New DK45S Owner

[ritcheyvs]

Dan, I also have a 2006 DK45s (aka DK451). It is a rugged and heavy machine. I bought it in 2009 and now have about 440 hours. Just so you know, on this model the hour meter is actually a rev counter that reads true hours only when the engine is running at rated PTO speed (about 2500 engine RPM, there's a mark on the tach). Unlike newer models, the final drive is a coaxial planetary gear, which is stronger than the bolt-on final drives you see everywhere these days, You owe it to yourself to spend the cash and buy a real owner's manual and service manual. You can order them through any dealer and sometimes they show up on ebay. Don't worry about a parts manual; several dealers (like MIE) have online parts manuals which tend to be current (unlike an old paper parts manual). The online parts manuals are also easier to use. Something else you should know: The DK45s switched from the external (via the manual shutoff linkages) stop solenoid to the newer version (on the front of the engine block) in the middle of the 2005 build year. That means that the available DK45s/DK451 service manual will not show the correct stop solenoid configuration for your tractor and I doubt Kioti will correct this at this late date. The later DK manuals and EX manuals show the correct stop solenoid setup. I spoke with more than one dealer who expressed regret that Kioti discontinues the DK45s; they thought it was a great machine.

Replacing fluids and filters now is a good move. You would need a major service at 400 hours anyway so there is no downside to doing it now. There are several grease fittings not shown in the documentation: the aft trunion for the front axle, the outboard (I think) steering cylinder ball joints, and the depth/draft control shaft (right side, rear, behind a rubber flap). There may be others but I'm going from memory. The documentation also shows some non-existent grease fittings (like on the top lift). The fuel filter for this machine is a spin-on canister (like an oil filter). not a cartridge that sits inside a case. I have had dealers try to sell me the wrong type. Finally, if the tractor sat for a long time and the fuel is dark, drain it out and get new fuel. Fresh Diesel fuel should be almost clear with a faint straw color (except for dyed off-road fuel).

 

[ritcheyvs]

From time to time, you can find real manuals on ebay: Genuine Kioti DK45S DK451 Workshop Manual | eBay

 

[8NAcres]

Thanks a ton Ritcheyvs! I will print out your post and take it with me when the tractor is delivered this weekend. I am also relieved to hear it is a good tractor. I tried to research as much as possible before selecting a Kioti - but there just isn't much out there. I hate to sound like a newbie - but I don't know what a stop solenoid is that you mention, or its purpose. All my experience is 1939 - 1954 Ford tractors (which I am an expert on if anyone needs help). I have restored a few and have a photo log at www.(my forum name) dot com Still learning as much as possible on modern technology

What years did they produce the DK45S?

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[ritcheyvs]

Thanks a ton Ritcheyvs! I will print out your post and take it with me when the tractor is delivered this weekend. I am also relieved to hear it is a good tractor. I tried to research as much as possible before selecting a Kioti - but there just isn't much out there. I hate to sound like a newbie - but I don't know what a stop solenoid is that you mention, or its purpose. All my experience is 1939 - 1954 Ford tractors (which I am an expert on if anyone needs help). I have restored a few and have a photo log at www.(my forum name) dot com Still learning as much as possible on modern technology

What years did they produce the DK45S?

Thanks again,
Dan

I think the DK45s was made from 2005 to 2009. The DK45 was made earlier and the DK45SE was made later.

Gasoline engines are stopped by shutting down the spark plugs. Diesel engines don't have spark plugs. Diesels use compression ignition, which means the air compressed by the piston is so hot that the atomized fuel (from the injectors) burns spontaneously as soon as it's sprayed into the pre-chamber. So the only way to stop the engine* is to shut off the air or fuel (and fuel is easier). Fuel is shut off by the stop solenoid (or manual shutoff lever) which pushes the injection pump rack full aft to the zero fuel position. The injection pump rack position determines the quantity of fuel injected into each cylinder. A system of springs and a centrifugal control the rack to maintain a (near) constant RPM, even when load changes.

* I should have said the only finesse way. You can always stop an engine using high gear and the clutch and brakes to stall the engine (gear tranny only)

A few of us are working on a web site to explain these things: Kioti Information Site

 

[VictorW]

Here's a Kioti chart for lubricants and such that another member posted a while back. Hope it helps.

 

[8NAcres]

Thanks again all for the great information and taking the time to help me get up to speed on my tractor. Looks like my first weekend will be filled with replacing most of the fluids as it is right at the 400 hours scheduled maintenance.

 

[woodchipper]

Congrats on your new tractor! I hope you get as many years of good service, as you previously did with your early Fords!
I think that you are on the right track to give your Kioti much longevity, with doing all fluid and filters changes. You may also get to each and every bolt you can put a ratchet on, just to be sure nothing is loose... Your full lube exercise should include greasing all points, and perhaps draining Diff. oil.
Happy Tractoring

 

[rd_macgregor]

I bought my DK45SC in the summer of 2006; it is also a "FC49..." serial number. It now has nearly 990 hrs on it. Although I have had a number of problems with my machine, I'd say the only one that was clearly a design/manufacturer issue was replacement of the shift fork; the original was flimsy and bent...fortunately, this repair was covered under warranty.
If you are going to work in brushy areas, I recommend that you replace the spring clips that hold the lower lift arms in place, with bolts; bad things can happen if a stick pops one of these clips out.
These are really good working machines and I think you will be pleased with yours. (now you can start coveting additional attachments/implements!!)
Bob

 

[8NAcres]

It appears the shuttle forward/reverse shifter fork is a weak link in these DK45S machines. Is there any way to see if mine has been replaced under warranty with the beefier model (i.e. - does Kioti dealers have access to any warranty work done on a specific machine - or can they only see their repairs?). I would like to know if this has already been addressed by the PO or not.

Dan

 

[rd_macgregor]

If the work was done under warrantee, I bet Kioti has a record somewhere. They might or might not share the info, of course. If the work was done after the warrantee expired, you'd have to ask somebody who knew the machine's history to find out. I'm not sure that all the shift forks were bad; I suspect they just had a batch from a supplier that weren't up to spec. I make a conscious effort to assure that I am completely stopped before shifting between forward and reverse...sometimes with prolonged loader work, it is hard to remember to assure that discrete pause occurs.