Is Kioti addressing ongoing problems

[IndyIan]

I have been doing this for two years and have been on here reading different forums during that time. I just have not noticed the numerous issues people were writing about until today. Now i will admit I am probably a little more concerned now that I am actually thinking about spending the hard earned dough. I have one friend that has had a DK35 since 2004 I think. He has 300hrs. and no problems. But he is mechanically inclined as well. I am a filter changer for the most part. Maybe just cold feet.

I think a bit of the issue is that many Kioti buyers probably heard about them on the net to begin with and then will come to the net to ask about a problem. It seems to me that there is a higher percentage of Kioti buyers posting on tractorbynet than any other brand.
From my reading it seems the DKSE series doesn't have to many weak spots other that the HST noise, which didn't deter me. It seems the older CK's do have some significant issues but I guess all brands have a model or two with a weak spot. The 4 years of drivetrain warranty and having 2 local Kioti dealership owners who are mechanics as well gave me confidence that Kioti builds a decent tractor and that my dealers know how to fix them.

 

[Coyote machine]

I've had two Kioti DK series, since May '09. Didn't do ANY research at all for the first one, just took my wife to look at what I thought were the other orange tractor to find out my dealer was selling Kiotis. had never heard of them and after talking to him that Friday, I bought a DK-35se/hst with KB-2485 hoe. I cam back for a box blade a few weeks later. I worked it HARD for 350 hours and traded it up for a DK-40se/hst in fall of '010. Needed larger lift capacity in a loader and the DK-40 has an extra 1750lbs of lift.
My dealer and Kioti have taken care of a noise that was related to being in reverse and a squeal, which as far as I am aware has not hindered the tractor's ability to do any of it's functions. It took some time for a solution to be devised and put into production but i can and will say I am happy with both of my Kioti's and have clocked 750+ hours since May '09, and I'm away from my tractor(s) from July through mid August most years- so I clock a lot of hard hours in short time frame.
If you can afford it buy the DK-40, it's the sweet spot and has great capacity for most users.
Good luck and welcome to TBN/Kioti forum.

I would also look at is as the Kioti pack works out issues as a 'pack' mentality if you will. We learn from each other, and our similar or different experiences in the field. I knew virtually nothing about tractors when I started here and have learned 98.765% of what I do know right here. We don't complain so much as solve problems and brainstorm ideas, fixes, designs, improvements etc.

 

[Dingo Man]

Thank you for all the posts. Ritcheyvs you brought up a good point about the Kioti dealers being spread out causing folks on the forum here to bounce questions and concerns off each other maybe more than usual. I never thought of that and it makes sense.

I in no way am expecting a perfect maintenance free tractor. I do have a good Kioti dealer in the area and he was willing to talk with me and sounds like they will be willing to talk numbers. I will be headed back there in a week or two. At this time they are waiting on a new shipment of DK's. In the mean time I will switch over to the JD forum and read the issues they are having, just make me feel better:laughing:

 

[kiotiken]

... the only thing i found was the hydro after a little time of use may creep on you but they tell me it just needs to be adjusted to me the fit and finish is better with no plastic and beefy loader i feel i did the right thing at least i hope so

First, congratulations on your new tractor. I am one who has dealt with the hydro creep issue. It's clear from every post that talks about it, especially on the Bobcat side, that an adjustment DOES NOT fix the issue, it may improve it a little, but it is not a fix. My dealer has seen it a bunch of times and Kioti fixes it under warranty by replacing the HST. That's a shock to most and they don't want to hear it, but Kioti obviously agrees with it enough to keep paying to have it done. The good news for you is that the problem seems limited to the CK line, I've never heard of a issue with the 2 pedal DK design. I've also been told by my dealer that Kioti is changing the CK line to the same 2 pedal design.

As for problems with Kioti, I find the opposite is true. The Kioti forums are usually very quiet with not much happening compared to the other brands. JD always seems to have the most issues reported but that may be because there's just more JD's around. As somebody who's had a crazy list of issues with their brand new tractor (you'll find a list here on TBN), I agree with the poster who says dealer support is key. I also still think my Kioti is great, and I'd still recommend them.

 

[Gittyup]

As the title of this thread asks, the answer to that question is clearly YES. Just like many tractors by any maker, there are occasionaly some issues. From my experience, and all that I've been reading over the past 6+ years, Kioti addresses a problem when one is found. They make it right for their customers.

Am I aware of any lingering problems Kioti hasn't address? Maybe one - the key switch. However, I think this is minor (and Kioti must think the same too). My switch started acting up early on, but I've managed to keep it working by using fluid film in the keyhole. Still using it 4 years after initial problems. Other than that when there were recurring patterns of failures, Kioti made changes to correct them. I've had a couple of major issues (loader, injection pump). Kioti did right by me. I'm very happy with my CK, now at 497 hours.

So, my view is buy a proven Kioti. One that's been out for at least 4 years and been shown to be reliable. New designs might have some growing pains, as I don't feel Kioti does a good enough job with quality control in new designs and suppliers. Hopefully, they've learned from their errors. But, I would wait a few years before buying a new design (probably true even of other makers too). Since all Kiotis for sale now have been out for several years now, I don't think their is much risk with any of them.

 

[ritcheyvs]

I do have a good Kioti dealer in the area

If possible, talk to previous customers of these dealers. Maybe button-hole someone dropping off or picking up a tractor for service.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I have a 2009 Bobcat CT230 (built by Daedong who builds Kioti). I have 269 hrs and counting with no ignition problems. Never heard much people complaining in the BC Tractor forum about problems.

I would have no reservations in a Kioti, Bobcat or now the McCormick tractors.

I would expect how you treat the machine is how it will perform. My machine is in one of those tarp sheds and out of the weather. By habit, I always wipe away any dirt / snow from the ignition before inserting keys.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a 2007 DK40se with about 300hrs. Never failed to start. Only once in four+ years failed to start on first crank and then started immediately on the second. That was the last time I used it in January. Only non operator related maintenance issues have been 1) Seatbelt retractor exploded within first week, 2) fuel bowl developed crack after about two years. Both problems easily fixed by myself with parts provided under warranty. The tractor has never been back to a dealer as I do all the fluid changes and maintenance checks.

Some of the CK models have had a bit of trouble with corrosion in ignition switches when tractors are left outside. I keep mine in a barn so cannot say whether it is an issue for the DK.

The HST noise issue appears to have been resolved with a simple kit. I have an HST that has never made the noise so who knows why some tractors had it while most didn't but it appears to be resolved anyways.

These things are build solidly and use established well proven technology so there really is very little that goes wrong.

 

[k0ua]

I have a 2007 DK40se with about 300hrs. Never failed to start. Only once in four+ years failed to start on first crank and then started immediately on the second. That was the last time I used it in January. Only non operator related maintenance issues have been 1) Seatbelt retractor exploded within first week, 2) fuel bowl developed crack after about two years. Both problems easily fixed by myself with parts provided under warranty. The tractor has never been back to a dealer as I do all the fluid changes and maintenance checks.

Some of the CK models have had a bit of trouble with corrosion in ignition switches when tractors are left outside. I keep mine in a barn so cannot say whether it is an issue for the DK.

The HST noise issue appears to have been resolved with a simple kit. I have an HST that has never made the noise so who knows why some tractors had it while most didn't but it appears to be resolved anyways.

These things are build solidly and use established well proven technology so there really is very little that goes wrong.

Island would it be a good idea to maybe squirt a little Fluid Film into the ignition switch when new to prevent any future corrosion problems from developing from moisture? (just trying to think ahead.)

James K0UA

 

[IslandTractor]

Island would it be a good idea to maybe squirt a little Fluid Film into the ignition switch when new to prevent any future corrosion problems from developing from moisture? (just trying to think ahead.)

James K0UA

I would take a different approach and just make sure water doesn't get in. I imagine that water proofing sprays for electronics would help too but I think I am correct in saying that most everyone who has had problems has exposed the tractors to rain/weather for extended periods.

I have a sunshade that keeps out rain even when I do leave it out of the barn. Kioti must know at least on general principles that keeping water out of the ignition switch is important as they do provide a little plastic cap that most of us lose. If I left mine outside for storage I'd probably just put a tarp flap over the steering column.