Traction No front-wheel assist on DK40

[dennis52]

Much much later...

Yep, the diff failed, and turned out to be a very expensive repair. Will upload pics later.

But few days ago it happened AGAIN!!! While digging the bucket into soil, a loud bang came from that spot.

I am NOT happy... more tomorrow.

Sorry to hear about your problem with the front differential.
I noticed in an earlier post you had been working it hard moving clay and more recently digging soil.

I would have thought any problem would have arisen with the loader rather than the front differential if you happened to overwork it on these tasks but I would be interested in others' opinions.

The other thing I noticed was your original uncertainty about moving the tractor into 4 WD while it was moving and if you , in fact, frequently did this.

The final thing that crossed my mind was whether you had been turning the front wheels while engaging diff lock.

It's not my intention to offer advice around your costly misfortune but to learn more about possible causes of this failure in what is reported as being a pretty bullet proof model.

 

[kiotiken]

Ouch, I'm really sorry about that. I'd say the same thing, are you doing anything like engaging the diff lock constantly, using steering brakes while turning, or putting it into or out of 4WD regularly, especially if you're moving? Personally, I'd want to find something that could point to the repeated failure.

I would be contacting Kioti about this issue, first the local rep, then Kioti itself, there maybe some "good will" they can extend you since it's not the first time it's failed. I have to say, if Kioti didn't step up to help, if I were in your shoes, I'd be fixing and then selling the tractor. It can only be one of 3 things; 1) Very bad luck. 2) A design flaw. 3) The way you're using the tractor. 2 of the 3 of those are sure to happen again, and even being a betting man, I don't like those odds on a very expensive bet, and I'd be out.

 

[MotorSeven]

Wow, 3,694? That is a lot of $. What year is your DK40 and how many hours?

 

[CJONE]

You should not be able to "overwork" anything on these tractors!!!! I could see breaking a diff if you were spinning on ice and hit dry pavement but using a loader should not break anything. My guess is something is out or spec, gear lash ect and it was not found so it broke again. The dealer should fix it and find the problem this time. CJ

 

[bullebak]

It's done around 1700 hours now, bought it 5 years ago (new).

Unlike the DK35 I had before, the DK40 is mechanical to/from 4WD, and VERY HARD to pull up and push down. So I am practially forced to leave it in 4WD most of the time. It's impossible for me to change it while moving, as I have to stand up and use all the muscles I can muster... even then at times it won't budge.

Mechanic greased some levers but still very hard. Diff lock I seldom use. Never use steering brakes while turning.

Digging up soil from mounts is what I do most, and they do have gorse roots inside so it's not easy, but I do use care. I go underneath the roots and lift the whole plant up or push it away. If the bucket won't dig in or won't lift, I know there's the limit and take it back a bit.... but should not break the machine.

Sure I make it work harder than average, but for the 4WD to disintegrate.... means it's just not suitable for such jobs. But I was told it should do the job.

Have contacted the dealer but still waiting for the return call. Meanwhile have also emailed the distributors who know me personally.

I am reluctant to spend all that money again knowing anytime it could happen yet again (and probably will as there is a lot more such work to do). So have to consider other options.

I also really need a 4 in 1 bucket, as all the time fallen branches need to be moved.

 

[kiotiken]

Engaging/disengaging 4 wheel drive shouldn't be nearly that difficult. I'd think this must be pointing in the direction of the cause of the diff failure.

I don't blame you, I'd never trust it again either. You might have a conversation with other dealers of trade value before and after you have it fixed. If it costs you $3500+ to fix and only gets you $2500 more for trade, you may have your answer. If you could stomach another Kioti, your dealer should be making you a smoking hot offer to keep you as a customer after all you've been through. Mahindra makes a good, strong, heavy tractor.