Kioti Warranty problem

[poor farmer logger]

Hi everyone, I posted about a problem last fall with Our Kioti DK35 SE. Dealer said he was going to look into it and get the warantee straightend out for us. It was getting late and the roads were muddy so we held off taking it in. Went in and talked to the dealer a little bit ago and now he says that they will not warantee it. And that they can't even find it now. Seems odd as they gave us all the info on it 6 months ago. Getting a real run around now and just trying to find out where we can turn or who we can talk to, to try and get some answers straightend out.

Tractor was sold new in 2010. Tractor was bought in a package by a used car lot and we purchased it from him. Had 150 hours on it when we bought it last fall. Problems that came up with it is when you turn to the right when it's hot out the steering straightens itself out. Also it has the annoying reverse squeal when it gets hot..

If anyone can give us any names or numbers to contact I'd really appreciate it. Dealer gave us one number to phone but I'm loosing faith in them with the stories they're telling us. Service guy even spelt Kioti wrong so I don't know how much fait I can put into that number. Also tried to tell us that he thought the tractor may have been made in 2000. Pretty sure they didn't even exist at that time. (ones like ours I mean)

I find it's easiest to try and go to the top in thses situations so if anyone knows any sales reps or higher ups in Kioti that we can talk to I'd appreciate any info that may help us out. Really like the tractor aside from the problems that have came up just getting leary about the service end of it.

We're located in Saskatchewan Canada

Thanks

Ryan

 

[murphy1244]

Hey Ken, is this your tractor?

 

[Mousefield]

Just to be clear after reading your post.
"Tractor was bought in a package by a used car lot and we purchased it from him. "
You bought the tractor from a used car lot? That's how I read you posting, so is it a Kioti dealer you have been talking to?

 

[engine29]

Send us a picture so we can try to figure out the year. Better yet the SN. The fact that it is a third party tractor that didn't come from that dealer complicates things. He should be able to run the SN and tell year and whether it has warranty.
The tractors came w/ a 4 yr warranty later on so it will already be out of it's first two, yrs. 3&4 is P.T. and engine but has limitations.

 

[poor farmer logger]

Mousefield it was a Kioti dealer that we were dealing with for the warranty. The used dealer however was not a Kioti dealer unfortunatley and I do understand that this could complicate things to a certain degree. Something that I wouldn't think would be a deal breaker for warranty alone though. Just my thinking anyways.

SN# that I have for it is HH22000 and a couple more numbers beyond that. Beleive the H should put it as a 08 if I've read correctly from before. If you nead the whole number I can post it but would rather leave a little bit out if I can.

Hopefully this will work. Should be a couple of pictures.

Ryan

 

[poor farmer logger]

Glad that worked out.

Just a extra note. The dealer ran the serial number last fall with Kioti and they gave us what info they could on it. Now 6 moths latter they're claiming that they can't find it and giving us a bit of a run around on it which is pretty frustrating.

I also found a spot on Kioti's site where I could send off a email concerning warranty so we'll see where that leads us.

Thanks

Ryan

 

[kiotiken]

Hey Ken, is this your tractor?

LOL, nope :laughing: With my first Kioti (the CK30 Murph is referring to), I had a very bizarre steering issue that I almost didn't want to tell anybody because it just didn't seem possible or believable. The exact details are a little fuzzy now, but when turning the steering wheel not much of anything would happen until you got hard over and then it would turn randomly in one direction a random amount. I lifted the front of the tractor with the FEL and played with it a bit because it was so confusing, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't a dream, but after turning the machine off and then back on, all was fine. I never had the issue again, but traded it after a year, after a couple other issues.

I've got a long list of upper management you can deal with along with the Canadian rep (not sure if there's an eastern and western rep). That's not the way to start though, you need to keep at your dealer and if they can't help, start at the ground floor of Kioti HQ (1-800 number on their website). I've helped one member get past the wall Kioti puts up and I'm happy to help again, but try calling them first. Also I don't understand the issue yet, are they saying your tractor is now out of warranty or just the issue isn't covered in the extended warranty? There is a 2 year "bucket to link end" warranty, but after that it's just power train. Unfortunately, it sounds like it may come down to a your word against the dealers word if the problem is your warranty expired in the six months since you brought the problem up, but Kioti may offer you help under a good will program. Start that way and post your results.

 

[poor farmer logger]

Hi Ken, that's the problem they won't tell us why they will not warranty it now. When we first complained they said the comprehensive warranty had just expired but they would take care of it anyways even if power train didn't cover it. We didn't get a chance to get it in last fall though and the tractor operates 100% when it's cold out so it's a little hard to diagnose it. They said it would be fine if we brought it back in the spring when it warms up again. Now all of a sudden we get a phone call saying that they will not warranty the tractor anymore with no perticular reason why.

I asked my dealer if I could contact a Canadian rep to talk to them about it and he said there was none. So I don't know what to beleive anymore.. While searching last night I see that they're advertising for a Western Canadian rep so it doesn't appear that there is a split yet.

I'm not one to just fold over and give up so I'll keep going up the chain and see what I can accomplish/find out.. I'll keep everyone updated as things progress..

Thanks

Ryan

 

[kiotiken]

Hi Ken, that's the problem they won't tell us why they will not warranty it now. When we first complained they said the comprehensive warranty had just expired but they would take care of it anyways even if power train didn't cover it. We didn't get a chance to get it in last fall though and the tractor operates 100% when it's cold out so it's a little hard to diagnose it. They said it would be fine if we brought it back in the spring when it warms up again. Now all of a sudden we get a phone call saying that they will not warranty the tractor anymore with no perticular reason why.

I asked my dealer if I could contact a Canadian rep to talk to them about it and he said there was none. So I don't know what to beleive anymore.. While searching last night I see that they're advertising for a Western Canadian rep so it doesn't appear that there is a split yet.

I'm not one to just fold over and give up so I'll keep going up the chain and see what I can accomplish/find out.. I'll keep everyone updated as things progress..

Thanks

Ryan

Good plan. There is a Canadian rep, I talked to him, he gave me a bunch of free stuff, but I'm not sure how regional he is. Your situation is a little different because it was out of warranty when you first called the dealer. The dealer has obviously had a change of heart, but Kioti itself may help you with it. It happens all the time with cars, I just had the experience 8 months ago when my A/C quite 5000 out of warranty.

 

[poor farmer logger]

Power train warranty should still be in effect though I would think. I would expect that steering would be considered powertrain but maybe I'm out to lunch. With only 150 hours on it I would hope kioti would come up with something at the very least.

I'm starting to wonder if there maybe isn't something else going on with the dealer itself like possibly in trouble with Kioti or losing the chain. I don't know. Whole thing just seems a little bit odd in a way. I know they haven't brought any new tractors in for about a year now so that's one thing that makes me wonder a bit. Trouble is the next closest dealer is 3-4 hours away.

Ryan

 

[kiotiken]

Well, from every definition I've ever seen, steering would not be considered part of the powertrain. I think you're really looking for assistance from Kioti under some type of good will program, who knows how easy that will be to get. You say it's only when it's hot outside, how often does it happen?

Powertrain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[poor farmer logger]

It happens all the time in the summer when the tractor has been run for a hour or two. I guess the oil gets thin enough that it's by passing somewhere. Just not sure where yet. We've used it off and on now threw the winter when it's around -10 to 0 Celcius with no problems. Reverse squeal and steering are all fine. When I was cutting grass last fall though once you had run the tractor for a half a hour or so the steering would act up. Turns perfectly to the left but when you turn to the right you have to keep turning the steering wheel to keep it turning to the right.

Ryan

 

[kiotiken]

Well, I thought I was nuts when my steering went nuts, so thank you for at least giving me some peace of mind there. The reverse sequel issue has been solved and you can easily find the answer here on TBN. Since searching TBN is difficult, here's a little trick if you don't already know. Use Google and type what ever you want to search for there. At the end of your search add site:tractorbynet.com. So try something like this:

Kioti DK reverse sequel fixed site:tractorbynet.com

That should give you that answer anyway and that may be covered under the powertrain warranty. Even if it's not, I think Kioti is providing the parts for those affected.

 

[joshuabardwell]

I can't speak for Kioti specifically, but powertrain warranty usually includes anything directly in line from the motor to the wheels, i.e. engine, transmission, drive shaft, transfer case, etc... Power steering components are not usually included.

 

[Coyote machine]

poor farmer logger,

1st of all, welcome to TBN, if you haven't been already.
The DK squeal in reverse was started by Kattywumpas in 2010.
I'm wondering if your tractor was possibly a stolen tractor which might have been written off by the insurance company for the dealer that originally sold it? It is unusual for a car lot dealer to be selling a +/- $30K tractor, but not totally improbable. Why don't you give us the complete serial # so we can help you decipher what it means, date of manufacturer, etc.
Have you checked your front axle to see where the fluid level is at? If not, you ought to verify it is at the proper level.
I believe the left side of the front axle has a sight glass in it with a white ball that is supposed to be centered in the red circle when the fluid is full. It is located on the back side of the axle housing on the left side of the tractor between the tire and the center of the axle. (I know it is there on my DK-40, just not sure about the DK-35). Also look at the ball joints, steering rods, of both sides and look for any torn rubber boots, bent or scraped parts, etc. And make sure you have everything greased on the front end too, just to try to eliminate any obvious possibly overlooked explanations for the steering malfunction.
Best to keep all correspondence by email or letter with your dealer and Kioti Corporate, this way you have a record of what was said and by whom and when. I would start by writing a letter detailing what your understanding was when you first spoke to your dealer about the problems you were having and that they told you to return now for resolution, and you fail to understand why they are now telling you they can't help you. Even if they don't respond to this at least you will have established your understanding of what they told you at the beginning. Depending on what their response is if anything to your letter, then you can proceed up the food chain with Corporate until you have satisfactory resolution to your issues. Kioti does usually come through for their customers and often it can be a long process but it is usually worth the struggle in the end result.
Don't fold- we're here to help you find a solution.:thumbsup:

 

[poor farmer logger]

Hi Ken, I had found that post last fall when I was looking threw the site for possible problems. I talked to my dealer about it and he said that they would look after that when they worked on the power steering problem. I had provided him with part numbers and everything so he could contact Kioti to find out more abut the solution. I can do it myself so I'm not real concerned about that part of it. If I have to I'm reasonably sure I can work threw the power steering problem as well but I would like Kioti and my dealer to stand behind their word and take care of it for me. Would be different if they'd said up front no we can't help you but when they're flip flopping around like this it makes it a little more frustrating and makes me go after them more..

Power steering may very well not be covered by the power train warranty I don't know for certain. It was within days of it expiring when we complained they told us at the time though so they said they would look after it anyways. Plus the hours were considerably low. At least I thought they were.

Thanks for the welcome Coyote machine. I did go threw the tractor just after we got it to make sure everything was as it should be. Also greased everything I could find. There's no play in the tie rods that I'm aware of. Certainly haven't noticed any while working with it. Everything seems nice and tight.

The used dealer we bought it from said he bought it from a fellow who was packing up and leaving to go back to the states. He bought out most of his excess inventory and sold it off threw his dealership. Dealer seemed like a straight up fellow. Even drove 3 hours to deliver it for us at no additional charge. One part he slipped up on was the year. He sold it to us as a 2010 and we latter found out that it is a 2008 that was sold new in 2010. Weither he new that before hand I can't say one way or the other.

I'll keep at them and see what I can come up with. If all else fails between myself and some people on the great forum I'm sure we can figure out the problem.

Complete vin is HH2200042

Thanks

Ryan

 

[CJONE]

It happens all the time in the summer when the tractor has been run for a hour or two. I guess the oil gets thin enough that it's by passing somewhere. Just not sure where yet. We've used it off and on now threw the winter when it's around -10 to 0 Celcius with no problems. Reverse squeal and steering are all fine. When I was cutting grass last fall though once you had run the tractor for a half a hour or so the steering would act up. Turns perfectly to the left but when you turn to the right you have to keep turning the steering wheel to keep it turning to the right.

Ryan

My guess would be the steering orbital. Sounds like it has some parts out of spec, worn. BUT!! if you have a bad seal in the cylinder it will do the same thing. I always check the cylinder first because it is easy to do. Most of the time if it is temp related it is steel parts that are the problem but I have seen seals act the same way. I can tell you how to check the cylinder on the tractor if you like. like Ken says the reverse issue is a quick fix. CJ

 

[murphy1244]

You bought it new or with 150 hours on it you can't do both.

 

[poor farmer logger]

murphy1244, I don't recall saying we bought it new and that certainly isn't the case. Might have possibly miss typed somewhere, I'm not sure where you got that from. We bought it used with 150 hours on it.

CJONE, I haven't checked the cylinder yet. I think I know how to check it though. Pull the return line off with the wheels turned all the way and see if there is oil coming out. I haven't looked at the tractor yet to determine which is the return line though and am not 100% certain on the procedure. I've got ahold of a steering service manual from another member here so that will help greatly I'm sure. Hopefully everythign crosses over between the two series of tractors. Brother had to download it for me as I'm on dial up so I don't have it in hand yet. Our dealer though it was most likely the orbital pump. He said they had changed one before.

Thanks everyone

Ryan

 

[Coyote machine]

Hi Ken, I had found that post last fall when I was looking threw the site for possible problems. I talked to my dealer about it and he said that they would look after that when they worked on the power steering problem. I had provided him with part numbers and everything so he could contact Kioti to find out more abut the solution. I can do it myself so I'm not real concerned about that part of it. If I have to I'm reasonably sure I can work threw the power steering problem as well but I would like Kioti and my dealer to stand behind their word and take care of it for me. Would be different if they'd said up front no we can't help you but when they're flip flopping around like this it makes it a little more frustrating and makes me go after them more..

Power steering may very well not be covered by the power train warranty I don't know for certain. It was within days of it expiring when we complained they told us at the time though so they said they would look after it anyways. Plus the hours were considerably low. At least I thought they were.

Thanks for the welcome Coyote machine. I did go threw the tractor just after we got it to make sure everything was as it should be. Also greased everything I could find. There's no play in the tie rods that I'm aware of. Certainly haven't noticed any while working with it. Everything seems nice and tight.

The used dealer we bought it from said he bought it from a fellow who was packing up and leaving to go back to the states. He bought out most of his excess inventory and sold it off threw his dealership. Dealer seemed like a straight up fellow. Even drove 3 hours to deliver it for us at no additional charge. One part he slipped up on was the year. He sold it to us as a 2010 and we latter found out that it is a 2008 that was sold new in 2010. Weither he new that before hand I can't say one way or the other.

I'll keep at them and see what I can come up with. If all else fails between myself and some people on the great forum I'm sure we can figure out the problem.

Complete vin is HH2200042

Thanks

Ryan

Here's the thing about tractors: The date of manufacture IS NOT the date of warranty start. The first in service date, when the tractor was first sold retail, and put into service, is when the warranty begins. The tractor could have been manufactured in 2004 and put into first use in 2011 and the 2011 date is what matters for ALL warranty service.

You may have checked the front end for being tight, etc, BUT you need to verify fluid levels as explained earlier to KNOW that they are where they are supposed to be.