Kioti CK30 loader repair and reinforcement

Highbeam · Mar 13, 2006

I used it pretty good on that day I picked it up. Rolling stumps that I couldn't lift or drag and pushing trees over. The toothbar makes brush clearing a bit different. I go in with the loader up high and rake brush way out, then as I return to the brush line I chop up the previously pulled brush with the mower. The toothbar allows me to rake the naturally bumpy ground into a driveable path of destruction.

I am absolutely going to work this loader hard to be sure that it is set for the long haul. If this redneck fix was done to the tractor then it would be unacceptable. The loader is an accessory and can be entirely replaced for a relatively modest sum of cash should I ever see fit to do so. More pics will follow of the painted fix.

I'll paint it up pretty next time I'm out at the property. I don't want overspray all over the tractor and trailer so I need to have room to drop the loader. In the meantime I pressure washed and cleaned the tractor, even armor alled the tires. In the sunlight a new tractor has that rubber smell, I like that smell.

5030 · Mar 28, 2006

Highbeam:

Looks strong but I'd have milled the slots in the angle (the three of them) for a little more symetry. Looks like they used a gas axe on them. Don't forget to sand the blackened areas and the weld spatter off before priming.

If you need more angle that size I have a couple hundred lineal feet of it in the barn. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KiotiJohn · Mar 28, 2006

( This failure method seems to be occuring in the loaders for both CK30s and CK20s made by Kioti. )
I've only seen a couple of posts, and they were all about KL130 loaders. Did I miss a bunch of posts that would make you say this?

A whole lot of these loaders have been sold, but only a few have reported the problem you've had. Is that fair to say?
John

MessickFarmEqu · Mar 29, 2006

I am really surprised they did this rather than replace it. I've never seen a Kubota split like this, but we have had New Holland skid loader booms crack and I've seem then replace them for free even years after the warrenty has expired. You would think Kioti would want the loader back to examine the stress facture.

JerryG · Mar 29, 2006

I've seem then replace them for free even years after the warrenty has expired. You would think Kioti would want the loader back to examine the stress facture. 
Neil,
That is the same way that I am accustomed for it to take place. Normally they want them back. I had thought that ever since this thread started, but didn't want to be the one to say it.

KiotiJohn · Mar 29, 2006

Here we go again. Neil, of course, sells Kubota and NH, and Jerry owns a Massey, and as far as I know couldn't possibly know that manufacturers "would normally want them back."
Kioti normally offers a fix of some sort, and if the owner is not happy with that, will most often work out something, including replacing whole units, so stop making it sound as if they didn't do the right thing. The owner accepted the fix, and may even be happier with the extra strength the fix will afford. I can't speak for him as you guys seem to be able to speak for manufacturers that don't make Kioti.
A recent example was the case of a man who bought an 3054XS TLB from tractor dealer, but it had some problems that the customer was not happy with. Kioti agreed to up him to a DK35 with nearly no upcharge that they would normally have charged. I suppose they didn't do the right thing there either right?
This is not an attack on anyone, but a counter to statments that may unfairly characterize a company as doing the wrong thing, when in fact, was apparently a satisfactory fix from original poster's point of view.
John
John

turbo36 · Mar 29, 2006

As I said earlier (and got flamed for suggesting it) anything less then replacing the loader is in my opinion not acceptable. If Kioti wants to earn a reputation for quality and not for being a low cost knock off artist they should replace the loader without a fight and offer an apology for a poor design.
Eventually this tractor will be sold and all potential buyers will expect a reduction for the cobbled fix.

Highbeam · Mar 29, 2006

The dealer tech that just got back from continuing "Kioti" training told me that he had seen it in both 20s and 30s and wasn't too surprized. Then on this forum there was a 20 with the same type of stress cracks. So while the crackage isn't an epidemic or a huge design flaw, it isn't unique to the CK30 loader and the CK20 loader which shares design elements is also one to watch.

The fix is strong. It has really tightened up the loader and I have been putting it through a rigorous testing sequence. I haven't even painted it since the weather has been poor. The angle on the bottom is oriented such that it traps a bit of water and I may need to grind off some of that bottom flange to prevent this from causing long term issues.

It is redneck looking, the cutouts were done with a torch, and the welds done with an arc welder so it is not a factory looking job at all. I would say that I am not happy with the looks of it but I am happy with the function. It is a blemish to the loader. We're not talking about a mercedes here.

Yes, Kioti seems more willing to repair some things. The dealer also told me of a particular tractor with a hood paint failure under warranty that Kioti had sent to a local body shop to be repainted. Would a new hood have been better?

Mavrik02 · Mar 29, 2006

Hey...if they painted it for me I would be 100% satisfied!

turbo36 · Mar 29, 2006

I wonder how many people would have bought this model if the dealer pitch went something like this" Oh yeah you don't need one of them high priced name brands, heck, these are just as good, well except for the loader cracking problem but don't worry we will just weld it up with some of that good ol' angle iron we got out back!" Oh yeah that would build customer confidence.
I don't mean this to be just Kioti bashing, any manufacturer that won't stand behind their product deserves all the negative press possible, that is the only way to get them to step up the quality of their product.
I'm surprised that Kioti hasn't gotten involved in this I believe they do monitor this forum.