CK35 Burned Out It's Clutch AGAIN?!

JPSwede · Apr 1, 2021

I last posted in 2012 about this same issue so I just wanted to post again to warn future buyers of small Kioti tractors that my model stinks. Here's a synopsis: in 2012, my 2009 CK35 had 122 hours on it when it suddenly stopped moving. Turned out the clutch shredded itself but it was under warranty so it was a free repair job. Fast forward 8+ years later and my tractor now has a whopping 235 hours on it. But sadly, the clutch burned up in it today, AGAIN! And no, I do not ride the clutch. I've had stick shifts for 46 years and my 25 year old truck still has its original clutch! Anyway, unfortunately, this time I have to pay the repair bill. So, I am just going to bite the bullet and trade it in on a John Deere or Kubota, which is what I should have bought to begin with! So any thoughts from anyone on which tractor is decidedly better or is it pretty much just a toss up? Thanks for any input.

Robin Veerman · Apr 1, 2021

Just put a new clutch in it. See if there’s a heavy duty one available. Then you will be good for another 10 years, at the rate your currently using it... Dutchy

rademamj1 · Apr 1, 2021

Well I have 780 hours now on my CK4010 and no clutch issues. I will say that non usage is detrimental to clutch longevity. The same thing goes for slip clutches in most rotary cutters and other implements, with 18 months of not being used, it's prone to binding and increasing failure rates. These equipment last longer when being used.

JPSwede · Apr 1, 2021

Oh ok. I didn't know that. I barely use my truck so I thought it would be similar since its clutch has lasted 25 years and 200,000 miles. Thanks for the info.

Robin Veerman said:
Just put a new clutch in it. See if there’s a heavy duty one available. Then you will be good for another 10 years, at the rate your currently using it... Dutchy

JPSwede · Apr 1, 2021

Robin Veerman said:
Just put a new clutch in it. See if there’s a heavy duty one available. Then you will be good for another 10 years, at the rate your currently using it... Dutchy

Yeah. I thought about that. I just didn't want to go through this again in 8 years. Hmm

rademamj1 · Apr 1, 2021

I can fully understand your wanting to move onto another tractor model and brand. But I will say, that you need to use these tractors at least once a month, or your going to see the same problem over again. Just start them up. Drive around for a few hours and put them to work. Circulate fluids. Get clutch plates moving and those gears operational. Everything lasts longer when you use the equipment.

Personally, if your going for a new tractor in same horsepower range, recommend a Kubota L3301 or the John Deere 2038R. Both are proven models, and been out many years. But you should use them more than you have.

DK35vince · Apr 1, 2021

I'm not sure what is going on with your machine with clutch issues.
My DK 35 is 20 years old with 2315 hours.
Original clutch, never needed the first clutch adjustment yet.

4570Man · Apr 1, 2021

If you trade do yourself a favor and get a HST.

holeycow · Apr 2, 2021

Most likely the freeplay was not correct

RickB · Apr 2, 2021

4570Man said:
If you trade do yourself a favor and get a HST.

Absolutely.

Sheldon Hamblin · Apr 2, 2021

I think you have a valid concern, and in my opinion, appropriate response. I do most of my repair and maintenance work, but would never consider breaking a tractor to replace the clutch.
However you are using it, it is not working for you.
I would determine exactly whether or not an HST would be better for you.

I ran a Case VAC for about 5 years (never had clutch work on that before my getting it that I know of,) and I never had a clutch problem before selling it and purchasing a new JD 850 CUT front wheel assist with loader. I didn’t put that many hours on it, averaging about 40 hours per year. When I worked it, it worked hard. Digging holes to bury things, pushing over trees, moving snow etc. the engine worked, but the clutch was either engaged or not.

My point being, your first clutch could have been a manufacturing defect. Doubtful the reason the second one failed was the same.

My newest tractor is a Kioti CK2610 HST. I love it, but it is a totally different animal. No better, no worse, just different. I will say that it weighs more, and the rear end is heavier (both machines had loaded tires).

For your use, regardless of manufacturer, or transmission, you may want to consider the next frame size up, not just more horsepower.

JPSwede · Apr 2, 2021

rademamj1 said:
I can fully understand your wanting to move onto another tractor model and brand. But I will say, that you need to use these tractors at least once a month, or your going to see the same problem over again. Just start them up. Drive around for a few hours and put them to work. Circulate fluids. Get clutch plates moving and those gears operational. Everything lasts longer when you use the equipment.

Personally, if your going for a new tractor in same horsepower range, recommend a Kubota L3301 or the John Deere 2038R. Both are proven models, and been out many years. But you should use them more than you have.

Ah. Ok. Yeah. I didn't realize that at all. I would also like to find one I can easily work on since this one requires me to split the tractor in half just to replace the clutch.

JPSwede · Apr 2, 2021

Sheldon Hamblin said:
I think you have a valid concern, and in my opinion, appropriate response. I do most of my repair and maintenance work, but would never consider breaking a tractor to replace the clutch.
However you are using it, it is not working for you.
I would determine exactly whether or not an HST would be better for you.

I ran a Case VAC for about 5 years (never had clutch work on that before my getting it that I know of,) and I never had a clutch problem before selling it and purchasing a new JD 850 CUT front wheel assist with loader. I didn’t put that many hours on it, averaging about 40 hours per year. When I worked it, it worked hard. Digging holes to bury things, pushing over trees, moving snow etc. the engine worked, but the clutch was either engaged or not.

My point being, your first clutch could have been a manufacturing defect. Doubtful the reason the second one failed was the same.

My newest tractor is a Kioti CK2610 HST. I love it, but it is a totally different animal. No better, no worse, just different. I will say that it weighs more, and the rear end is heavier (both machines had loaded tires).

For your use, regardless of manufacturer, or transmission, you may want to consider the next frame size up, not just more horsepower.

You're correct. The first time the dealer said it was a defective clutch and a well known problem. This time I just don't know. What's weird to me is that I rarely use my bucket. It's almost always a rake or a bushhog or backhoe attachment. However, I do occasionally push dead trees down. But the second my wheels start to slip, I stop and start over. This time I was just driving in my yard and it suddenly stopped again. It's the strangest thing. It was working perfectly last fall. Maybe the clutch failed like tires get dry rot do from under use.

JPSwede · Apr 2, 2021

DK35vince said:
I'm not sure what is going on with your machine with clutch issues.
My DK 35 is 20 years old with 2315 hours.
Original clutch, never needed the first clutch adjustment yet.

Yeah. I don't either. I've rebuilt one car engine, built another car engine from scratch, and replaced many clutches, alternators, starters, etc on cars so I can do the work but this tractor is baffling to me. And yeah, my Ford truck is 25 years old and has 200,000 miles on it with the original clutch so I just don't get it either. That's why I want to go to another brand and see. Because if it happens again, God forbid, then obviously I'm doing something wrong but I just don't think so.

JPSwede · Apr 2, 2021

holeycow said:
Most likely the freeplay was not correct

I thought about that but it was just adjusted by the dealer 60 hours ago.

Tinhack · Apr 2, 2021

60 hours? That's like, what, 4-5 years for you?

I agree with the comment about lack of use. Dry clutches need use to stay free and clean just like brakes. Put a new clutch in it and use it! That or get a lawn mower.

ptsg · Apr 2, 2021

JPSwede said:
Ah. Ok. Yeah. I didn't realize that at all. I would also like to find one I can easily work on since this one requires me to split the tractor in half just to replace the clutch.

Any tractor will require to be split in half to replace the clutch. It's just the nature of it.

This is not a manufacturer issue. Could happen to any brand. It's a lack of use issue.

As others said, HST might be a good option for you, although, given the amount of hours that tractor has seen, I wonder at what point you really need the tractor. I don't want to sound rude or anything like that.

RickB · Apr 2, 2021

JPSwede said:
Ah. Ok. Yeah. I didn't realize that at all. I would also like to find one I can easily work on since this one requires me to split the tractor in half just to replace the clutch.

There are very few tractors in this world that don't require a split " just to replace the clutch".
You are fortunate indeed that the first clutch failure was covered under warranty.
Two clutch failures within those very low hours of operation point strongly towards improper operation. Changing brands but retaining a dry clutch configuration probably won't change that.

tradosaurus · Apr 2, 2021

As little as you use your tractor I would just keep using it. How much did the clutch replacement cost you? Probably much cheaper to replace a clutch than buy a new tractor.