KL130 loader fix released.

[Tractech]

Ok read my post again. I did not say loader kits! I just stated they are famous for these kind of kits! They are what they like to call PIP kits. Yes the involve drilling and bolting on add on items sometimes. They are really good at letting the the dealer try to fix their problems. Many times there is no correction for an issue. We had a cretain kind of off road vehicle that was green and it had a major flaw and nearly cost my brother his life. My dad called the main ## and they told him not to worry about it that there was not any problems with the machine. Bottom line it went up in flames and they did nothing! I was even working for them at the time and still couldn't get any answers. My point is that all these companies have the "fix it kits" in some form and yes even the kubotas. It does not mean they are a bad machine and I have seen "fix it kits" take up to 4 years before it actually comes out. Kioti may not have met everyones ideal time line but at least they did recognize their problem and are providing a fix for it.

 

[Gittyup]

Ok read my post again. I did not say loader kits! I just stated they are famous for these kind of kits! They are what they like to call PIP kits. Yes the involve drilling and bolting on add on items sometimes. They are really good at letting the the dealer try to fix their problems. Many times there is no correction for an issue. We had a cretain kind of off road vehicle that was green and it had a major flaw and nearly cost my brother his life. My dad called the main ## and they told him not to worry about it that there was not any problems with the machine. Bottom line it went up in flames and they did nothing! I was even working for them at the time and still couldn't get any answers. My point is that all these companies have the "fix it kits" in some form and yes even the kubotas. It does not mean they are a bad machine and I have seen "fix it kits" take up to 4 years before it actually comes out. Kioti may not have met everyones ideal time line but at least they did recognize their problem and are providing a fix for it.

I understand your post perfectly. I guess it's my sarcasm that isn't clear. All "kits" and "kit repairs" are not the same. Sure, in many many situations a kit is a perfectly good solution. This is just not one of them, at least not for this owner.

 

[Dodgeram]

Sure, in many many situations a kit is a perfectly good solution. This is just not one of them, at least not for this owner.

Out of curiosity, has anyone with a kit installed actually pulled the thing off to see if the cracks have progressed?
I'll reserve judgement on the "fix' until I see some field results.
Tom

 

[TBDonnelly]

Kioti has put a time limit of January 2009 for the dealer installed "torque tube modification" kit. Since December and January are snow months I don't forsee travel in those months. So, there is really not much time for evaluation purposes of this latest 'torque tube modification' kit. Due to time constraints, travel and costs incurred this is a one time decision for me. So.....for me, it has to be the right, one time, long term decision.

Don

 

[IXLR8]

Out of curiosity, has anyone with a kit installed actually pulled the thing off to see if the cracks have progressed?
I'll reserve judgement on the "fix' until I see some field results.
Tom

There was a 'fix kit' on mine when I bought it in Dec 07, there are too many bolts on it for me to take it off 'just to have a look'. There are some clamping bolts that I was lead to believe were tightened to specific torque, I have no idea what that setting is so I am not about to undo it without that information. I also have no idea if it was actually cracked before the kit was put on. The dealer I bought the tractor from stated that he put the kit on all the KL130's that came through his shop, cracked or not, IF the kit he had fit the loader. He claims he doesn't remember if mine was cracked or not.

 

[IXLR8]

Some folks asked for pictures of the 'fix'. I don't know what the latest 'fix' is, but here are a few pictures of what is on my CK30. As best I can figure out, it was put on Oct '07. Sorry the pics aren't better, if you want more detail, let me know and I will see what I can get.

 

[Gittyup]

Jim,

Thanks for the photos. I don't know what to make of that thing. What do you think of it; is it stiff from side to side? Looks like it attaches directly to the crosstube with just 4 bolts? Still it probably does strengthen the crosstube a good bit. Looks pretty heavy.

 

[IXLR8]

There are two pieces, they go around the torque tube and those two pieces are bolted together with 16 bolts. The 4 bolts on the bottom side are clamping bolts that press against the torque tube. I read somewhere that those 4 bolts are to be tightened to a certain spec, but I have not been able to find out what that spec it. I have no idea how much it helps, if any. It has been on my loader since I got it and I am too lazy to take it off and see what is underneath. There still seems to be a fair amount of flex between the loader arms, but I have no idea what the flex would be like if it was not there.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Compare the "torque tube modification" next to a redesigned KL130'P' loader. The "torque tube modification" uses four bolts pressing against (in many cases) an already compromised torque tube. The redesigned loader uses a solid tube which passes through the sides of the loader arms, an additional plate is mounted on the outside of the loader arms and then it is completely welded. Which system will eliminate flexing between the loader arms? Four bolts is not doing it for me. If this "modification" kit was used in a static application that did not constantly move and flex it may have possibilities. It's a very nice, heavy kosmetic kover-up.
Don

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm not an engineer but it still seems possible to me that the "clamp" fix is more than kosmetic. By stiffening the existing torque "tube" cross piece it will prevent it from twisting and it is the twisting motion that caused the corner cracks. If the torque tube was breaking loose from the loader arms that would be different but the cracks have not been at those critical locations but rather in the weak area surrounding the cut out. If the whole structure is stiffened by the clamp on fix then there should be less twisting and therefore less stress on the existing cracks so they would be less likely to spread. Right?