FEL repair kit

[TBDonnelly]

Still going at it?
Let's see if we can get an idea how large this problem really is:
This is for folks who currently own either a KL-120 or KL130.

1) Loader #
2) Hours
3) Does/did it have cracks
4) Has the fix been applied

Tom

1) KL130
2) approx. 255 hours
3) Cracks in all 4 corner stemming off the reinforcement gusset
4) No fix applied, waiting on Kioti.

Kentrodngun/John,

After reading your post I saw some excellent points.

.......it seems this issue has taken over a significant part of the Kioti forum (my opinion anyway). I always loved visiting the forum, learning great things (where are you KiotiJohn?) and sharing information.

While I wholeheartedly agree that this matter is shameful and hurts Kioti's reputation, internal griping accomplishes what?

I notice less useful information shared on the Kioti forum since the loader crack issue began and took on it's own life. Dealer input appears to have diminished (again my opinion).

I hope no one is offended by my comments but I felt it was time to voice my opinion. Maybe (maybe not) others will join in and help get this forum back on track.

I sympathize with all affected owners and sincerely hope that Kioti steps up and resolves the problem, but beating it to death every day does little.

Your comments above are what Kioti needs to hear.
1-877-GoKioti -or- 1-919-374-5100
Please call & support the Kioti pack here at TBN.

Attempting to squash the discussion in the Kioti Forum will solve nothing. The only entity that has the authority to resolve this ongoing issue is Daedong/Kioti. It's unfortunate that Daedong has allowed the 'out-sourced KL120/KL130 loader supplier' to damage the relationship between KiotiUSA and the 'first generation' KL120/130 owners.

The first Kioti owner I 'met' here on TBN was DK35Vince. The Kioti forum was a pretty quiet place. Vince would post his experiences about his new DK35. I started researching Kioti and word trickled out about a new HST line of tractors.....starting with the CK20 followed by the CK30. As time progressed, more and more people were checking out the Kioti forum. Things have really grown since the early days. Now, I see more and more 'New' Kioti owners saying they've been lurking here for months reading all the threads, educating themselves and are now announcing their new Kioti purchase! The Kioti forum has evolved into a wealth of information for TBN'rs as well as the unregistered lurkers.........and has grown into an incredible PR machine for the Kioti product (as have the other 'brand specific' forums.)

Korean translation of last two paragraphs:

이 진행하는 문제점을 결심하는 권위가 있는 유일한 실재물에는Daedong/Kioti이다. KiotiUSA과'이민 1세'KL120/130소유자사이 관계를 손상하기 위하여Daedong이'out-sourcedKL120/KL130장전기를 공급자'허용했다 고 불운하다. Kioti첫번째 소유자는TBN에'여기 만난i'DK35Vince이었다. Kioti공개토론은 매우 조용한 장소 이었다. Vince은 그의 새로울DK35에 관하여 그의 경험을 배치할텐데. 나는CK30에의해 따른CK20에 트랙터.....starting의 대략 새로운HST선에서 샌Kioti과 낱말을 연구한 시작했다. 시간이 점진하는 때, 더 그리고 사람은 더Kioti공개토론에서 검사하고 있었다. 것은 초기부터 진짜로 성장했다. 지금, 나는Kioti더 그리고'새로운'소유자를 더 본다 말해서 모든 실을 읽어 그들에 의하여 여기 달을 위해 잠복하고 있는, 교육해서 그리고 지금Kioti그들의 새로운 구입을 알리고 있다! Kioti공개토론은 등록이 되어 있지 않는 르r거rs아울러TBN'rs을 위해 정보의 부로......... 진화하고Kioti제품을 위해PR기계로 성장했다 (것과 같이 있는다 다른'상표 특성'공개토론을.)

Don

Formerly known as "shoppintractors" prior to CK30 purchase.

 

[EldonRC]

My tractor is a 2005 CK30 with the KL130.I have 325 hours on it,more rotary cutting than loader work but still a fair amount of FEL work.I have no cracks so far but of course I am concerned.When Highbeam first brought this problem to our attention,it was the first I had heard of it.This is a serious issue and one well worth discussion and information exchange.I read posts of an owner in my region that did have a problem.We exchanged PM's and I learned we had the same dealer.The dealer fixed his and did in his words "a superb job".When I was into the dealer's for oil and filter I asked him how Kioti was handling the loader issue,he indicated he was not aware of any loader issues until I pointed out that he had fixed one just last week,his memory came back immediately.My point is without this forum or a buddy next door with an identical machine,I would never have known about this problem,especially if depending on my dealer to inform me.I am interested in all information to be had on this subject and I think any topic here is beneficial.If I find one that I think is overdone,then I don't have to read it.This is a fine forum and in my humble opinion only,all input should be encouraged,and I miss KiotiJohn too.

 

[kentrodngun]

Korean translation of last two paragraphs:

이 진행하는 문제점을 결심하는 권위가 있는 유일한 실재물에는Daedong/Kioti이다. KiotiUSA과'이민 1세'KL120/130소유자사이 관계를 손상하기 위하여Daedong이'out-sourcedKL120/KL130장전기를 공급자'허용했다 고 불운하다. Kioti첫번째 소유자는TBN에'여기 만난i'DK35Vince이었다. Kioti공개토론은 매우 조용한 장소 이었다. Vince은 그의 새로울DK35에 관하여 그의 경험을 배치할텐데. 나는CK30에의해 따른CK20에 트랙터.....starting의 대략 새로운HST선에서 샌Kioti과 낱말을 연구한 시작했다. 시간이 점진하는 때, 더 그리고 사람은 더Kioti공개토론에서 검사하고 있었다. 것은 초기부터 진짜로 성장했다. 지금, 나는Kioti더 그리고'새로운'소유자를 더 본다 말해서 모든 실을 읽어 그들에 의하여 여기 달을 위해 잠복하고 있는, 교육해서 그리고 지금Kioti그들의 새로운 구입을 알리고 있다! Kioti공개토론은 등록이 되어 있지 않는 르r거rs아울러TBN'rs을 위해 정보의 부로......... 진화하고Kioti제품을 위해PR기계로 성장했다 (것과 같이 있는다 다른'상표 특성'공개토론을.)

Don

Formerly known as "shoppintractors" prior to CK30 purchase.
[/font]

Don, thanks for a bringing me a wide grin. It made the visit to the thread worth the trip.

 

[Steve_Miller]

I had a CK20, but have since moved on to a CK30 with the newer type loader. Upgrading was not from the cracking on the KL120 though. I had the 'Kit' installed on my '20' before I traded it and in my experience it did not help with stopping the FEL from flexing or cracking. In design, it just is not rigid enough without a cross tube penetrating both sides of the FEL arms as in the newer models. Yes, it was a mistake/oversight on Kioti or whoever approved the items to be marketable. Was it a big enough mistake to warrant a recall? From Kioti's point of view (in my opinion and I don't like it) is that it does not warrant a recall for replacement, just a repair as they seem to have fate on their side that there will be no catastrophic failures, at least so far (it's been about two years now and nobody has destroyed a FEL yet from usage). I think this is just one of learning curves of the business and they weigh it as how much business they will lose compared to what they won't lose. As much as I hate to say it, they seem to winning as they're are more and more Kioti owners popping up every week and that is a good thing as it eventually makes them stronger and stronger. I always seem to rationalize it to politics, you're never going to please everyone as there is always something that you do will P.O. somebody sooner or later but if they vote you in you must be doing something right. My two cents worth at keeping it going, it's been gettin' kinda' dull around here lately anyhow.

Steve

 

[gravel13]

1. KL130
2. Approx 125 Hrs.
3. 4 cracks at end of gussets about .5 to .75 inches in length
4. No fix applied yet, dealer hadn't received any kits that had fit his other loaders. ( Will probably contact Kioti again, I did way way back in the beginning but they never responded so I went through the dealer route.)

 

[IslandTractor]

I traded my CK20 in so technically I am not a current user but...

1) KL120
2) Developed cracks before 50 hrs, worse at about 75 hrs then seemed to stabilize (not checked carefully) until I traded it at 180hrs.
3) all four corners mostly through bolt holes
4) I'm sure the dealer put the repair kit on before reselling

 

[Gittyup]

As a CK owner and active member of this forum, I feel an obligation to inform anyone who is considering a Kioti about this issue. I'm amazed that they (dealers and Kioti) are still trying to sell that piece of junk loader, especially without the repair kit. It's just plain dishonest to sell that thing and not tell the buyer about the issue. Dealers that claim they are unaware of the problem are either outright lieing, or are so misinformed that they shouldn't be selling tractors.

 

[edameyer]

KL120 on 2005 CK20
315 Hours
4 Cracks beginning at ends of welds near bolt holes
Cracks began at about 100 hours. Kit installed by me at about 250 hours. Cracks seemed to stabilize and did not go around corner of tube prior to installing kit. Don't know what might be happening after kit install since I can see now.

 

[Dodgeram]

Keep them coming
Tom

 

[JerryG]

Is there are improved KL130 loaders like the KL120b? I'm sure that it has been posted but I don't remember seeing it.
My dealer has picked up Kioti and I would like to see both types of loaders if the 130 hasn't changed.

I can't see how some of the owners with cracked loaders have the patients that they do. Given it has been so long since the problem started. If mine was cracked like the pictures have shown, I would be having a cow. Not at my dealer but at Kioti.

 

[IXLR8]

Is there are improved KL130 loaders like the KL120b? I'm sure that it has been posted but I don't remember seeing it.
My dealer has picked up Kioti and I would like to see both types of loaders if the 130 hasn't changed.

Yes there is a KL130b just like the 120's. Same change was made to them. The 'B' models have the torque tube go all the way through the loader arms. The previous models the torque tube only went through the inside of the arm, didn't go through the outside of the arm. A search for posts by HODAK, I think that is his name, will show both arms. He changed out the old arms for new arms.

 

[BigDogues]

KL130 on a 2005 CKhst
125 hrs.
Cracks at bolt holes at 100 hrs.
No fix yet, still waiting for Kioti to do the right thing.

I for one would really like to know the differance in cost, parts only, between "The Kit" and a set of replacement arms.
I am willing to bet it isn't enough to lose business over.

 

[Gittyup]

KL130 on a 2005 CKhst
125 hrs.
Cracks at bolt holes at 100 hrs.
No fix yet, still waiting for Kioti to do the right thing.

I for one would really like to know the differance in cost, parts only, between "The Kit" and a set of replacement arms.
I am willing to bet it isn't enough to lose business over.

Exactly BigDogues! Logic defies my way of thinking.

 

[laurencen]

I changed the arms out but has anyone out there re worked the old style arms, I do not mean just welded the cracks but replaced the torque tube and added a steel plate to the outsude as the new factory ones, It would be a easy job with a ability to fabricate, I did consider doint it but could not trade the old arms back If I did this work, just curious

To the members who want this issue to die, we all agree its old news, heck, I have the new arms and still feel ripped off, it was not Kioti who made the deal, because of members informing myself of the isset the dealer was pressured into giving a option, he has little information on the problems and was under the impression there was only a couple with cracks, they are still selling the old style arms as new 2008 models

The best advertising the compertition have is this cracking issue, and I am sure they will get milage from it

 

[rmahlert]

Just got a reply from my 'new' dealer today on having my KL 130 fixed.

To quote from the e-mail.. "I got off the phone with Kioti and they do infact have a kit coming for the KL130 loader in mid May following a test fitment at the factory. However its on a fix as necessary only. These cracks are only cosmetic not structural."

Do you guys think the cracks in each corner of the access panel going to the bend make it necessary??

Can a dealer here confirm this KL-130 fix is in the pipeline?

THANKS!

 

[mauistardog]

I asked my dealer about the "fix kit", but he says their si non as of this date. He is going to check again. But as far as he knows, the issue is still being worked on by Kioti with no "official" word on how it is going to be delt with. I too have cracks, but they have not gone beyond the underside of the cross support for the loader arms.

aloha
joe

 

[IXLR8]

I have the FEL repair kit on my CK30 KL130 loader. Based on what my dealer told me, it has been on the loader for at least 5 months. I bought the tractor used and I have only had it about 6 weeks. It is like the kit on the KL120 loader but heavier duty. My dealer told me he puts them on all the loaders that come through his shop, if they are cracked or not. He gave me the impression that he has done 15-20. He did say that the kit didn't fit correctly on one loader. When I was tractor shopping, I did have a local dealer, who is often in the top 5 in sales in the country, tell me that there is not an issue with the KL130 loaders so there is no need for a repair kit.
It makes me wonder why the two dealers have such different opinions on the loader issue.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Ahhh, a trip down memory lane.............. Glad to accomodate you with some pictures. These were taken as I was preparing to upgrade.

HODAK, thanks for the pictorial review! I needed it because I stopped checking back on the related threads a yr ago when they came out with a 'fix'. I think I posted on one of the earlier threads briefly altho I dont own a Kioti. I feel there is some sensitivity regarding negative review of a design by non owners, so I tried to avoid belaboring. In truth tho, seeing this go on convinces me that faulty design that affects any tractor make owner affects all tractor make owners to some extent. It does this by dragging down the 'good enuf' bar and thereby lowering expectations. We as any owners, have a right to expect that the design of our Utility device provides for its use as such - and if not, that the maker will be proactive in correcting it. The design that Kioti has used in this case is not good. As mentioned in this thread, not extending thru the arms is a mistake. Not the major one evidenced in your photos however. The problem shown there is that of an open section that undergoes torsional cycling/twisting back and forth. Thats what a loader does to it constantly. From the picture its apparent that the maker saw a weakness and reinforced the perimeter of the opening, but unfortunately not with enuf finesse. To improve their chances they should have paid close attention to round and smooth edges in both dimensions and also to optimizing the reinforcement that is offered by the cover plate - by using more and smaller bolts to clamp the mated surface [bare metal not painted] with a high strength green Loctite in the joint. For those of you without cracks wanting to improve chances, radiusing those edges around the opening will give a little insurance. The Loctite is easy too, but there are too few clamp points to realize the actual significant advantage this tactic can give. ....Once cracks start they will progress. Before covering them up with the 'fix' it would be best to stabilize them by drilling a 1/4" holejust beyond the end of each [so you get the stressed pre cracked metal] and try to radius the top and bottom edges of the holes as well.

To really fix it elegantly a redesign with round tubing must be done. The hoses have to stay outside. I gather thats what theyre doing on the new model? Mission accomplished. Unfortunately not retroactively.
larry

 

[rcrcomputing]

Holy crap! I was cleaning this thing up to sell it and guess what I found!

241 hours.
Cracked
Calling Jon Depratt in the morning! Already been talking to him about a dk40se hst.. But not if kioti doesn't fix this. I'm sure they will.. The cracks don't exactly improve my resell value!

 

[Gittyup]

Sorry to hear you've joined the crack club.