Getting screwed on warranty!

[Coyote machine]

I just spoke with my local dealer because I wanted to buy a copy of the service manual, and I am coming up on the 50 hr. service.
I discussed the remotes with him and he told me that yes there have been problems with people leaving the rear (remote) valves in either 'a' or 'b' position and overheating or blowing the hydraulic pump on some Kioti tractors.
My DK35se/hst has the detent type valve which will stay in either 'a' or 'b' position when pushed or pulled into the position of choice. The other type of valve which he says is standard type will only stay in a position by being held there by the operator; otherwise it will automatically return to neutral. (seems like what the J.Deere guys have on their tractors).
He said as long as I have my backhoe on the tractor and the rear remote hydraulics are hooked up, if I left the lever in 'a' position the hyd fluid would run through the backhoe's hydraulics and it would not be a problem. BUT, if I left the lever in 'b' position with nothing hooked up it would be a problem.

Seems like there is a LOT of responsibility put onto the consumer, and Kioti doesn't want to own blown pumps, but they don't seem to want to duly warn the consumer of the pitfalls either.
It seems to me there are plenty of warning labels all over the tractor and any implements, but when the detent type valve may come as it did on my tractor as already installed standard equipment then one may or may not get the appropriate warning from the selling dealer, depending on how conscientious they are about going over the tractor's proper operation, safety and pitfalls of ownership regarding rear hydraulics. And no warning sticker to notify any operator who uses the tractor of the damage that could be done by leaving the valve on accidentally.That is a dichotomy that does not make sense, nor is it good for repeat or existing customers.
If the selling/servicing dealer's mechanic messes up, as he obviously did, and he supposedly has all the training, experience and knowledge necessary to fix the tractors he works on then it would be reasonable to correlate his error to those of us with less experience, etc. How can we be expected to not do what he did several times, including not noticing the tractor had rear remotes?! Its ludicrous!

They will need to change this, and if you choose to sue them to get the job done, then I for one thank you for your efforts to wake them up and make them smell the coffee.
Good luck !

 

[tutorbell]

What I don't understand is why a tractor of this size has 12.7 GPM of hydraulic flow and not enough passive/active cooling to disappate the heat at relief pressure. On any tractor I would hope that there would be enough fluid capacity and oil cooling to dissipate all of the heat generated at relief pressure.

Tractor engine HP ratings are spec'd at a continuous rating. Should hydraulics not be spec'd the same?

I would want the relief valve tested to see what pressure it opens at. Seems like it may have been set too high. I would think that between the design of the oil cooler, sump capacity, and a relief valve that can flow the pump's rated output at pressure, that the pump should not be able to generate more heat than the system could dissipate.

I could very well be wrong, though. Does this tractor have an oil cooler?

 

[kenstrac]

My personal opinion is the valve as is described should not be installed on the tractor a normal spring return with a a latch like on the clutch pedal for storage would be the solution to this problem. It's positive and fool proof can not be held in accidentally.
Like i said before all of the detent valves I had on my tractors remotes were float in detent so the implement could float like on my baler pickup.

Yesterday I couldn't spell enganeer today I are one.

 

[Jaybr]

The tractor is home, bill was a hair over $1200.

Still contemplating my next steps.

Several options:

File complaint with BBB

File complaint with State Office of Consumer Affairs

Contact local news channel that investigates and reports on consumer issues

File suit in small claims court.

 

[Brokermike]

I own a dk 40 and if I were you my next step would be to buy or build a loop, and not let anyone else operate the tractor. Frankly I think your dealer is to blame, When I bought my tractor Rick made it VERY CLEAR what to watch out for.

 

[gkm]

Ditto what Brokermike stated. I bought a 2465 for my CK20s and the dealer emphasized that the remote needs to be in neutral when the backhoe's disconnected.

On another related note, I looked through my manual and there's nothing regarding overheating the hyd. pump although there's a very general statement that before leaving the tractor, put all controls in neutral. That statement has no correlation w/ deadheading at all.

Greg

 

[mattman]

1200 dollars man that is high in my opinion. I would have to say do something about having to shell out that kind of money. I woould not take it laying down. I feel that the dealer was very shoddy in their work. They should have been able to find the pump deadheading right off the bat ?? If the pump was actually deadheading is another question. I would not give them any rest about it. 1200 dollars is alot to me that is for sure.

 

[JoelD]

I find it interesting that a dealer (you should definately post their name multiple times so it's clear to other who to avoid) would loose a customer and many others over 1200. Super small minded, I can't believe that working with the factory they couldn't have come up with something.

I would fight fight fight and in the process be sure to spread the word.

JOel

 

[ultrarunner]

Do all of the items on your list...

Many times... no one takes a claim seriously until an action is filed... it's just the nature of business and the fact that many potential claims will fade away if ignored.

If there is a safety component... you might also try the Product Safety Commission... they seem particularly aggressive following-up on lawn mower claims.

Try to be as unemotional as possible... even tell the Dealer it's nothing personal and remind him of the $1200 reasons you have to follow through plus being without your tractor in planting season...

 

[CurlyDave]

Jaybr:

Let me give you a suggestion here.

In order to call your state consumer protection agency, don't do it directly.

Call your representative in your state house of representatives, assembly or whatever they call it in VA. He isn't going to answer the phone himself, but a staffer will, and the staffer's job is to handle problems for constituents. Tell him you are having a warranty problem with a tractor and ask him what state agency is the right one to assist you. If he has to call you back, that is OK, they will always get back to you promptly. Be sure to get his name.

When he tells you the agency, ask if he knows anyone over there who you can talk to. This will probably take another call back, but after he tells you anyone's name in the consumer affairs or whoever handles tractors department you are armed with some very important information.

When you call the state agency, ask for the contact name and when he answers start off with something like: "I was talking to Joe Blow over in congressman Cheatem's office the other day and he suggested you might be able to help me." This is 100% the truth at this point, but the guy in the agency is going to jump to the conclusion that you are politically very well connected and is going to go well beyond the call of duty to help you.

Now you get to explain your problem...


This is not theoretical, I have done this a time or two and it works like a dream.