away. My dealer welcomes phone calls to fix a problem. I explained the problem and he ordered the part or he will tell me what to do. That's easier for the both of us and I learn about the tractor. It seems like your dealer is bad for Kioti's reputation and they should look into them. From what I've heard the members say about Kioti reps., is that they will correct the problem. It just that the company is starting to get more tractors sold and the reps. are few. I'm sure Kioti will address this but it's actually the dealers who should be doing the work to get repairs completed and contact the reps. I think you need to find another dealer who will work with you. They are many good ones out there.

Donnyj · Jun 2, 2005

I finally got a follow up phone call today from the dealer. He had heard that I had posted some issues on the internet about his dealership. We talked awhile and I believed patched things up between us. I explained my frustrations and he apologized about the lack of communication. I assured him as soon as it is time for service I will be contacting him about fluid and filters. I would imagine Kioti contacted him since I don't believe he uses the internet or at least this website. As far as the tractor goes, I love it. The electric pto takes a little getting used to. I really would like to have a clutch engagement instead of the instant electric engagement. Just make sure it is at idle when engaged, or else... I'm glad the dealer contacted me. He did not have to, so I do believe he wants to start clean again with a new slate. We will see how everything pans out. Good I hope.

Golfgar4 · Jun 2, 2005

( I'm glad the dealer contacted me. He did not have to, so I do believe he wants to start clean again with a new slate. We will see how everything pans out. Good I hope. )

I hope everything turns out well for you too.

But if the dealer does follow through and makes everything right to your satisfaction, then make sure that you also post the good things the dealer has done. Because you can bet he'll hear about those too, just like he heard about the problems. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RedDog · Jun 2, 2005

The electric pto takes a little getting used to. I really would like to have a clutch engagement instead of the instant electric engagement. Just make sure it is at idle when engaged, or else... 

Maybe you would want the clutch version, but I really like the electric.

RedDog

Donnyj · Jun 3, 2005

I did not know there was a clutch version or option. When pto is in auto the pto stops turning when raising the pto lift such as going over rocks or sticks while mowing. When you lower back down at it engages again hard. Have to remember to use the other selection on the pto which is manual or independent. That way the pto does not stop turning when raising the pto lift. Just seems like the instant pto engagement would be hard on equipment. Have not heard of any problems though, so it must work fine. Just not used to it. I will get used to it.

RedDog · Jun 3, 2005

I did not know there was a clutch version or option. 

There's not.

I've use both automatic and manual settings on mine and like both. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I remember using my post hole digger and being able to raise and lower it from the rear of the tractor, and take one step to stop it by hitting the switch on the right fender. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif That is nice!!

I think you'll find over time you will really enjoy it.

RedDog

GeorgeW · Jun 4, 2005

I use the manual position when using the mower on my DK45. My mower has shear bolts rather than a slip clutch, and I broke two bolts when lowering the mower down while in the auto mode.

I use the auto mode when tilling though and really like it. It keeps the tiller from slinging dirt everywhere when I raise up.