Would you buy your Kioti (or another) again?

[Rock Crawler]

Are the smaller compact utility John Deere units made in the USA still, or are they also imported from Japan or South Korea?

 

[dfkrug]

I can't decide if I'd buy Kioti again.

Wow, you and FUGGLEY both are long-term owners who have had some serious breakdowns.

I am very happy with the quality and reliability of my CK30. I have not suffered any of
the serious problems some others have endured. Even my old-style loader is still free
of cracks. Based on reliability, I think these DaeDongs are great.

In terms of design, it is great to see how makers improve their machines during
model changes. I look at all the brands every year. Mostly those changes are
improvements.

Since I brought up Kioti hoes, the 24xx is way better than the 23xx. Too bad the
subframes are still in the 90s.

Would I buy another Kioti-Bobcat tractor? I just bought anther rental unit for a friend.
This one is an '09 CT335H. 1500h, and kinda beatup looking, but runs/drives great.

 

[coobie]

YUP..Had a 2008 DK40 shuttle shift no issues.Traded for a 2012 Dk40cab hydro,no issues.

 

[Gittyup]

While I've had my issues, I don't think there isn't any other tractor out there in its size that will move earth like these CKs can. They are heavy beasts that can move serious amounts of material. Excellent diggers.

I'd just like to see better component quality, and have them make design changes to fix "chronic" defects. They've done that with loaders, and the IPs. Just not sure they've made changes to address their reputation for head gasket issues and HST idiosyncrasies. Over the years, it does appear the DK40/45's have been the most reliable, with few issues ever being reported.

I've contemplated selling mine and going green. But to keep the same capabilities, I'd have to lay out about $30K or more. My logical mind says that I'd be gaining nothing by doing so. So for now, just gonna keep it. After all with the new head gasket change it's like a brand new tractor again. But if there is another major expense, it's going to go as fast as I can get rid of it.

 

[DieselBound]

Gittyup, do you know if that head gasket has been improved? Or are failures due to a lack of sufficient head bolts (something that cannot be corrected*)?

* I know that in high performance engine applications that studs are utilized over bolts, suggesting that studs are more likely able to hold heads tighter (and thus reduce head gasket failures?).

 

[Gittyup]

I don't know. I haven't ever read anything about a design change to the gasket. The failure is usually at cylinder 1, as the coolant passage is pretty close to the cylinder there. I suspect the engines are the same today on these 25-35 HP machines.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Are the smaller compact utility John Deere units made in the USA still, or are they also imported from Japan or South Korea?

As far as I can determine, no utility tractor is made in US; all come from Asia.

 

[holeycow]

Yes. Good tractor. Still like new at 1500 (or is it 1600?) hours.

 

[cphilip]

Are the smaller compact utility John Deere units made in the USA still, or are they also imported from Japan or South Korea?

Assembled in Georgia. Most major components are made in Japan by Yanmar I think... and shipped to Georgia as an assembly. But then there are parts from all over including USA. Typical sorts of global sources. And the extent of this depends on which model. Thats the info I was able to find when I was shopping.

 

[cabin kioti]

My 2006 ck30HST has been a workhorse for me these past 11 years. I had a problem with the injector pump that was repaired under warranty. Mine has a loader and 2375 backhoe and never had a problem with either. I passed 1350 hours and just replaced the battery not because it was bad I just could not believe it could last any longer. I live in north central PA and the winters get pretty cold and never had a problem starting it. I had installed a engine heater and I am not sure I ever used it. I use Rotella 5/W40 synthetic in the winter and Rotella 15/W40 in the summer. I have changed the transmission/hydrolic oil and filter every 400 hours and keep it well greased. I wash it /wax it often and it is in showroom condition. I have a 5 foot finish mower/a 5 foot bush hog/2 bottom plough 5 foot disc and the tractor is used DAILY. I would not hesitate to buy another Kioti tractor.