my first and last Kioti

[lockhaven]

well the tractor saga is over, they just called and told me they would deliver it tomorrow. I am still a bit tiffed because of the lack of communication, a simple phone call would have saved me a great deal of aggravation and nerves. I have been a freelance CAD designer for 18 years and have learned that customers are a lot more forgiving about missed deadlines if they are kept informed. Being told about delays or scheduling problems prevents a lot of stress. Thank you all for your opinions and information.

 

[Kioti Paul]

I am not familiar with CK30's fuel tanks, but I have a DK45 which developed a leak in the fuel tank after about 5 yrs. My tank is made of the same plastic modern gas cans are made from (I think HDPE), although somewhat thicker. I suppose most fuel tanks are made from plastic, and I can actually see some advantages; apparently price NOT being one of them. I believe it cost over $500 for the part (I can't remember the exact price), and (I was told) it had to come from Korea, it took 2+ weeks to arrive.

A crack developed in one of the bottom corners of the tank; and, in my mind, it was clearly defective material. There was no chafing, rubbing or wear; and there is no way it could have been hit. I have seen very similar cracks develop in plastic gas cans.

There are plenty of You Tube videos on "welding" HDPE; and I seriously considered trying it, but the tank is SUCH a pain to replace, and it seemed kind of an 'iffy' repair. I decided that I didn't want to have to go through that twice.

That happened about 5 yrs ago; now every time I go out to my tractor, I nervously look for the tell tale puddle of diesel under it.

 

[lockhaven]

HDPE is the material used, like all plastic it will degrade in the sun unless treated with UV inhibitors. Like you mentioned the tank is located in such a way that it cannot be hit and also the sun does not shine on it buried deep in the tractor. My profession is mostly injection mold design. The tanks are most likely blow molded there are other methods but blow molding is the most common unless the tank is fabricated from 2 pieces. Some where in my searching for how to repair the tank myself I found that Kioti had a design flaw that was causing tanks to fail, now I cannot find it. Sorry for rambling. HDPE is High-density polyethylene, milk bottles are made from it. It can be welded fairly easily, my problem was I got scared when I realized that the entire dash area with all the connections to everything looked like it needed to be removed. I also will always be looking for that puddle and knowing the cost of repair and the weeks of not having my tractor.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Kind of off topic. But it irritates me to no end that often plastic packaging is of better material then intended long term items. A hydraulic oil pail is better than a pail bought at the hardware store. Two liter plastic soda bottles are incredibly tough as is other packaging. Yet so much plastic consumer goods are garbage the day they are bought!

 

[fried1765]

A trailer you can buy and sell, possibly costing you nothing in the end. It's the cost of registering for given weight that has become the problem and expense here. Those become very expensive occasional trips.

I understand the trailer issues in Canada, but it is not even close to the same in most of the US.
My 20ft. 14K low deck equipment trailer costs me $20 per year for registration. Liability/property damage insurance coverage automatically extends from the towing vehicle. I bought a 5 year trailer registration for $100, and that is renewable in minimum 1 year increments. At each renewal, up to ten more years is available ($200 for 10 years). Even though my trailer is new, I do not have any trailer loss insurance coverage.
It should be noted that I do not use my trailer for hire.
No trailer safety inspection is required.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a Duramax 3/4 ton and a ten foot dump trailer. I pay more for my registration on the truck than the basic and stopped short of a weight where I have to do and pay for all kinds of other stuff.

Legally, I can haul a payload (Truck and Trailer) of around 400 pounds! The weight of the Duramax is part of the problem. A 1/2 ton would make more sense.

And yes, Truck and Trailer have to have an annual safety.

And heaven help you if you get caught for insecure load or a frayed strap!

 

[DieselBound]

"I can't haul my NX so I have to eat transport costs"

With two tractors, you might consider a 12K trailer (NX + an attachment).
I never go to a dealer, but have had some repair issues, and a low deck trailer has proven to be one handy piece of equipment to have around.
I am an old guy, but bought a 14K new 20' equipment trailer 2 years ago.
Wish I had bought that trailer sooner.
I mounted a 9.5K winch also.

I've got a 12k utility trailer: it's even heftier than that -it's a custom made one-, but that's what it's registered as. It needs to be re-decked, which is my biggest concern. AND, with that trailer (3k lbs) plus my NX the weight is at max for my truck (1993 IDI Ford). I have to drive a fairly busy highway, much two-lane, to get to/from the dealers (about 45 miles?). I've only shelled out once, and it was $138: factoring in time and all possible headaches that's a fairly decent cost. I HAVE towed my B7800 (a manageable total weight): it was to facilitate taking down a shed, not for hauling to the dealer for repairs.

 

[lockhaven]

Kind of off topic. But it irritates me to no end that often plastic packaging is of better material then intended long term items. A hydraulic oil pail is better than a pail bought at the hardware store. Two liter plastic soda bottles are incredibly tough as is other packaging. Yet so much plastic consumer goods are garbage the day they are bought!

The problem is not in the material but the manufacturing. Many of the items you buy are made in China. While China has laws to ensure quality and the integrity of products, they are never enforced. Recently an inventor that I do design for marketed a product that would be exposed to sunshine. I specified UV resistant material and urged him to use a US manufacturer. He opted for China because of cost of 20% of US quotes. Now his product is failing and he is out of business. The parts looked good but after several months turned yellow and became as brittle as a potato chip.

 

[fried1765]

I have a Duramax 3/4 ton and a ten foot dump trailer. I pay more for my registration on the truck than the basic and stopped short of a weight where I have to do and pay for all kinds of other stuff.

Legally, I can haul a payload (Truck and Trailer) of around 400 pounds! The weight of the Duramax is part of the problem. A 1/2 ton would make more sense.

And yes, Truck and Trailer have to have an annual safety.

And heaven help you if you get caught for insecure load or a frayed strap!

"400 pounds" ???
Nah..... must be a typo.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Nope. That wouldn't be enough for many guys to even take the MIL to Denny's for brunch.