Kioti Newb question...

[akdonkey]

I'm new to the Diesel tractors. I got a 2002 Kioti LB 1914 with 450 hours back last fall. I've toyed with it some with snow plowing. However I was pulling a finish mower with it today and I Noticed some light smoke from under it. I found a hose that lead to the top of the motor on the valve cover. What is that for?
I got it with 450 hours on the tractor, it came with a loader boxgrader and a 72' finish mower. Question 2 It can only pull that mower in the low range 3rd- 4th gear depending on the grass thickness is that normal. It had been serviced by the local dealer where I learned it was local purchase new by the previous owner who passed and his items had been auctioned. I got the tractor from a auto dealer that bought it as a package with some auto's. I got it for $7200

 

[RandyT]

I suspect that hose is the crankcase breather, and before they started routing it into the intake it would be normal to have some smoke or oil vapor coming out of that hose if you have any piston bypass, of which some is normal in all engines.

You are pulling a 6' mower with 17 hp. It will take some horses to pull that mower so moving slow may be normal. Others may chime in with more info but I think you are probably good.

 

[DK35vince]

I got it with 450 hours on the tractor, it came with a loader boxgrader and a 72' finish mower. Question 2 It can only pull that mower in the low range 3rd- 4th gear depending on the grass thickness is that normal.

6' is almost to much mower for that tractor with only 17 PTO HP. That is way it is struggling for power.
The tube from the valve cover is the crankcase breather. It is likely pushing a little more smoke out the breather tube having to work harder running a 6' mower on that little tractor.

 

[akdonkey]

6' is almost to much mower for that tractor with only 17 PTO HP. That is way it is struggling for power.
The tube from the valve cover is the crankcase breather. It is likely pushing a little more smoke out the breather tube having to work harder running a 6' mower on that little tractor.

Thanks for the info people. As for the mower I was afraid it might be to big. My grass is really tall today from all the rain. I will decide if I should sell the mower and get a smaller one. I'm mowing 8 acres. I'll keep mowing for now and keep an eye on things. I need the mower.

 

[tman1020]

That is to much mower for that tractor. I had that same tractor from new. I ran a 5 foot side discharge finish mower on mine. It did fine in straight runs but if I had to clutch much it would struggle. It was all it would handle for the mowing I had for it. I finally decided to sell it and go with a 4 foot bushog instead. The 1914 is a great tractor I loved mine but be it can be a little tippy with a loader so loaded tires and counter weight made a big difference. Also if there is no loader on front add front weight when using heavy implements. Only problem I had with mine was I sheared the small bolts in front end 2 or 3 times that connect the 4x4. Very easy fix though. Enjoy and be safe.

 

[akdonkey]

I have not really needed to clutch it. I could tell the mower was bogging the tractor down in the area I was mowing today. I mowed it in low 3 when it was bogged down. It probably needed bush hogged Honestly. So with a 5 foot mower what would be a good mowing gear? This whole tractor thing is new to me. Sucks having this mower thinking need to get a different mower....

 

[tman1020]

Honestly I can't remember it's been a good while since I had that tractor. Plus not all mowers have same power requirements and it will depend on conditions your cutting. I believe full rear discharge mowers generally use a bit less but blade speed and other factors have affect also.It won't be long before you have a good feel for it and you'll know where it likes to run



Here's a pic of mine

 

[Coyote machine]

Question is not if, but should you use your tractor to power that mower.My opinion is: no. What you should do is get your grass cut as low as possible, even if it means cutting it twice to get it down to where it's less strain on your mower/tractor. Then sell your too big mower and get one sized to your tractor's PTO horsepower, NOT the tractor's engine horsepower. The tractor specs should be available on Kioti's web site or tractordata.com.