Lack of response from Kioti on loader repair program

[IslandTractor]

If you bought a tractor with the closest dealer being 200 miles away, well what do you expect. I know I would expect a long trip to the dealer for repair issues. I would also expect to pay someone to transport my tractor on even a short trip if I didn't have the means.

I agree. However, in the case of these loader repairs, most of the complaining as been about the requirement to take the tractor to the dealer for a simple repair that many tractor owners could easily do by themselves. The recall program is a simple bolt on repair which Kioti seems willing to let the dealers do without any special training program and no one has suggested is a particularly difficult task. I'm sure that Kioti owners who purchase their tractors from remote dealers are not hauling their tractors to the dealer for every oil change or minor repair. This loader repair seems like something we could do ourselves but that is not an option (yet) approved by Kioti.

I think Kioti should establish that it is permissible for a dealer to order parts and allow self service by the owner for kit installation. If possible, Kioti should provide detailed instructions which I presume they have developed for the dealers anyway. Knowing that consumers would be installing the kit in the field, they might well make recommendations (and provide instructions) on removing the loader from the tractor while installing the kit just as a safety precaution. I for one would be delighted to sign a waiver to keep Kioti's lawyers happy should I manage to fatally injure myself while tightening a handful of bolts.

 

[rico304]

I don't think it is just the travel distance that is making many unhappy. Many are upset by the fact that they only have a couple months to get their tractor to the dealer. (per the date set by Kioti) I think many wouldn't be as bothered if they were given more time so they could coordinate this repair with a tuneup, engine oil change, etc etc it wouldn't bother them as much. I can understand the issues why Kioti won't pay for getting the tractor there, but I do not agree with it. It doesn't matter if it is Kioti, JD or Kubota, I still think they should pay for their mistakes (Including cost to get tractor there, or a portion of it). At a minimum give more time to arrange the fix. I think the owners have a right to be upset. It's not like a recall on a truck that we can just drive there.

 

[jk96]

in the case of these loader repairs, most of the complaining as been about the requirement to take the tractor to the dealer for a simple repair that many tractor owners could easily do by themselves. The recall program is a simple bolt on repair which Kioti seems willing to let the dealers do without any special training program and no one has suggested is a particularly difficult task.

Island,

I stand corrected. I've followed this post somewhat but forgot about the fact that Kioti would not allow self intallation of the kit. While I do think it is the responsiblity of the owner to take care of the travel arrangements, the fact that Kioti will not allow the part to be shipped to the owner for install is indeed upsetting and I can understand the frustration in that instance. Also, I've never disagreed about the time frame being way too short. The fact that letters have still not been recieved and setting the deadline they have is troubling. I just can't help to think that Kioti will realize the bad PR this is causing and change their decision soon.

jk

 

[IslandTractor]

The fact that letters have still not been recieved and setting the deadline they have is troubling. I just can't help to think that Kioti will realize the bad PR this is causing and change their decision soon.

I just started a new thread that sheds light on the notification letter issue and some anticipated updates and modifications to the repair program outlined in the dealer letter Rick Wallace posted a week or so ago.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/94029-update-loader-repair-program-kioti.html

I agree completely that the most damaging thing to Kioti in this whole fiasco has been the poor communication and lack of openness regarding the repair program status. Interestingly, whenever I have finally managed to get through to customer service they are quite open about what is going on and their actions make a bit more sense. Why they can't/don't do a better job of communicating is beyond me.

 

[frenchie4x4]

Bob_skurka you are correct my loader and backhoe only carried a one year warranty. My mentioned warranty repairs were tractor related. Also I transported the tractor myself and had removed the loader and mounting brackets beforehand.Anyone needing to transport a tractor should get an estimate first and you could consider putting that money towards a trailer. The Tractor supply company (TSC) in my area sells many reasanably priced trailers as does Lowes & Homedepot. Or Just borrow one from a buddy like I do. you'll just owe him/her a favor
Nice talking to everybody Frenchie.

 

[IslandTractor]

Anyone needing to transport a tractor should get an estimate first and you could consider putting that money towards a trailer.

One major consideration before doing that is whether your vehicle will be able to tow a tractor and trailer. Unless you are moving a SCUT such as a Kubota BX series, just about any other tractor/loader/trailer combination (leaving out any implements) will weigh well over the 3500-4000lbs that a standard SUV can tow. Trailering a tractor for practical purposes requires either a pickup or a big SUV especially if you have loaded tires or intend to transport an attached implement.

 

[coasterez]

This is not service nor warranty work here. For service and warranty, I would expect to bare the burden of transportation costs. However, this is a design flaw, a recall more or less. Cost to me for any recall should be zero, including transportation, if that is what is required to implement the recall. Whether my dealer is 200 miles away or just 5 miles, the problem for me is the same.

 

[HODAK]

This is not service nor warranty work here. For service and warranty, I would expect to bare the burden of transportation costs. However, this is a design flaw, a recall more or less. Cost to me for any recall should be zero, including transportation, if that is what is required to implement the recall. Whether my dealer is 200 miles away or just 5 miles, the problem for me is the same.

Just curious, has anyone actually talked to their dealer about a "special" situation? Maybe work something out such as letting them know that you need a kit and then get it installed when convenient due to scheduled maintenance, delivery problems, etc. Maybe they can come out to your residence? Now, going out to an island......well.......... I know of four tractors within 8 miles of me and I think that this could be a possible alternative for the dealer to handle all of them in one trip.

I'm not going to jump on the bash KIOTI wagon. We have the other brand owners for that. It is what it is and if you need a kit, get it installed and move on. What other choice is there? Complain? There will be larger problems in life than this............good luck to all.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Unless you are moving a SCUT such as a Kubota BX series, just about any other tractor/loader/trailer combination (leaving out any implements) will weigh well over the 3500-4000lbs that a standard SUV can tow.

Yea, I put a BX - TLM behind my truck with a 5500lb tow capacity and a 3000lb gvw trailer. Let me tell you, that was the last time I'll ever do that. I'd recomend a duel axle, 5000-7000 gvw trailer even for a sub compct. Its really not safe.

 

[swines]

Yea, I put a BX - TLM behind my truck with a 5500lb tow capacity and a 3000lb gvw trailer. Let me tell you, that was the last time I'll ever do that. I'd recomend a duel axle, 5000-7000 gvw trailer even for a sub compct. Its really not safe.

I have a dual (as opposed to "duel" - I hate fighting axles...) axle trailer for my tractors (Ford 1720 & JD 3320). I've tried using my wife's Expedition to pull the trailer - way scary. My F350 crew cab, dually, diesel on the other hand doesn't even know the load's in back of it.