ensuring brand success

[psuedofarmer]

i'm occassionally asked to talk about my experiences with my tractor (it amazes me how many people stop to comment on the farm restoration product, only to segueway into 'wow - nice tractor - never heard of it..' then go into a series of 50 questions about everything from HP to transmissions).

then it occurred to me. i have a vested interest in the long term viability of the brand, and, my dealer. it's in my best interest to ensure that the brand not only survives, but thrives. the same can be said for my dealer. if either link in this chain breaks, i'm going to have a hard time farming - and an equally miserable time sleeping on the couch because i talked my wife into farming.

so what's a kioti owner to do?

i try to learn from others. i read posts. i respond where i can offer input (sometimes crappy input!). i offer my experiences with my DK55 and the dealer that made it happen. this info is excellent fodder for those who lurk here looking at purchasing a kioti tractor. it helped me decide.

there are growing pains associated with kioti. i recall my experiences when i ordered mine 10 months ago: they couldn't make them fast enough. the new manufacturing facility was coming on line - my impatience led to a few tirades, some of which painted the brand in a bad light (when in reality, it was me being an -ss.).

it's very important to remember that this is a global forum. and as such, it can sway folks who may be on the fence regarding which tractor to buy, or which dealer to to use.

it's in our best interest to make sure that person buys a kioti. let's all do our part to help out. this may mean suggesting makes/models, or it may be pointing out which dealer is the best (ok, this is subjective, but the best dealer in north east happens to be the one who was selling them first).

my 2 cents.

pf

 

[KiotiJohn]

Well, you've said a mouthful. I've been doing just that since just after I bought my CK20 and found this site. Often times someone comes to this forum and posts misinformation about Kioti or generally runs it down, and that just shows me that they don't have a clue about the brand. I've defended Kioti on every front because it IS a good brand, and usually offers good value for the dollar spent.
Kioti has been selling in the US since around 1985 or so, went through a major distributor change from Lely to Daedong USA and continues to grow, and have growing pains, but then even the more well known, established brands continue to have problems getting product to the customer.
I read quite often just how long people have to wait for the JD, NH, or Kubota to name just a few, so I know that Kioti isn't alone.
Every day that I use my Kioti I realize just how good a tractor I ended up with. Today I went to my dealer's and helped put together two LB1914s and a DK35. I put on a brush cutter on the DK and went out to the pasture and cut to my heart's content and just LOVED that DK35. My dealer's first DK45S came in, and I got the honor of bringing it off the trailer and then proceeded to put it through some paces. AWESOME is all I can say. It's such a great looking tractor, looks huge to me compared to the old model, and sleek as all get out. The raised lettering gives it a real air of aristocracy. The rear 3pt hitch lever, as have the 55 and 65S is a real plus for hook ups.
Sorry to go on and on, but a day spent with a bunch of Kioti tractors is just invigorating as all get out!
Thanks for your thoughts psuedofarmer.
John

 

[VictorW]

All Kioti owners should do exactly as you are. In the two months since mine arrived, I've had a dozen or so people start asking questions. What's a Coyote, where are they from, and how's it built and compare to the other brands? I tell them everything I've learned before buying mine and also use info. that I get from many of the members here. They are great tractors and should be given the credit they deserve. Not to knock the other brands, but Coyote can hold it's own against them. I had looked at Coyote at the advice of a friend who bought a DK45 two years ago. After comparing with the other major brands, a CK30HST was in my garage. I used the same dealer too and also give out his name because he has treated me well. Long live Coyote.

 

[1999cobra]

(ok, this is subjective, but the best dealer in north east happens to be the one who was selling them first).
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And the dealer is...???

Mike

 

[getut]

Pseudo... what you say is fine and good, but does nothing to help in the long run.

I too have gone on tirades, and I have said before what I am getting ready to say again. In my little world, I don't see how anyone can be a mouthpiece of any company. It hurts everyone involved. Withholding information, whether that information is good OR bad about a brand, also helps no one. I know people are probably tired of reading it, because it is afterall, only my personal opinion, but why limit yourself to a certain color? Reward the makers of the BEST TRACTOR at the time you decide to purchase with your money. Don't settle with 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th best just because you are comfortable with the "name". That encourages mediocrity from the companies and allows prices to rise for EVERYONE. They realize that they can be "just good enough" and still get the customers... or be "just good enough" and charge a higher price.

So. I applaud you for telling it like it is! You had some minor bad experiences at first, and you voiced them. GREAT! You had those items handled VERY obviously to your satisfaction. You voiced that also. GREAT AGAIN! You have nothing to apologize for or be ashamed of. You have helped Kioti in BOTH regards, and you have done it honestly, with real world experiences both good and bad with the company. People will respect a good honest, truthful review that shows both good and bad points more than they EVER will a one sided, "all is great" view.

I had some troubles with my tractor. Kioti did an EXCELLENT job of coming through for me on it. But even given that, I don't think my tractor is perfect, therefore it has room for improvement (10 extra HP on the same frame for one). At this particular time, the CK20 is still by far the best tractor for me. I can even say that if I did not have have physical space constraints that the CK30 would be the tractor for me because right now, I personally think the CK series is the best on the market. I think Kioti would have the best TOTAL lineup if they made an HST version of each of the DK series also.

I LOVE my Kioti!!!!! Will I buy Kioti again? Only if it is the best darn tractor made for the price when I am ready to purchase again. They'll get no points from me for having the best fit for me this time around!!!

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue"> And the dealer is...???</font>

ken valenti in s/w NH (troy).

www.kenstractortruck.com

good luck!
pf

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue"> Reward the makers of the BEST TRACTOR at the time you decide to purchase with your money. </font>

well put getut - this is exactly why i own a DK55 and not a Grand L series 'bota. it's an issue of features vs. $. i recall the two concerns i had when i purchased my tractor:

1) will the brand be around?
2) is it well built?

both concerns turned out to be unfounded. i believe the company will be around long past my ability to climb into a cab, and the machine is definitely well built - it wouldn't have survived the abuse a novice put it through (i finally realized that the most damage can be caused by someone thinking the machine can do things it really can't - then forcing it to satisfy an ego!).

i'm already saving for a bigger tractor - and i hope that Kioti will continue to deliver best-in-class for a superior price. i'll buy another one.

pf

 

[getut]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( i'm already saving for a bigger tractor - and i hope that Kioti will continue to deliver best-in-class for a superior price. i'll buy another one.)</font>

Just in the interest of not being a hypocrite, I would also like to clarify that I think the CK line is ***overall*** the best line out there at the moment (personal belief only). But if money were no option, I absolutely DROOOOOOLED at the Landinis. They have a tractor that still meets my footprint (physical space) requirement, but is a 40HP tractor. It is somewhere in between the CK25/30 and CK20 in size. I did not learn about the Landini's until I had already purchased, but would have still went with Kioti because of that little "total package" concept which price is included in.

 

[Maka]

Hey all,

I have wanted to say this for a while but have been hesitant. I am a Montana dealer who absolutly respects what Kioti has done and applaud all of you owners for stepping up to support new owners, give info to potential owners etc.

I believe in my tractors as much as you guys do yours and hope our growing numbers will really be as aggressive(good aggressive) in helping others as you are.

I have to say, you guys are very good for the Kioti brand.

Thanks,
Maka

 

[gmsssi]

I really didn't need to hear that KJ! I ordered my DK45s 1 week ago, got another 1-2 to go. I've heard DonnyJ and now you rantin on the 45s and I'm droolin........... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. I keep telling myself patience is a virtue!