Kioti Performance and Reliability

[Avondale]

I have 890 hrs on my 2006 DK 35 (with gears), FEL and BH. Runs great and no major failures. Biggest problems I have are related to "fasteners" coming loose/falling off. It includes the odd bolt but mainly pins, clips and 3pt faastening devices seem to break more often than my C/IH 574 (a purpose built farm tractor). I suspect the block heater to be weak or defective but with a couple of cycles of the glow plugs, starts on the coldest days, (mine is in tent shelter). Had problems with batt conn (many posts on this subject) in early days but have changed clamps with no further problems. Ignition key switch can be finicky after driving in wet or muddy roads but can be fixed with a bit of cleaning.

In fairness, I use mine in the woods and fields so alot of bashing occurs.

 

[Gittyup]

I bought a CK25 shuttle shift in 2006. It now has 436 hours. Over these 5 years, the CK design has had some growing pains. Like, brittle parts in the injection pumps and a poor loader design. Notwithstanding some foot-dragging consternation, Kioti mostly has taken care of their customers when these problems have arisen. On new models, the design bugs have been resolved and the tractor is now rock solid. I love mine more and more with each use. It's one heck of a dirt machine! Used it this weekend to unload some very heavy and wet manure. Handled it like it was lightweight stuff.

If you haven't already, you should read the posted reviews. I wrote a fairly lengthy one and there are other good reviews as well.

Also, a large number of complaints result from poor dealer preparation. Just one reason to choose a good dealer. The dealer will also be invaluable if there is a problem where you need them to go to bat for you with mother Kioti.

In the past couple of years, I've read many posts on other forums by those who own another make of tractor talk about how good Kiotis seem to be. This just makes me smile. A few years ago, it was rare to hear a Kubota or JD owner say something like that. While I took a risk on a less known brand, that is really paying off now. Prices are up. Value, both perceived and real, are up. With BC and McCormick, distribution is up. I'd say things are looking real good for Daedong....and that's good for all of us who own one.

So, you'd better get on the bandwagon real quick before the secret is out and everyone wants one!

 

[IslandTractor]

So, you'd better get on the bandwagon real quick before the secret is out and everyone wants one!

Yep, even Art seems to like them now.

JD and Kubota are still the most recognized brands. NH and MF right behind in the CUT world but Kioti is moving up rapidly while NH and MF seem pretty stable. Who knows maybe in a few years Kioti will be one of the big three.:thumbsup:

 

[dourobob]

Looked at them in 2002 and bought last year.

Very happy with my DK45
Agree with earlier comments - a good dealer is worth their weight in gold.

I have had a couple of issues but have been well looked after (wiring harness replaced) by my dealer.

Best bang for the $$$ in my opinion.

Good luck on your quest.

Bob

 

[BJN644]

Have a 2008 CK35 HST, only a few minor problems, and one major problem. The treadle pedal would stick on my tractor, almost from day one. After 2 years and 200 hours I had had enough, it was outright dangerous and I was sick and tired of hearing it was normal and needed to be lubed. I called Kioti and complained loudly, after being at the dealer for a month testing and trying things the HST unit was replaced. It is now fixed, but I had to really complain to get it fixed and I was without my tractor for a month.

So, parts out of the ordinary are slow to arrive at the dealer. There are few Kioti dealers compared to other brands, and good dealers are even fewer. I really like my tractor now, but if I used it to make a living I would have been in trouble.

 

[kubotalinc]

Have a 2008 CK35 HST, only a few minor problems, and one major problem. The treadle pedal would stick on my tractor, almost from day one. After 2 years and 200 hours I had had enough, it was outright dangerous and I was sick and tired of hearing it was normal and needed to be lubed. I called Kioti and complained loudly, after being at the dealer for a month testing and trying things the HST unit was replaced. It is now fixed, but I had to really complain to get it fixed and I was without my tractor for a month.

So, parts out of the ordinary are slow to arrive at the dealer. There are few Kioti dealers compared to other brands, and good dealers are even fewer. I really like my tractor now, but if I used it to make a living I would have been in trouble.

my dealer Bachelder bros. are no longer a dealer of kioti but I think i think they would fix anything i have broke, mine is not even a year old and it has 115 hrs on it , I am not easy on it at all , compared to the other orange tractor that was new , that I bought, bachelder bros is the king in service , no songs and dance like the other orange tractor dealers !!! this ck20 has already proved itself to me and I wll say it's the best tractor on the market and I have had a lot of different brands, my only complaint is that is light in the front end. that is all it's lacking , it;s a strong little tractor, there was never a time when after I broke my tractor when batchelder bros did not have the parts and my tractor back to me in a day or two!

 

[JDL538]

I agree, I bought one in 09 CK 30 Have owned many tractors looked at them all.
I never heard of Kioti but was very impressed.
It was by far the best deal around $13,200 out the door with loader, its starts instantly warm or cold.
Its the finest tractor I have ever owned. Just a matter of time before they are rated better than the big two. Resale is getting better everyday. JMO

 

[bman0023]

Thanks All, I called that Bachelder company yesterday and they told me they were tired of dealing with Kioti and switched to Branson tractors. I called that Whittermore dealer in Scowhegan Maine and the prices he gave me were wicked expensive compared to what I pay in PA.

I plan to be in Midcoast Maine near Richmond or Dresden, so I hope to have a dealer nearby. I will buy in PA.

I think I am going to look at my dealer on Friday, and I will let ya'll know what I think, but I feel safe in buying one. I am set on the CK35 or DK35. Never having driven a tractor, what the heck is the difference between HST and Shuttle Shift? I think the dealer here told me that DK35 is about 3K more than the CK35. Is it worth the extra cost? Do I get a lot more bang for the buck?

If I want to plow an acre for a garden, can I use a 2 bottom plow with these tractors?

Thanks, Brad

 

[Gittyup]

Probably hundreds of threads on shuttle/HST transmissions. Do a search in "owning and operating" forum.

shuttle is a manual transmission with a separate lever to switch between forward and reverse. Biggest difference from a straight manual is that you get more reverse speeds.

HST is a form of "automatic" - push pedal and go. HST is easier to use, better for mowing and loader work. Shuttle/gear gives you a little more PTO HP and power to the ground. They are better for plowing and straight-line, constant speed applications. Shuttle is generally a little cheaper to buy.

Have you talked to Wallace about the BC equivalent? He's in north-central PA. Very good dealer. Price will be competitive.

The DK is a lot more tractor than the CK. You need to drive them both to decide what fits your needs best.

 

[bman0023]

Hi All, I went to a dealer today to see the Kioti's and I really like them. In fact, I like them better than the JD and Kubota's that I saw so far. I was in a hurry and they had buying customers (a good sign) so i did not get to talk any numbers.

I don't have to buy for at least a year, so I have time. I may add a mid PTO. I cannot make up my mind if I want/need the CK 27, 30, 35 or DK35. I guess price will have an effect with this. These were very well built.

Where can I get information on how to maintain them so I can learn now? Are there any instructional videos? Like to change the oil, hydraulic fluid, gear oils, filters, etc? does Kioti have a maintenance schedule? Or do you have to take it to the dealer to service?

I think I am sold!!

Thanks to all for the help. I am posting another thread to see what is a fair price for these so I don't get taken.

Brad