I have two different size front wheel/tires . . .

[Wombat125]

Unlike trucks and cars, tractors do not have a transfer case. That means that the front and rear tires are connected mechanically, when engaged in 4WD. If you engage the 4WD with the incorrect back to front ratio, you are going to break stuff. That's my technical explanation.

All wheel drive (AWD) (Full time) vehicles like Outback or Rav4 have a center differential that usually has some kind of viscious coupling or intelligent clutch pack to allow for front to rear axle slip.

Four wheel drive (Part time) vehicles like Jeep Wrangler or older pickup truck have a straight mechanical linkage via a transfer case to distribute power to both front and rear axles.

It gets confusing with the modern vehicles that can be operated either way. The Toyota 4Runner has center differential that can be locked from the drivers' seat.

Tractors don't have a proper transfer case, but usually just a gear housing that is slaved off of the transaxle. A transaxlefer case??

 

[mark.r]

I don't want to get into to any details at this point because I'm still working on getting this sorted out. But I was able to talk to theoffice of the trustee, the shops lawyer AND the now former owner as well as another customer who happened to be at the shop this afternoon. He was looking to try and get his D.R. Brush Cutter back that was in for service. Let's just say I thought I was upset until I saw this guy. From what he told me it won't be until August 18th when all customer will be able to retrieve their equipment. He was about 60 seconds from pulling a fence board down and getting his sh*t. I walked the lot to see if the DK45S, 55, or 65 had any mis-matched tires but no dice. At any rate, I am working on trying to rectifiy the situation but at this point I'm not sure what is going to happen.

 

[JoelD]

One possible solution, go to dealer, leave wallet at home, bring jack and lug wrench.

Stories like this drive me absolutely crazy.

Our legal system at it's best.

PS> if you spent your hard earned money at his establishment, I'd have no hesitation showing up at his door to get "my" stuff. I'm sure he cashed your check, right??? He's got to expect some consequences for being a dope, incapable of managing his business.

Our number one problem in the US, no consequences for bad decisions.

We all work super hard to afford our machines and have made many right decisions to get there. I'd love to drive a new Lambo and have a winter house on Miami beach, but I don't because I know I can't because I haven't worked hard enough yet to get there.

Sorry, a little vent.

Really though, good luck at getting satisfaction, sometimes, rarely, you need to take things into your own hands.

 

[mark.r]

One possible solution, go to dealer, leave wallet at home, bring jack and lug wrench.

Stories like this drive me absolutely crazy.

Our legal system at it's best.

PS> if you spent your hard earned money at his establishment, I'd have no hesitation showing up at his door to get "my" stuff. I'm sure he cashed your check, right??? He's got to expect some consequences for being a dope, incapable of managing his business.

Our number one problem in the US, no consequences for bad decisions.

We all work super hard to afford our machines and have made many right decisions to get there. I'd love to drive a new Lambo and have a winter house on Miami beach, but I don't because I know I can't because I haven't worked hard enough yet to get there.

Sorry, a little vent.

Really though, good luck at getting satisfaction, sometimes, rarely, you need to take things into your own hands.

While I certainly will not condone in anyway the services that were rendered to me on more than one ocassion from this dealer, I will say that the owner did not make any attempt to cover up the issue. Surprisingly he said, hey I know why you are calling (I assume he got my email from Sunday night) and I understand. But I cannot do anything about it at this point because I have no authority or access to the property or equipment at this point. Furthermore, he said that he does not think my rim/tire is even in the shop and truthfully has no idea where it is. Yes, he owned the business but he trusted the running of the shop to another guy. He remembers them talking about taking a stud off a another DK but not a tire and assumes that's where things went sideways. He went as far as to say he was pissed because me being a neighbor and local customer and the only DK45SE they ever sold, that is was amazing that everytime I bought my tractor to them something got screwed up (see my post about the 100hr. service quote). At any rate, he said that I could try and stop by the shop manager's house and talk to him since I know where he lives. But I just don't see that helping much. The lawyer will hopefully have an inventory list soon and either my tire/rim is there or its not simple as that. What ex-employees remember is worthless to me at this point because they are out of business and cannot be held accountable at this point.

 

[JoelD]

Understood.

It just drives me nuts to see good people's time and money get sucked into a situation like this.

My wife purchased me a gym membership a couple of years back, I went to the gym for the first time and doors were shuttered. Took pain to get our money back (wife is an at home mom so it was really my money we had to get back).

Point was, I figure there was no way they did not know when they sold her the membership.

It's just so easy to hide behind the legal vale.

I guess I'm too jaded.

I would think, in the end, Kioti would make things right.

Joel

 

[mark.r]

I would think, in the end, Kioti would make things right.

Joel

I had been in contact with since yesterday . . .

I heard back from Kioti USA by 930AM this morning and I must say that I am very surprised and impressed with their handling of the situation. I have been working with the gentleman in the customer service department and since about 3PM yesterday he as managed to get authorization to get me a new rim and tire. Originally we thought we would have to wait to see if indeed my original rim and tire was in the shop somewhere but after speaking with the parties involved and apparently getting the feel that NO one has a clue to what's what. Kioti USA felt that it was not fair for me not be able at the very least to able to not be able safely use 4wd. They've had me contact my next closes dealer and explain to them the situation, that dealer is not speaking with Kioti USA and they are now working out the next issue . . . how does the tire get put on. I don't have a trailer large enough to haul the tractor to them. The easiest thing would be to have it dropped shipped to me but with it being kind of like a warranty issue Kioti wants a dealer to do the work. I may end up having the rent a trailer/truck to go the 67 miles to their place to have it done. Major pain as agreed by the dealer but unders circustances I think I will suck it up if that is what I have to do.

Again, very impressed by Kioti USA and their willingness to help me . . . especially since neither they or I cause the issue.

 

[IslandTractor]

That is a good move by Kioti customer service (for a change). I haven't had much luck with them but they seem to be doing the right thing for you now. Too bad they are not willing to drop ship it to you as it would not be a big deal to swap out the tire yourself. Just lift the front end with the loader, block it, change it and drop. A shame the Kioti lawyers don't allow that. I wonder if they would be willing to ship to a local tire shop who could come out and do the work for you. Would cost less than the rental of a trailer and gas to take it to the dealer 67 miles away. Or, you might give Rick a call as see if he is delivering any tractors down in VA, I'm sure he would think nothing of swinging by to do the swap if he is anywhere close to you in North VA.

 

[mark.r]

That is a good move by Kioti customer service (for a change). I haven't had much luck with them but they seem to be doing the right thing for you now. Too bad they are not willing to drop ship it to you as it would not be a big deal to swap out the tire yourself. Just lift the front end with the loader, block it, change it and drop. A shame the Kioti lawyers don't allow that. I wonder if they would be willing to ship to a local tire shop who could come out and do the work for you. Would cost less than the rental of a trailer and gas to take it to the dealer 67 miles away. Or, you might give Rick a call as see if he is delivering any tractors down in VA, I'm sure he would think nothing of swinging by to do the swap if he is anywhere close to you in North VA.

Actually I am more than satisfied at this point. Just about 24 hours after placing my one and only call to Kioti USA everything is set. I got a call back from Terry at Kioti customer service this afternoon just before 5pm. He had been working on sorting this issue out so that I didn't have to figure out a way to get my tractor to a dealer. In the end he had me contact Billy otherwise known as "tractorhill" on this forum. Billy was waiting for the call and knew exactly what I was calling about, was familiar with my former dealership, and is familiar with my hometown. To top it off he and his wife are driving up to my place with the new tire, off one of his DK45SE's if the new one that is shipped from Kioti USA doesn't reach him in time for some reason mind you, on Sunday!!!!! to do the swap out. Now that is what I call true customer service on both Kioti USA's and Tractor Hill Equipments part. I am extremely impressed and relieved to know the Kioti has dealers out there like this. It's just unheard of in todays economic industry.

[url=http://www.tractorhill.net/]Mineral, Virginia, Echo, Exmark, Kioti, Power Equipment Lawn Mower, Tractor, Dealer, Used, Parts, Service, Financing[/URL]
Thanks again

 

[IslandTractor]

That's great that things have worked out. Score this one as a comeback win for Team Kioti.

 

[Gizmo2]

Got to be honest, this day and age things like this will drive you nuts with all the other mixed up stuff. Glad things are getting resolved. Bought a JD gator a couple years ago, month later notice the two front tires were different sizes. How I missed it is totally beyond me but I did. The real question is how did the dealership miss it. Dealer made it right with no hassle.