CK20 cracked FEL

[GMtb42]

I know this has been discussed at length at some point or another, but I was wondering what to do with a used CK20 that has the problem, the previous owner neglected to have it repaired.
I did not know exactly where to look before I purchased the tractor and did not notice until I was doing the 400hr oil changes. Noticed a bolt missing on the plate on the cross member and got to looking there are cracks there at each bolt hole on the outer corners.
My question is if anyone has a picture of the Kioti fix or any recommendations as to how to repair, because I am afraid that Kioti would laugh if I contacted them now about the fix.
It is a 2004 year model. KL120 FEL.


Thanks in advance.

 

[LaVoie Equipment]

Contact your local dealer. I dont think they will repair for free but there is a kit to repair it as required. Call us if you have a problem.

 

[Gittyup]

kioti should give the guy the kit. It's the least they can do for those crappy loaders.

 

[GMtb42]

Thanks for the vote Gittyup.

 

[GMtb42]

Contact your local dealer. I dont think they will repair for free but there is a kit to repair it as required. Call us if you have a problem.

Thanks will call them tomorrow.
Is this a kit that a consumer with a good skill level can apply themselves?

 

[dfkrug]

Is this a kit that a consumer with a good skill level can apply themselves?

The kit is just a box that bolts around the loader cross-tube. Kioti went out of their
way to design a field-installable kit that requires no welding. The factory was going
to send me one, but never did. All 3 units I bought new are still going with no
cracks. 2005 CK30 x2, and one 06 CK20.

 

[IslandTractor]

kioti should give the guy the kit. It's the least they can do for those crappy loaders.

Totally agree Kioti should continue to supply these "upgrade" kits for free and I don't believe they have ever charged for them. They have however insisted that dealers install them which I am quite sure is a liability issue rather than technical.

By the way, the loaders are not crappy at all. No one has ever "broken" one of the loaders as far as I know from TBN reports and the KL120 is the absolutely most powerful loader you can get on a 21hp tractor. I did lots and lots of land clearing with mine and despite the cracks (I had them too), I would buy the CK20 primarily because of that loader.

I know you actually don't hate the loader but I just had to respond when I saw the word "crappy" associated with the KL120!

 

[dfkrug]

They have however insisted that dealers install them which
I am quite sure is a liability issue rather than technical.

That was the official line, anyway. I tried to explain to the factory folks several times (at
the World AG Expo) that a policy like that might work if they had better dealer coverage.
And paid to transport the tractors. Dealer coverage is still spotty at best in the US and
Canada.....my dealer was 1000mi away. I think that JD, Kubota, CNH, and Bobcat
are the only brands to have good enough coverage to make that requirement.

I never heard that Kioti would not sell them directly due to liability. They will sell me
any other part, even critical safety parts. The WERE concerned about field welding,
since you know how bad that can be.

Still, they DID offer to send me one, but never followed thru. I prefer a welded solution
myself, but will do so only if I see some cracks.

 

[IslandTractor]

That was the official line, anyway. I tried to explain to the factory folks several times (at
the World AG Expo) that a policy like that might work if they had better dealer coverage.
And paid to transport the tractors. Dealer coverage is still spotty at best in the US and
Canada.....my dealer was 1000mi away. I think that JD, Kubota, CNH, and Bobcat
are the only brands to have good enough coverage to make that requirement.

I never heard that Kioti would not sell them directly due to liability. They will sell me
any other part, even critical safety parts. The WERE concerned about field welding,
since you know how bad that can be.

Still, they DID offer to send me one, but never followed thru. I prefer a welded solution
myself, but will do so only if I see some cracks.

I don't disagree at all. I never pushed Kioti myself as my dealer took the unrepaired CK20 as a trade when I bought the DK40 and he just dealt with it when he got back to his shop. Clearly anyone with a set of wrenches could install one of the reinforcing kits but last I heard Kioti's official line was still that it had to be done by the dealer. I do hope that statement was just the official party line and that they made exceptions for someone like you or me who could not easily get dealer support due to distance.

 

[Soundguy]

even if the kit is not available.. if it's OOW.. then seems a torch, welder and some fish plate would fix it up fine. seems to work on all the antiques I have..

 

[IslandTractor]

even if the kit is not available.. if it's OOW.. then seems a torch, welder and some fish plate would fix it up fine. seems to work on all the antiques I have..

I agree so long as the welder is experienced and can do he repair without making things worse (do you recall the monstrous dealer welding fix on Highbeam's loader? Kioti gave him a new one not because of the cracks but because of the horrendous repair that looked like it was done by ironworkers believing his loader was a bridge ). Also you would need to make up and weld some gussets for support to prevent recurrences. All very doable and easy for someone with the right experience and equipment but not something i'd recommend for someone to do as a first metal project.

 

[GMtb42]

I spoke with the Dealer today, they contacted Kioti rep, said they would call when they found out something. The parts counter person did say he thought the campaign was over with and didn't know if Kioti would still do it.
So when I hear I will post response here.
I am a medium level welder, not the first time I have done any, in fact have been doing it for what, on and off 20 years. I have a Miller wire welder right now with a full bottle of gas ready for use.

 

[IslandTractor]

I spoke with the Dealer today, they contacted Kioti rep, said they would call when they found out something. The parts counter person did say he thought the campaign was over with and didn't know if Kioti would still do it.
So when I hear I will post response here.
I am a medium level welder, not the first time I have done any, in fact have been doing it for what, on and off 20 years. I have a Miller wire welder right now with a full bottle of gas ready for use.

If you are not a novice then just bring yourself up to speed with a bit of scrap the same gauge (?1/8" or 3/16" approx) and fabricate some gussets for support. A bit of grinding and welding and reinforcing is all that is required. Chevy Orange engine paint is essentially a perfect match for fresh Kioti paint.

 

[Soundguy]

All very doable and easy for someone with the right experience and equipment but not something i'd recommend for someone to do as a first metal project.

yup.. deffinately wouldn't try that as my first rodeo.

 

[Gittyup]

Totally agree Kioti should continue to supply these "upgrade" kits for free and I don't believe they have ever charged for them. They have however insisted that dealers install them which I am quite sure is a liability issue rather than technical.

By the way, the loaders are not crappy at all. No one has ever "broken" one of the loaders as far as I know from TBN reports and the KL120 is the absolutely most powerful loader you can get on a 21hp tractor. I did lots and lots of land clearing with mine and despite the cracks (I had them too), I would buy the CK20 primarily because of that loader.

I know you actually don't hate the loader but I just had to respond when I saw the word "crappy" associated with the KL120!

Actually I do believe the original KL120/KL130 loaders were crap. And I do hate them (but love the new design). I wouldn't buy one with that old loader unless discounted enough to replace it. But, that's just me

 

[IslandTractor]

Actually I do believe the original KL120/KL130 loaders were crap. And I do hate them (but love the new design). I wouldn't buy one with that old loader unless discounted enough to replace it. But, that's just me

Why? As I understand it the only change between the KL120/130 and the current KL120B/130B models is the redesigned torque tube and routing of hoses. The specs are identical to the older version. The cracks in the corners of an inspection plate could have been predicted with hindsight but those cracks never influenced loader function. So, except for the easily fixed crack issue, why are the earlier loaders "crap"?

 

[wallace]

GM42tb
If you want a kit, you pay the shipping and I will send you one!
Make sure you are sitting down when I give you a shipping quote. The kit has got to weigh close to 80lbs!
Email me if you want one. I will need to email you a drawing to make sure you get the right kit.

 

[GMtb42]

Have not heard from local dealer yet.
Let me get back with them if they don't offer a resolution then.
That is all I want from Kioti is to send me one that I can install myself.

 

[GMtb42]

Well, went by dealer yesterday and the parts counter person said the rep has not gotten back in touch with him yet, he called while I was there and got voice mail of rep.
Rep seems as if he is not to concerned.
Maybe I am rushing things it has been about 7 working days now, may take longer than I think to get a replay.
Just want Kioti to send a kit to the dealer or myself, there is obviously some still around.

 

[GMtb42]

GM42tb
If you want a kit, you pay the shipping and I will send you one!
Make sure you are sitting down when I give you a shipping quote. The kit has got to weigh close to 80lbs!
Email me if you want one. I will need to email you a drawing to make sure you get the right kit.

I contacted Rick through email and he fixed me up with the Kioti OEM patch kit, dealer here just blew me off, guess where I will not be buying a tractor from.
Thanks Rick, Amy, and Desiree, @ Wallace Tractor.
Kit was easy to install, took about 45 minutes and could notice rigidity right away.