Kioti Performance and Reliability

[bman0023]

Hi All, I am doing my research into getting a tractor and leaning towards a Kioti. I am looking at CK 30 or maybe CK35, and the DK 35. Do the CK models have the 2 HST pedals? Attachments are FEL, tiller, finish mower, plow and auger.

Does anyone have experience with the Kioti's and how they rank to say like a JD, NH and Kubota?

The Kioti's seem to be built well and heavy duty. Where I am moving to the dealer is a drive away, but near my brother in law. I have heard that parts are hard to get, but you know about rumors. I am doing a lot of research as this is a huge investment for me, so I want something that will perform well and last.

All advice is welcome,

Thanks, Brad

 

[Oldtrout]

I own a CK25,its a 2008 with over 800 hours on it,its been used and abused no issues to date,in my business we will trade it at 2000 hrs, its a tough tractor needed no parts so far,if I need parts dealer is A1 I will have a replacement within the week.

 

[kco]

I recently considered Kubota L3400, L3540 vs Kioti CK35 and DK35 (all HST's, loaders, and industrial tires). I too, decided the L3540 offered much more over the L3400 which is a basic tractor not that much more sophisticated than my current Kubota L275DT.

I thought the Kioti CK35 was somewhere in between the Kubota L3400 and L3540 in features (but closer to the L3540) and the DK35 and L3540 similar. But the L3540 has a more sophisticated HST transmission, a stronger dealer network (at least in Canada) and higher brand recognition.

If prices were close I would have gone with the L3540. But the DK35 was about $22,500 vs the L3540 $28,000 so I purchased the DK35SE HST.

The DK35 deal was helped by the current "free loader" event and a competing offer from Bobcat for a "demo" 2010 CT335 with 9 hrs and full warranty (the CT335 is a rebranded Kioti DK35).

I went for the DK35 over the CK35 because of the beefier frame that I feel might give it some additional ability to handle the loader stresses. The DK35 is also 38 hp vs the DK35's 34 hp.

I have no experience with Kioti's but have ordered a DK35 HST which should arrive next week. The above quote from my post yesterday gives some of my reasoning.

The CK has one rocker type HST pedal and the DK has two pedals.

 

[Dmace]

The Kioti CK's are a one pedal HST, push down on the front to go forward and push down on the rear to go back. I do like the two pedal setup on some tractors but I cannot tell you how many times I accidentally pressed the wrong pedal and went the opposite direction I was planning. That makes the pucker factor rise quickly. Never had that problem with the rocker style pedal on my CK20HST. It's more natural, forward to go forward, back to go back.

As far as parts, my tractor is only 5 years old with only 450 hours so I have not needed any parts but IF I ever do, I will let you know if they're tough to get.

These tractors are TOUGH and I would rank it right at the top with the other big manufacturers and in many cases, even higher than the others. Especially when it comes to value, quality and warranty. :thumbsup:

 

[bman0023]

Thanks for the info. I am getting excited to get one. We will be in Maine, so I hope they work in the cold!! Maybe a cab will be the ticket. I am going to teach myself tractor maintenance. Hopefully do a lot of the work myself. I feel pretty confident with the Kioti brand.

So the DK 35 is beefier and more heavy, slightly more HP than the Ck 35, right? What is the price difference between them? What is the resale for Kioti's? Just in case I have to upgrade down the road.

 

[grsthegreat]

personally, i dont worry about the resale of the Kioti i bought last month. why, cause i paid so much less for it in the first place. Even if it sales for less later on, im still ahead.

and i paid alot less for my DK45SE HST then the kubota or JD dealers were offering.

oh...and i love my cab tractor with heat, air,radio,etc. it came standard with all the stuff the others charge extra for.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've had two Kioti tractors, a CK20 and a DK40se. Both completely reliable workhorses. I started the DK40se last week after leaving it in the barn untouched for three months over the winter. Started instantly. These are tough, well designed and well built machines.

No issue with parts that I am aware of. Of course I haven't needed anything but filters and a couple of things like the bucket level indicator that I broke. No trouble getting those at all. With Bobcat also selling the same tractors, that just adds to the parts distribution system so there really should not be any issue with parts for Kioti tractors.

 

[Western]

I have a DK35 I bought in 06, I was on the fence like you since the only tractors I have owned where JD 950 and Case 2290.

While I was at a Kioti dealer, I met a retired hydraulic Engineer (NASA) who was buying a DK 35 and said he had bought one of the bigger Kioti's in 05. I asked him what the decision maker for him was since I was "on the fence", he said 3 things.

1. He had done allot of research on the hydraulic design and components and what not and believed that the Kioti had a stronger pump and delivery design.

2. Heavier weight in it's class.

3. Price overall

I already knew about the heavier weight, which I like, price was like everyone knows +less, but what really put me over the edge ($21k with attachments an hour later) was his comments on the hydraulics. He could have been pulling my leg, but I doubt it, he seemed to know more about the Kioti than the dealer did, as far as the mechanical.

Take that for it's worth, it has been 5 years. Only problem I've had in 300 hrs is the Tachometer quite working, which I will address when I get "around to it"

 

[Lloyd_E]

bman,

Like you, I did a lot of research before buying... huge investment. I had seen the kioti's about 6 years ago at a farm show and was impressed with the finish and weight compared to other tractors. At that time they were considerably cheaper than the other orange. I have noticed the other orange has come down in price and kioti has increased a bit. But there is still a noticeable difference.

I have had a few issues with mine but all has been covered under warranty.
I have over 725 hours and it runs fine. Starts on the coldest mornings and it is not stored inside. It is very efficient on fuel and once you get used to how things work, like taking off the loader and BH it becomes simpler/faster.

In the 3 years since owning kioti has improved a few things on the DK45 line.
I have been in mud up to the frame and managed to crawl out... blown through 3'+ snow drifts and dug 1000's of feet of trench. Augered 100's of post holes and carried more things on the forks... It does all of the stuff I ask of it and sometimes it surprises me...

Lloyd

 

[dking]

I have a 2008 DK45 with 600 hrs. I have done everything with it from logging to snow blowing and I haven't had any issues. I think it's a well built machine.

I also have a 1974 Massey Furgeson 165. It still works perfectly and it's built like a tank. you can't kill the thing. I hope my Kioti holds out that well.

 

[Avondale]

I have 890 hrs on my 2006 DK 35 (with gears), FEL and BH. Runs great and no major failures. Biggest problems I have are related to "fasteners" coming loose/falling off. It includes the odd bolt but mainly pins, clips and 3pt faastening devices seem to break more often than my C/IH 574 (a purpose built farm tractor). I suspect the block heater to be weak or defective but with a couple of cycles of the glow plugs, starts on the coldest days, (mine is in tent shelter). Had problems with batt conn (many posts on this subject) in early days but have changed clamps with no further problems. Ignition key switch can be finicky after driving in wet or muddy roads but can be fixed with a bit of cleaning.

In fairness, I use mine in the woods and fields so alot of bashing occurs.

 

[Gittyup]

I bought a CK25 shuttle shift in 2006. It now has 436 hours. Over these 5 years, the CK design has had some growing pains. Like, brittle parts in the injection pumps and a poor loader design. Notwithstanding some foot-dragging consternation, Kioti mostly has taken care of their customers when these problems have arisen. On new models, the design bugs have been resolved and the tractor is now rock solid. I love mine more and more with each use. It's one heck of a dirt machine! Used it this weekend to unload some very heavy and wet manure. Handled it like it was lightweight stuff.

If you haven't already, you should read the posted reviews. I wrote a fairly lengthy one and there are other good reviews as well.

Also, a large number of complaints result from poor dealer preparation. Just one reason to choose a good dealer. The dealer will also be invaluable if there is a problem where you need them to go to bat for you with mother Kioti.

In the past couple of years, I've read many posts on other forums by those who own another make of tractor talk about how good Kiotis seem to be. This just makes me smile. A few years ago, it was rare to hear a Kubota or JD owner say something like that. While I took a risk on a less known brand, that is really paying off now. Prices are up. Value, both perceived and real, are up. With BC and McCormick, distribution is up. I'd say things are looking real good for Daedong....and that's good for all of us who own one.

So, you'd better get on the bandwagon real quick before the secret is out and everyone wants one!

 

[IslandTractor]

So, you'd better get on the bandwagon real quick before the secret is out and everyone wants one!

Yep, even Art seems to like them now.

JD and Kubota are still the most recognized brands. NH and MF right behind in the CUT world but Kioti is moving up rapidly while NH and MF seem pretty stable. Who knows maybe in a few years Kioti will be one of the big three.:thumbsup:

 

[dourobob]

Looked at them in 2002 and bought last year.

Very happy with my DK45
Agree with earlier comments - a good dealer is worth their weight in gold.

I have had a couple of issues but have been well looked after (wiring harness replaced) by my dealer.

Best bang for the $$$ in my opinion.

Good luck on your quest.

Bob

 

[BJN644]

Have a 2008 CK35 HST, only a few minor problems, and one major problem. The treadle pedal would stick on my tractor, almost from day one. After 2 years and 200 hours I had had enough, it was outright dangerous and I was sick and tired of hearing it was normal and needed to be lubed. I called Kioti and complained loudly, after being at the dealer for a month testing and trying things the HST unit was replaced. It is now fixed, but I had to really complain to get it fixed and I was without my tractor for a month.

So, parts out of the ordinary are slow to arrive at the dealer. There are few Kioti dealers compared to other brands, and good dealers are even fewer. I really like my tractor now, but if I used it to make a living I would have been in trouble.

 

[kubotalinc]

Have a 2008 CK35 HST, only a few minor problems, and one major problem. The treadle pedal would stick on my tractor, almost from day one. After 2 years and 200 hours I had had enough, it was outright dangerous and I was sick and tired of hearing it was normal and needed to be lubed. I called Kioti and complained loudly, after being at the dealer for a month testing and trying things the HST unit was replaced. It is now fixed, but I had to really complain to get it fixed and I was without my tractor for a month.

So, parts out of the ordinary are slow to arrive at the dealer. There are few Kioti dealers compared to other brands, and good dealers are even fewer. I really like my tractor now, but if I used it to make a living I would have been in trouble.

my dealer Bachelder bros. are no longer a dealer of kioti but I think i think they would fix anything i have broke, mine is not even a year old and it has 115 hrs on it , I am not easy on it at all , compared to the other orange tractor that was new , that I bought, bachelder bros is the king in service , no songs and dance like the other orange tractor dealers !!! this ck20 has already proved itself to me and I wll say it's the best tractor on the market and I have had a lot of different brands, my only complaint is that is light in the front end. that is all it's lacking , it;s a strong little tractor, there was never a time when after I broke my tractor when batchelder bros did not have the parts and my tractor back to me in a day or two!

 

[JDL538]

I agree, I bought one in 09 CK 30 Have owned many tractors looked at them all.
I never heard of Kioti but was very impressed.
It was by far the best deal around $13,200 out the door with loader, its starts instantly warm or cold.
Its the finest tractor I have ever owned. Just a matter of time before they are rated better than the big two. Resale is getting better everyday. JMO

 

[bman0023]

Thanks All, I called that Bachelder company yesterday and they told me they were tired of dealing with Kioti and switched to Branson tractors. I called that Whittermore dealer in Scowhegan Maine and the prices he gave me were wicked expensive compared to what I pay in PA.

I plan to be in Midcoast Maine near Richmond or Dresden, so I hope to have a dealer nearby. I will buy in PA.

I think I am going to look at my dealer on Friday, and I will let ya'll know what I think, but I feel safe in buying one. I am set on the CK35 or DK35. Never having driven a tractor, what the heck is the difference between HST and Shuttle Shift? I think the dealer here told me that DK35 is about 3K more than the CK35. Is it worth the extra cost? Do I get a lot more bang for the buck?

If I want to plow an acre for a garden, can I use a 2 bottom plow with these tractors?

Thanks, Brad

 

[Gittyup]

Probably hundreds of threads on shuttle/HST transmissions. Do a search in "owning and operating" forum.

shuttle is a manual transmission with a separate lever to switch between forward and reverse. Biggest difference from a straight manual is that you get more reverse speeds.

HST is a form of "automatic" - push pedal and go. HST is easier to use, better for mowing and loader work. Shuttle/gear gives you a little more PTO HP and power to the ground. They are better for plowing and straight-line, constant speed applications. Shuttle is generally a little cheaper to buy.

Have you talked to Wallace about the BC equivalent? He's in north-central PA. Very good dealer. Price will be competitive.

The DK is a lot more tractor than the CK. You need to drive them both to decide what fits your needs best.

 

[bman0023]

Hi All, I went to a dealer today to see the Kioti's and I really like them. In fact, I like them better than the JD and Kubota's that I saw so far. I was in a hurry and they had buying customers (a good sign) so i did not get to talk any numbers.

I don't have to buy for at least a year, so I have time. I may add a mid PTO. I cannot make up my mind if I want/need the CK 27, 30, 35 or DK35. I guess price will have an effect with this. These were very well built.

Where can I get information on how to maintain them so I can learn now? Are there any instructional videos? Like to change the oil, hydraulic fluid, gear oils, filters, etc? does Kioti have a maintenance schedule? Or do you have to take it to the dealer to service?

I think I am sold!!

Thanks to all for the help. I am posting another thread to see what is a fair price for these so I don't get taken.

Brad