KL130 on a CK30 Problem

[IslandTractor]

If I am remembering correctly, Dick B. at Batchelders in Lebanon Maine did just that for a customer. I think the guy's statement was essentially that it appeared as new after he was done. I guess it would depend on the skill level of the welder doing the repair.

Yes, a good welder should be able to make a near perfect repair. However, the structural weakness would still exist so further cracking at the same point could be anticipated. I don't know if Batchelders also reinforced the corners somehow but just welding the cracks would not solve the problem long term.

Also, RexB, thanks for pointing out the the "B" model designation was only on the name plate and not on the bigger decal on the loader arms. My earlier post was ambiguous.

For what it's worth, I have also heard from a little bird, that there now appear to be problems with some of the KL120 repair kits. Apparently not all KL120 loaders were built with exactly the same dimensions and for some loaders the repair kit interferes with, i.e hits, the brush guard. Kioti subcontracts these loaders and apparently was unaware of the various model changes. Given that they are getting the repair kits from the original manufacturer, it appears the builder doesn't keep very good records either. Too bad, it is a fine loader otherwise.

 

[coasterez]

My patience is running thin. It's time for the fix for the kL130 to come out!

 

[shvl73]

Yes, a good welder should be able to make a near perfect repair. However, the structural weakness would still exist so further cracking at the same point could be anticipated. I don't know if Batchelders also reinforced the corners somehow but just welding the cracks would not solve the problem long term.

I can only guess that he did, as I believe he's a certified welder. I do know he used to make short track car frames. That was quite some time ago.

 

[Highbeam]

If they can cut the back half off of a car and weld a new one on with no visible evidence then they can certainly repair a cracked loader. It can be done right. It can also be done wrong, very wrong.

 

[IslandTractor]

It can also be done wrong, very wrong.

Jeez, I had no idea. Would you care to elaborate? Maybe just post a link to your photos for the newbies.

 

[RexB]

Woot! Fireworks!!

popcorn...beer...scorecard...

 

[Highbeam]

No need to elaborate me thinks. The posters in this thread have hundreds or thousands of posts so can search for themselves. Bottom line is be very very careful about who you let weld on your tractor. Be very very sure you know what the plan is, and by all means, if buying new, get the new B series loader.

 

[PA hayseed]

Hi PA hayseed, iso IslandTractor's good info, here is a pic of the new "B" model FEL arm and how the torque-tube penetrates both sides of both arms with welded steel plates on both sides. On the FEL the barcode label will read "KL130B Loader", tho the "B" is not on the larger "KL130" stencil on the loader arm.

click n zoom



Happy tractor-hunting, and did you get it yet? We love Pics

Sorry for the late reply, I was on vacation last week and have been pricing tractors, loaders, trailers, and new trucks. Think the new truck thing will have to wait awhile. I'm kinda settling on the DK35 HST but not sure 100%, if the DK40 is only a couple of more dollars, I rather have the horsepower/capabilities for future toys er um implements. The dealer is supposed to come up my way to appraise my current tractor then we get down to numbers. I'm thinking that the original quote he gave me is a little high, but that may be because they give book on trade ins/ups.

I have outgrown my 28hp tractor and need something with a bigger FEL that also lifts higher, and has more umph in all areas. The 28 was nice for grass, but was lackluster in all the other chores. Besides, the draft control on the DK made me all tingly inside. Planning on growing something next year, I made contacts this year, and some local contractors may pay for my saturday mornings (and help offset the cost of a bigger tractor) and the trailer needed to haul it. Man those DK's sure are heavy.

Since I know I may be asked, I primarily use my current tractor for cutting grass (8 acres), garden work, snow clearing, and land clearing leveling/prep work. It also has been used as a ladder, furnace and oil tank remover, cheap amusement for my daughter, general lifting for 6x6's and creosote logs, ground breaking (new soil), shale moving and gravel moving, and topsoil pile maintenance. The FEL is never taken off, it gets used everytime it comes out of the garage. I want to upgrade for the small farming I plan on doing, mainly tomatoes and some melons on about 4 acres. I also plan on doing some excavating as my house is going to be moved next year and I will need a new basement and sewer/water/electrical lines buried. Plus I got some land clearing work lined up if I get the bigger tractor, brush hog stuff mainly w/stumps and rocks.

Wow this is too long. Sorry. you'll probably see me posting in the attachments section pretty soon.

 

[Highbeam]

When choosing between the 35 and 40 DKs be sure to compare the loader specs. I recall one of them being much more powerful.

 

[PA hayseed]

When choosing between the 35 and 40 DKs be sure to compare the loader specs. I recall one of them being much more powerful.

Thanks for the info. i would love to get a DK45, but I'm squeezing as much into my budget as possible. The weight of the tractor with FEL and loaded tires, as previously posted about in multiple other threads, requires me to buy a bigger trailer than I had planned on. I am also thinking about going with a woods FEL, as they seem more capable than the kioti ones. And as everyone on this board knows, as you upgrade little items the cost compounds. Of course if money wasn't an issue i'd probably own a 45 with a cab, sure would be nice in the winter. Never moved snow before when I was warm. I've always either shoveled, snowblowed, or used the rear blade and FEL to move it.

Of course if the dealer is willing to really negotiate, maybe a 45 isn't out of the realm of possibility.