Kioti ECU software update notice?

[Threepoint]

Just received a notification from Kioti corporate that they are conducting a software update on the ECU of my tractor (NX4510HST Cab, delivered early 2014). Says the update will take less than 30 minutes, and will be done by the dealer, on-site at my location, and at Kioti's expense. (That's a 200 mile round trip for the tech!). Says this is essential in complying with the emissions standards set by the U.S. EPA. Also: "If the software is not updated, the tractor could potentially fail an emission inspection test, if required by your state".

I've spoken with product support at Kioti corporate and was assured that my tractor meets all final Tier 4 emissions requirements. Far as I know, Virginia has no emission inspection requirement for farm equipment to begin with, and there certainly hasn't been anything new that would reach backwards to a prior purchase even if that were to change. I didn't think to ask, but since the tractor is already compliant with applicable emissions requirements, I'm now wondering if perhaps this update is merely to correct a software glitch that may produce a false "fail" if testing ever were to be done.

Hmm. Anyone know more about this? I plan to talk with my dealer about it tomorrow. I've never had a lick of trouble with my tractor in nearly 180 hrs. Not a lot of hrs., but when I'm using it I usually work it hard under load at full throttle. Only one regen in that whole time that I know of, and I'm not even certain of that one! I've always figured it was because of how I happen to use the tractor.

 

[joefromga]

I got the same notice and my state doesn't test tractors either.

 

[NC419N]

Yep got one as well. I am thinking that next trip to the store will get updated not going to make a special trip to haul it to them!!

 

[Threepoint]

As I understand it, the tech will come to you with a laptop, if you prefer. Kioti will compensate the dealer. What I'm wondering is whether the upgrade is actually necessary in my case. And, I suppose, whether there is any potential downside in terms of operation. I'm so happy with the tractor now, I'd rather not fix what ain't broke.

 

[The Fred]

Maybe Volkswagen wrote the software for Kioti.

https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u...cf392eb24799fc6d3831111bc0b43do0&pid=15.1&f=1

 

[countrybumpkin]

I've not received anything yet, but may not, I may have the new update already. I had the tractor into the dealer a month ago due to a smoking / regen issue, if i remember right they had to reflash the computer then. I've got around 240 hrs on mine in a year and it's regenerate several times.

 

[Coyote machine]

Does it smoke after ***?! If so, it's probably good to go.:laughing:
If it has a Bosch injection pump, it may have a VW chip from a Tourag diesel hidden in the matrix.:confused3:

Hard to know whether the update is to CYA for Kioti, or to meet compliance for your model; either way, it isn't likely to hurt your tractor by bringing it up to speed. This is the way of most all electronically controlled ECUs these days, cars, boats, and now tractors. Tractors, at least in the CUT models, unlike their bigger more complicated cousins, were likely last to the game because of their prior to Tier four mandate, less complicated controls overall.

You could wait a while to see what folks who do the update report as to outcomes. Might start a new thread asking for reports on that specific data for benefit of all affected tractors....

 

[rhunt]

I'll be interested to see how this unfolds. I've got less than 70 hours on mine.

 

[The Fred]

A few years ago Ford had an ECM update for their Super Duty Diesels for emissions and according to some folks it killed the fuel mileage.

Fred

 

[Threepoint]

Hope to know more later today, when I've connected with the right person at the dealer.

 

[BigCountry1689]

I received the same letter 2 days ago, called dealer and they already did the update while replacing the fuel injector. Hadn't really paid any attention till reading the post here but it seems mine is using more fuel now. I went through a full tank in 3.5 hours on Tuesday moving trees and brush.

 

[Coyote machine]

I received the same letter 2 days ago, called dealer and they already did the update while replacing the fuel injector. Hadn't really paid any attention till reading the post here but it seems mine is using more fuel now. I went through a full tank in 3.5 hours on Tuesday moving trees and brush.

Maybe the replaced injector is now delivering the correct amount of fuel?
If so, could it account for the increase in consumption?

 

[countrybumpkin]

Got my letter today, guess I'll be calling the dealer to see if they did the update a few weeks ago or not, if not then guess I will have it done.

 

[BigCountry1689]

Maybe the replaced injector is now delivering the correct amount of fuel?
If so, could it account for the increase in consumption?

Could be, I definately notice an increase in power from what I had.

 

[comancheflight]

Just got my letter today...gonna let you guinea pigs report back results.... 》

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I inquired with my closest dealer since I picked up my tractor from my closest dealer a day before receiving the notice. My closest dealer didn't know anything about it.

Speculating, I'm guessing that the update has something to do with the warm-up fuel map. The tier 4B requirement should have required shutters on the radiator to better control temperature so the tractor could warm up if not under a load and not run on the warm-up map loading up the DPF.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm suspicious this is somehow related to the type of shenanigans that VW foisted upon us. Could Kioti be playing a similar game and now is spooked by the big fines and costs VW will incur so is being "proactive" in reprogramming their ECMs???

There may be a more innocent reason but if I had an NX that was running well I think I'd wait for evidence that performance would not be negatively influenced before I got mine "updated".

Ah the joys of owning an antiquated DKse.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I should know tomorrow if they did my update back when they had the tractor in the shop for the over fueling issue I was having after start up on a cold engine. I didn't go I detail with them back then about what all was done, but they did say they were back and forth with kioti about reprogramming the ECM. If it does have the new flash, I've had no issues with it.

 

[Threepoint]

My dealership's owner didn't reach me on his call back last week, so he left a vmail. Said he just got the kits in from Kioti to do the update, and would be calling with more info. I'm not in a hurry to have this done, so will standby for now.

 

[countrybumpkin]

My letter said they would like to have the update done by June 16th, guessing that's a deadline they were given to meet. Wonder what the "kit" is to do the updates, or if maybe he was just talking about the cables and software to be able to perform them.