KL130 loader fix released.

[IslandTractor]

Well, after emailing Kioti Customer Service, I received a response a month
later. Despite being eligible for THREE loader retrofit kits, they will not
send them to me. I must go to a dealer. ....

That is annoying and consistent with what Korporate Kioti has been doing all along with the loader repair kits on the KL120 for example.

If I were in your shoes I'd call a few dealers and plead my case to see if they would be more reasonable. If Kioti ships to them and you provide photographic evidence of serial numbers etc and swear on a stack of bibles that you did not do the install yourself, a dealer might help you out by shipping the kits to you. It's worth a try.

 

[NY_kioti_sales]

Again the issue at hand is they won't know which kits to send you. They have 4 different cross tubes and they don't know which serial numbers have which cross tubes. So if done at a dealership the proper kit will be fitted and installed.

 

[dfkrug]

Again the issue at hand is they won't know which kits to send you. They have 4 different cross tubes and they don't know which serial numbers have which cross tubes. So if done at a dealership the proper kit will be fitted and installed.

What this says to me is despite sending in the ser #s in advance to a
cooperative dealer, the wrong retrofit kits may be sent by the factory. This
would mean that my machine may have to wait around for another shipment.
Assuming I found a way to transport it at all.

AND, since I have a custom grille guard on one unit, it would not fit anyway.

Well, too bad Kioti is approaching it this way. I have probably done more
for promoting the brand in my area than any dealer.

 

[TBDonnelly]

. Well, too bad Kioti is approaching it this way. I have probably done more for promoting the brand in my area than any dealer.

There's probably many of us that feel this way. Unfortunately Kioti can't seem to see the forest for the trees.

Don

 

[fcamillieri]

My KL120 has finally cracked but it took me 180 hours to do it. I use it pretty hard and my farmer friend keeps telling me that the digger is on the back, that thing up front is only a loader.
I need to get the serial numbers to a dealer so he can get the OK for the fix. Naturally I can't find where I put my paper work. Route 1 Tractor said he has the kits in stock.
The dealer I bought from no longer carries Kioti so I'm a new customer to him. He also said I could pick up the kit and install it myself.

 

[NY_kioti_sales]

What this says to me is despite sending in the ser #s in advance to a
cooperative dealer, the wrong retrofit kits may be sent by the factory. This
would mean that my machine may have to wait around for another shipment.
Assuming I found a way to transport it at all.

AND, since I have a custom grille guard on one unit, it would not fit anyway.

Well, too bad Kioti is approaching it this way. I have probably done more
for promoting the brand in my area than any dealer.

No this is not the case. The dealer is supposed to have both kits in stock when they setup a appointment to give you the fix. They are supposed to ensure correct fitting of whichever kit your loader takes. If the dealer does not have the both kits in stock, that is the dealers mistake.

For the guy about the KL120, That is a seperate issue for a different thread. The 120 only took one possible fix, so yes it was a much simpler fix. But still in all, the dealer was supposed to do the install, its their job.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Joe,

Are you saying they're 2 kits that might fit the KL130 four different torque tubes?

Don

 

[NY_kioti_sales]

Joe,

Are you saying they're 2 kits that might fit the KL130 four different torque tubes?

Don

Yes don
They have made 2 kits, each kit will fit 2 different types of torque tubes, for a total of 4 different fits.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Yes don
They have made 2 kits, each kit will fit 2 different types of torque tubes, for a total of 4 different fits.

Would it be fair to say, Kioti (actually the OEM, Taesung) engineered enough slop into these kits to accomadate two of the different size torque tubes and then engineered a second kit with enough slop to accomadate the other two different size torque tubes?

Which kit comes into play if you have the grill guard? Is that another kit to pick from?

Don

 

[Dodgeram]

Which kit comes into play if you have the grill guard? Is that another kit to pick from?

Don

Good question.
Maybe they have another grill guard?
Tom

 

[TBDonnelly]

Good question.
Maybe they have another grill guard?
Tom

.........another question for Joe is, How does this 'kit' support the existing torque tube. Does the 'kit' compress tightly around the existing torque tube -or- does it fit loosely and then there's bolts to tighten down -or- ???????

Don

 

[Highbeam]

or.... does it just hide the cracks from view.

 

[IXLR8]

The kit on my KL130 fits a little loose, then there are 6 bolts whose sole purpose is to clamp the kit to the torque tube tight. I read somewhere that those bolts were torqued to a specific value before being locked in place. Then again... I can't find anybody to tell me what that torque value is so I can check it.

 

[TBDonnelly]

The kit on my KL130 fits a little loose, then there are 6 bolts whose sole purpose is to clamp the kit to the torque tube tight. I read somewhere that those bolts were torqued to a specific value before being locked in place. Then again... I can't find anybody to tell me what that torque value is so I can check it.

I don't understand how Kioti/Taesung could build off an already compromised torque tube and expect the whole apparatus to remain solid. If the torque tube is flexing with use, how would the bolts stay tight? I'm wondering if this latest "torque tube modification" Kit (Kioti's official name for the kit) incorporates the side rails in some way?

When the Kracked Loaders where redesigned the torque tubes where taken through the side rails, a reinforcement plate was added to the outside of the side rail and and then welded in place.

Don

 

[TBDonnelly]

or.... does it just hide the cracks from view.

That's an interesting question. I learned today that the latest 'torque box modification' is similiar to it's predecessors in that it does not incorporate the side rails into the design. I would think you'd want to isolate the weak link by building a frame that uses the side rails for lateral support then reinforce the torque tube. However, what it is, it is. Of course I'm not an engineer and I did not stay at the Holiday Inn Express last night.

Kioti tells us these kracks are 'cosmetic'. Does that mean this kit is merely a cosmetic cover-up?
At this point I see more questions than I do answers.

I will say, I appreciate all the TBN participating dealers that bend over backwards to help us out and answer questions for us. In no way will I 'torque' off on the Dealers here. I realize you can only pass on what Kioti sends your way. This issue falls squarely on the shoulders of Kioti, Daedong and the OEM Taesung.

Speaking of Taesung, I'll include the Taesung website below. Good informational reading.

Pioneer & High Hopes - TAESUNG

The owners manual page for 8 Kioti loaders and 3 Kioti backhoes. If anyone needs an owners manual for any of the listed loaders or backhoes you can print them out here.

Pioneer & High Hopes - TAESUNG

Don

 

[dfkrug]

Interesting Taesung site. Thx for posting, Don.

Probably the best solution to strengthening the KL130 & 120 involves
welding outside the factory. That is a big unknown for Kioti, so they
agonized over a "solution" that did not involve welding. I have seen
one of the 'torque box modifications' at a Kioti factory display at the
World AG Expo in 07, but I could not tell how tight it was held to the
existing torque box as it was completely covered. The factory rep
knew little about it. I plan to go see them again in Feb 09 and see if
I can get any meaningful answers.

BTW, there is room to weld in another torque tube just fwd of the existing
torque box. This tube could be gusseted and penetrate both sides of the
loader arms. 2" shed 40 steel tubing would work here if someone wanted
to go thru the effort.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Interesting Taesung site. Thx for posting, Don.

Probably the best solution to strengthening the KL130 & 120 involves
welding outside the factory................... I plan to go see them again in Feb 09 and see if I can get any meaningful answers.

My thoughts are, if I wanted to rebuild and reinforce a loader I would have bought used and not sprung for new equipment.

Per the form letter dated June 30, 2008 Kioti's deadline for the 'torque box modification' is January 22, 2009. Feb. 2009 puts you past that date.

I've looked at selling my tractor and replacing it with the CK35 with the 'Free' KL130 loader. (One way to get a 'free' upgraded KL130 'P' loader. ) When I've showed people the loader and explain the 'Kioti Korporate line' that the kracks are only cosmetic they look at me like I have two heads. In fairness to Kioti, when getting the 'free' loader no other incentives apply is my understanding.

If anyone has pictures of this most recent KL130 'torque box modification' please post them. (thanks)

Don

 

[dfkrug]

Per the form letter dated June 30, 2008 Kioti's deadline for the 'torque box modification' is January 22, 2009. Feb. 2009 puts you past that date.

That is true, but I have no intention of paying anything for their retrofit.
That includes the cost of going to a dealer with my tractor. I will never
do that, so no kits for me.

 

[TBDonnelly]

That is true, but I have no intention of paying anything for their retrofit.
That includes the cost of going to a dealer with my tractor. I will never
do that, so no kits for me.

IMO, Kioti really missed the boat to turn a negative into a positive. The early group of Kioti KL120/130 owners are the core group of Kioti's newer/next generation of tractors. The modern open operator platform, the hydrostat transmission and the now famous curved arm loaders. 30 months is just way to long to arrive at the 'modification' Kioti has come up with. Then the in-flexible, cost intensive burden of having to transport the equipment to the dealers just adds salt to the wound.

Don

 

[laurencen]

Hi, on the 120 I sprung for the 500 dollar upgrade to the arms, Im happy now but still miffed at having to make my own deal, the retro is a band aide, it will cover the cracks till you no longer feel or they offer waranty

You can fix the tube issue by welding a new tube thro the arms with re inforcment on the outside, but why should you

You paid for the best, expect the best

just my 10cents worth