Loader letter arrived!

[Limecuda]

Like stated earlier, I have no doubt most here could do it. My new CK30 came with this already installed on the loader. It doesn't look too intensive. If General Motors, Ford, DCX, etc. issued a recall/warranty work would they give you the part to fix it or would they insist a certified dealer install/replace the part? They also place time restraints on when to get some of this work completed and require the consumer to bring their vehicle in. After the time lapse dealers still will sell you the part and allow you to fix the issue but at that point it is your responsibility.

I just hope that for those with the cracks it is indeed a fix. I would like to assume since I already had this kit installed when new that my tractor will not see these cracks appear.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Kioti has hidden behind this "cosmetic" argument the whole time.

. . . The fact, and I think Kioti is correct on this point, that there have not yet been any structural failures in the KL120/130 loaders does not prove this is a cosmetic defect.

At least one dealer has told me that he has seen a torque tube cracked well beyond the inspection cover plate indicating that the cracks will progress.

My loader cracks have certainly progressed and at the current rate of progression about half the torque tube will be cracked by the time I have 300-400 hours on the tractor. That means this cracking will certainly not be merely a cosmetic issue a few years from now (when conveniently all the affected loaders will be well out of warranty).

Ed I think you (and several other Kioti owners) have taken the "high road" through this entire process and remained on topic since it was pointed out well over a year ago.

It also seems clear that once stress cracks in metal start, they continue to grow over time as the metal is subjected to stress. It seems reasonable that there have been no catastrophic failures. It also seems reasonable to suggest that there have been no catastrophic failures YET, because none have been used long enough.

But as you clearly point out, and as a dealer pointed out to you, the cracks grow. As that occurs they do become structural cracks.

One thing that you may want to consider. You wrote

at the current rate of progression about half the torque tube will be cracked by the time I have 300-400 hours

But it is actually reasonable to presume the cracks will progress FASTER the more you use the tractor. Simply put, when you started using the tractor you had 100% of your torque tube working to keep the loader 'square' but as the cracks start to grow, you have less torque tube doing its job so you have more flex. As the tube flexes it cracks a little bit more. The more flexing the more cracking. The more cracking the less rigid. You end up with an acceleration cycle where the cracks should grow faster as the tube becomes more and more flexible.

Obviously what you lift, how you dig, and other factors will affect each individual user's loader.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm not an engineer so I don't know if Bob's suggestion that the cracks will grow faster is correct. I have had the same thought but accepting the principle that "a little knowledge is dangerous" I would defer to the mechanical and metal engineers on that point.

I would add to this discussion that I have been PM'd now by four excellent and customer focused Kioti dealers who, even though I did not buy my tractor from them have offered to go out on a limb and provide me with the repair kit even though it is against Kioti policy. I have not asked my own (non TBN active) dealer to do that yet. I have not taken any of them up on this offer as I don't think it is fair for them to take a risk (presumably if Kioti wanted to they could cause problems especially as the dealers would need to prove which serial number was involved). This issue needs to be addressed forthrightly by Kioti not by big hearted dealers willing to stick their necks out for a customer.

 

[lcisled]

If I am reading this right, you have 4 options.
1) transport tractor to dealer and have no cost fix installed
2) Work with dealers and install yourself outside of policy.
3) Do not transport and do not fix
4) Wait until September, purchase the parts from a dealer and install yourself.

To me it looks like there are people making their own option 5) Continue to rant about this problem.

To me, life is too short, and I have other things to do. I am going to get my loader fixed and move on. Oh, and by the way, 500+ hours and no cracks. As someone before wrote, if it did I would weld it.

I for one appreciate the Kioti options on this one. Thanks to great dealers.

 

[IslandTractor]

If I am reading this right, you have 4 options.
1) transport tractor to dealer and have no cost fix installed
2) Work with dealers and install yourself outside of policy.
3) Do not transport and do not fix
4) Wait until September, purchase the parts from a dealer and install yourself.

To me it looks like there are people making their own option 5) Continue to rant about this problem. .

Did it ever occur to you that the only reason options 1, 2 and 4 exist is that people have ranted? Kioti would have been more than happy to sweep this "cosmetic" thing under the rug.

Maybe we need a new badge: I'm a Ranter and proud of it.

 

[thcri]

Murph,

I don't think the example you give applies here.

I am not going to disagree. But my story is somewhat about how waivers just don't work anymore and how business's must be very careful. I have not doubt that the majority of the people can fix or do the repairs.


murph

 

[Dodgeram]

Like KiotiJohn, this will be my last post on TBN.
To Bob Skurka,
I will bow to your knowledge of Mechanical Enigeering. You are most definately more knowledgeable than the Kioti engineers. You sure do presume a lot though. P/S...Respond to something you know a little about.

To Island Tractor,
You will never be happy. Get a Kubota.
I'm happy with my Kioti.
Farewell!
Tom

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Did it ever occur to you that the only reason options 1, 2 and 4 exist is that people have ranted? Kioti would have been more than happy to sweep this "cosmetic" thing under the rug.

Maybe we need a new badge: I'm a Ranter and proud of it.

First of all I don't see that you have ranted or had a shrill tone in any of your posts. Seems to me that you (and Highbeam, and several others) have taken a very moderate and firm position that is reasonable.

Secondly, of the options that exist, clearly #2 is NOT authorized by Kioti and NOT supported by them.

Third, with regard to this comment:

no cracks. As someone before wrote, if it did I would weld it.

Respectfully I'd have to suggest that just because people own tractors does not mean they own welding equipment.

To Bob Skurka,
I will bow to your knowledge of Mechanical Enigeering. You are most definately more knowledgeable than the Kioti engineers. You sure do presume a lot though. P/S...Respond to something you know a little about.

I have owned & operated various types industrial machines for 30+ years. I've worked as a hobby welder for 25 years. There is no secret to stress cracks. In fact, they are predictable.

To Island Tractor,
You will never be happy. Get a Kubota.

Wow. Apparently if you own a Kioti you are not allowed to objectively be concerned about problems?



To everyone and nobody in particular: There is a prevailing attitutude on TBN (in all forums) that people who own tractors somehow also need to own trailers to haul them, welders, guns of all sorts, have a large dog, be members of the G.O.P. and have a barn full of tools. Those people who fit that mold are often condescending toward those people who do not. Honestly when reading posts here on TBN it is pretty obvious that many people moved from the city or suburbs, now own a few acres and a tractor but do not farm or lead an otherwise traditional rural life. I do not see how it should become a prerequisite for people who own tractors to also own trailers, welders, etc etc. In fact IslandTractor apparently does not own those things but that does not make the cracks in his loader less important.

 

[PaPaGus]

They should let everyone put the...upgrade on themselves with a CD instructions if requested. People will need to check the plumbing under it periodically and should have the knowledge of doing so...I Think

 

[twigpig]

Yeah !
What Island Tractor, Bob Skurka and Papa Gus said. There are probably a bunch of other posters I agree with here but my attention span aint what it used to be.