KL130 loader fix released.

[TBDonnelly]

Good question.
Maybe they have another grill guard?
Tom

.........another question for Joe is, How does this 'kit' support the existing torque tube. Does the 'kit' compress tightly around the existing torque tube -or- does it fit loosely and then there's bolts to tighten down -or- ???????

Don

 

[Highbeam]

or.... does it just hide the cracks from view.

 

[IXLR8]

The kit on my KL130 fits a little loose, then there are 6 bolts whose sole purpose is to clamp the kit to the torque tube tight. I read somewhere that those bolts were torqued to a specific value before being locked in place. Then again... I can't find anybody to tell me what that torque value is so I can check it.

 

[TBDonnelly]

The kit on my KL130 fits a little loose, then there are 6 bolts whose sole purpose is to clamp the kit to the torque tube tight. I read somewhere that those bolts were torqued to a specific value before being locked in place. Then again... I can't find anybody to tell me what that torque value is so I can check it.

I don't understand how Kioti/Taesung could build off an already compromised torque tube and expect the whole apparatus to remain solid. If the torque tube is flexing with use, how would the bolts stay tight? I'm wondering if this latest "torque tube modification" Kit (Kioti's official name for the kit) incorporates the side rails in some way?

When the Kracked Loaders where redesigned the torque tubes where taken through the side rails, a reinforcement plate was added to the outside of the side rail and and then welded in place.

Don

 

[TBDonnelly]

or.... does it just hide the cracks from view.

That's an interesting question. I learned today that the latest 'torque box modification' is similiar to it's predecessors in that it does not incorporate the side rails into the design. I would think you'd want to isolate the weak link by building a frame that uses the side rails for lateral support then reinforce the torque tube. However, what it is, it is. Of course I'm not an engineer and I did not stay at the Holiday Inn Express last night.

Kioti tells us these kracks are 'cosmetic'. Does that mean this kit is merely a cosmetic cover-up?
At this point I see more questions than I do answers.

I will say, I appreciate all the TBN participating dealers that bend over backwards to help us out and answer questions for us. In no way will I 'torque' off on the Dealers here. I realize you can only pass on what Kioti sends your way. This issue falls squarely on the shoulders of Kioti, Daedong and the OEM Taesung.

Speaking of Taesung, I'll include the Taesung website below. Good informational reading.

Pioneer & High Hopes - TAESUNG

The owners manual page for 8 Kioti loaders and 3 Kioti backhoes. If anyone needs an owners manual for any of the listed loaders or backhoes you can print them out here.

Pioneer & High Hopes - TAESUNG

Don

 

[dfkrug]

Interesting Taesung site. Thx for posting, Don.

Probably the best solution to strengthening the KL130 & 120 involves
welding outside the factory. That is a big unknown for Kioti, so they
agonized over a "solution" that did not involve welding. I have seen
one of the 'torque box modifications' at a Kioti factory display at the
World AG Expo in 07, but I could not tell how tight it was held to the
existing torque box as it was completely covered. The factory rep
knew little about it. I plan to go see them again in Feb 09 and see if
I can get any meaningful answers.

BTW, there is room to weld in another torque tube just fwd of the existing
torque box. This tube could be gusseted and penetrate both sides of the
loader arms. 2" shed 40 steel tubing would work here if someone wanted
to go thru the effort.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Interesting Taesung site. Thx for posting, Don.

Probably the best solution to strengthening the KL130 & 120 involves
welding outside the factory................... I plan to go see them again in Feb 09 and see if I can get any meaningful answers.

My thoughts are, if I wanted to rebuild and reinforce a loader I would have bought used and not sprung for new equipment.

Per the form letter dated June 30, 2008 Kioti's deadline for the 'torque box modification' is January 22, 2009. Feb. 2009 puts you past that date.

I've looked at selling my tractor and replacing it with the CK35 with the 'Free' KL130 loader. (One way to get a 'free' upgraded KL130 'P' loader. ) When I've showed people the loader and explain the 'Kioti Korporate line' that the kracks are only cosmetic they look at me like I have two heads. In fairness to Kioti, when getting the 'free' loader no other incentives apply is my understanding.

If anyone has pictures of this most recent KL130 'torque box modification' please post them. (thanks)

Don

 

[dfkrug]

Per the form letter dated June 30, 2008 Kioti's deadline for the 'torque box modification' is January 22, 2009. Feb. 2009 puts you past that date.

That is true, but I have no intention of paying anything for their retrofit.
That includes the cost of going to a dealer with my tractor. I will never
do that, so no kits for me.

 

[TBDonnelly]

That is true, but I have no intention of paying anything for their retrofit.
That includes the cost of going to a dealer with my tractor. I will never
do that, so no kits for me.

IMO, Kioti really missed the boat to turn a negative into a positive. The early group of Kioti KL120/130 owners are the core group of Kioti's newer/next generation of tractors. The modern open operator platform, the hydrostat transmission and the now famous curved arm loaders. 30 months is just way to long to arrive at the 'modification' Kioti has come up with. Then the in-flexible, cost intensive burden of having to transport the equipment to the dealers just adds salt to the wound.

Don

 

[laurencen]

Hi, on the 120 I sprung for the 500 dollar upgrade to the arms, Im happy now but still miffed at having to make my own deal, the retro is a band aide, it will cover the cracks till you no longer feel or they offer waranty

You can fix the tube issue by welding a new tube thro the arms with re inforcment on the outside, but why should you

You paid for the best, expect the best

just my 10cents worth