Kioti getting HST

RanchMan · May 1, 2002

Without going in to detail, there has been a lot of speculation on another thread as to why Kioti hasn't put out HST and if they ever will. I (as others) have been speculating as to the reasons why Kioti had apparently taken this "no HST" tack.

Well, I finally decided to go ahead and just ask the question of Kioti. (for the life of me - I don't know why I didn't do this sooner /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif) -- BTW, they took less than an hour to respond by e-mail!

Anyway, here's the question I sent to Kioti and their response. Looks like by Fall Kioti will be competitive in the HST market with the "big boys" - at least in small tractors.../w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

My message

Hello -

I have been comparing compact tractors and had several questions I wanted to ask about Kiotis.

1) Do you have any plans to introduce HST to any of the models in your tractor line?
2) If "yes" to #1, which models and when do you plan on introducing it?
3) if "no" to #1, what is your reasoning for not doing this?

Thanks for the information.


Kioti's response

Dear xxxxxx:

Thank you for your interest in Kioti Tractors. We are planning to introduce the DK20, DK25 and DK30 (number reflects HP) in October with HST.

Thanks,

xxxxxxxxxxxx
Kioti Tractor

ljh2 · May 1, 2002

Thanks! I suppose that it is better to just ask the source. Great idea!

Of course if you keep clouding the issue with all of these FACTS what will we all have to say? /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

I look forward to seeing their HST offerings.

-larry

marrt · May 1, 2002

Well, this is certainly great news for Kioti. Now, if only they continue to price the Kioti's competitive with Kubota, continue to improve their dealer base, and launch a line of decent MMM's, they should begin to capture some market share. Too bad they are waiting until October to launch. Doesn't seem like the best time of year to launch a new tractor.

JonLeonard · May 1, 2002

After much looking I think I found a picture of one of the new models, most likely the 20hp one on the Kioti.com site.

They have definately upgraded the appearence from previous models, and that should help them sell.

If they can keep the price within $1000-1500 of the current prices, they could do well.

Kioti.com lists this package:
LB1914, 4wd
60" rear finish mower
16' dual axle trailer
48" rotary tiller

for $10,695

so, potentially the new DK20 would cost about $12000 (me being hopeful here!)

Jon

Tscott · May 1, 2002

ranchman, I was talking to my kioti dealer yesterday and during the conversation he mentioned that there is a dealer meeting scheduled with the powers that be at kioti. The meeting is to discuss what changes need to be made and or what options the public is looking for. first on the list of course is the hydro option. He says that kioti is going to focus on the 20-30hp size unit with the creature comforts and options people are looking for.

RanchMan · May 2, 2002

Just a ** Quick ** update...

Neglected to mention that I not only sent this message to Kioti USA, but to Daedong in Korea too. I got a reply from their "International Business Division" a little later. Here is the critical excerpt...

For HST on Kioti tractor It would be applied to new models under 30 horse power in the early of 2003.

So, based on this, the exact time frame (Fall/Winter 2002 or Winter/Spring 2003) is TBD. Regardless of the exact "release date", it appears that Kioti is definitely on the HST track.

BTI · May 2, 2002

RanchMan, You're giving away our secret weapon!!
We were kind of hoping to sneek it in on the competition. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif
BTI

RanchMan · May 2, 2002

Eeeep!! Sorry!!! (maybe that header on the replies they sent back that said "TOP SECRET - EYES ONLY - DO NOT RELEASE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH" meant I shouldn't post the info in a public place.....) /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

BTI · May 2, 2002

We'll let it slide THIS time!! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
BTI

rockyridgefarm · May 6, 2002

where is that picture? I'd like to see the new look

JonLeonard · May 7, 2002

I downloaded them so I wouldnt have to find them again...they are well hidden.

Here's the first.

JonLeonard · May 7, 2002

Here's the second...

Golfgar4 · May 7, 2002

WOW /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif! That's quite a change for Kioti. What size tractor is that in the picture? I couldn't quite make out the name on the side of the hood, but it didn't look like Kioti. What is it?

Is that you sitting on it, or did you hook some poor unsuspecting passer-by to pose for the picture?

RanchMan · May 7, 2002

I'll hop in here for Jon for just a sec...

I eventually found those pics too on the Kioti.com website (and he's right, they're well hidden!) Unfortunately there are no captions with them to state what the HP is, or to confirm that is the new lower HP DK model, but I, like John, suspect that it is.

The individual is one from Kioti.com who went to S. Korea for a factory tour. These are a couple of pictures that were taken while they were on that tour.

Hope this helps! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Golfgar4 · May 7, 2002

Thanks for the info. I had feeling there probably wouldn't be alot of info out there yet on these. If these are the DK models, they may just start giving NH (and Case too!) some competition. It'll be interesting to watch how it develops.

rockyridgefarm · May 9, 2002

Thanks for posting the Pictures. I kept looking on the official site, not kioti.com (I translated in my mind) I sure wish Dealers would leave the Brand name url for the actual manufacturer, but that's their business....

That is definately a small frame size, is it safe to say that the 30HP will be roughly the same?

JonLeonard · May 9, 2002

I am not associated with kioti in any way. I just happened across the pictures of someones trip to the factory in Korea. I assume the trip was made to see new products, but its just wishful thinking that the particular photos I posted are actually something that will see the light of day in the US.

I read the post of the new models and started looking. The tractor mentioned could easily be the DK20, but that is just my guess.

Never been to Korea, but if everyone gets to ride fancy new tractors, I might plan a trip. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jon

rockyridgefarm · May 9, 2002

Should TBN'ers pool their resourxes to send a delegation?

DK35vince · Oct 20, 2002

northcreek2624,
This post had some info. that RanchMan found back in May that I thought I would bring back up about the new Kioti hydrostats coming out.
Now they must be calling them CK for the new 20 through 30 HP line.
I also read somewhere that Kioti would continue the LK3054.

JimMc · Oct 20, 2002

The pics posted above look like the same tractor as the CK20 I saw yesterday at Little Tractor. He has 20 of them on order. I don't think he will have any problems moving them.