Loader Leveling bar adjustment on Kioti KL6010 loader?

Threepoint · Jun 25, 2014

Our NX4510 has the KL6010 loader. The level indicator for the bucket looks to be the same as on the DK series loaders, and probably others, so I'm hoping someone has a suggestion on this.

When the bucket is level, the top of the rod is actually about 1/2" below the top of its sleeve, so can't be seen from the cab. Not a big deal, but 1/2" might as well be 2" if you can't see it. So I end up wasting time fine tuning the bucket tilt.

Is there any way to adjust the length of the rod? There isn't enough thread at its base to raise the height. One thought I have is to drill and tap the top of the rod to receive a stainless steel machine screw with the head cut off. That way I could adjust it level with the top of the sleeve. All thoughts welcomed.

whis · Jun 26, 2014

level the bucket and then cut sleeve off even with the rod

George2615 · Jun 26, 2014

whis said:
level the bucket and then cut sleeve off even with the rod

As mentioned or remove the rod and weld on more rod to make it even with the sleeve.

rwork · Jun 26, 2014

The leveling system on my LS has a set bolt, so that you can move the tube up and down for adjustment.

KiotiKevin · Jun 28, 2014

I would try the dealer first to get Kioti to make it right.

Threepoint · Jun 28, 2014

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. I'd hoped I'd just overlooked some way to adjust the level indicator. I'd rather avoid the permanence of cutting the tube or welding an extension to the rod, or even drilling and tapping for a machine screw on a new tractor.

I'm a bit surprised there is no adjustment for the indicator (rwork, the setup is apparently different than on the LS). I think the reason for the problem in the first place is due to tire size. The leveler is probably calibrated for Titan R-1 ag tires, since that is the default tire for several other dimensions given in Kioti's literature and on the website. If I'm researching this correctly, the diameter of the R-1 front tire is 31.1", the R-4 (industrial) is 30.1", and the R-3 (turf) is 29.1". I have the turf tires because of my particular needs. So the 2" difference in diameter between the R-1s and R-3s in the front means the loader and frame sit 1" lower with the turfs. That may be just enough to throw off the indicator by the 3/8" to 1/2" that I'm experiencing. The difference in tire diameter is even greater with the rear tires, but I doubt that affects the way the loader bucket sits by much.

I see this as a design issue with the level indicator, rather than a manufacturing or assembly defect that the dealer can correct any more easily than I can, and it's a pretty minor one at that. I'm going to live with it for awhile longer before making any changes. I may also just epoxy a 1/2" extension to the top of the rod for the time being with some J-B Weld and see how that goes. As long as it doesn't touch the inside of the tube, there shouldn't be much lateral force on it.

davrow · Jul 3, 2014

I have to admit I hadn't wondered 'why' my rod didn't match reality. I think you've hit it with the tires not being their 'standard' Ag.

But I also have to admit I do not do any work so precise that it matters to me. I put the rod where it says the bucket is level. I rarely want a level bucket other than when dropping it to the ground, so 'close is good enough' for me. :laughing:

Threepoint · Jul 3, 2014

davrow said:
I have to admit I hadn't wondered 'why' my rod didn't match reality. I think you've hit it with the tires not being their 'standard' Ag.

But I also have to admit I do not do any work so precise that it matters to me. I put the rod where it says the bucket is level. I rarely want a level bucket other than when dropping it to the ground, so 'close is good enough' for me. :laughing:

Yep, close is good enough for me as well! My problem was that, once the rod was below the top of the tube and out of sight, I couldn't very easily judge whether it was 1/2" below or 2 or even 3" below. So I was frequently overextending, then having to curl back to where I could see the rod, then nurse it back down until it disappeared, then give one more tap on the joystick. After mulling this over a little more, I finally just disassembled the leveler and cut 1/2" off the top tube. Works fine now. :thumbsup:

Amvcane · Jul 4, 2014

On my ck35 with KL130 loader the rod sticks out 1" when the bucket is level, so I painted the 1" of rod. Now I know when the bucket is level and have 1" of rod to guestimate my angle of attack. Maybe you can drill and tap the end of the rod and thread in the proper length bolt with lock down nut.

Threepoint · Jul 4, 2014

Amvcane said:
On my ck35 with KL130 loader the rod sticks out 1" when the bucket is level, so I painted the 1" of rod. Now I know when the bucket is level and have 1" of rod to guestimate my angle of attack. Maybe you can drill and tap the end of the rod and thread in the proper length bolt with lock down nut.

I ended up cutting down the tube 1/2", so problem's solved. Thought about cutting 1". I like the idea of having a known amount of rod exposed when level, as on your tractor. But it was hard enough bringing myself to take the cutoff wheel to my new tractor to begin with. :shocked: I figured I start with 1/2" and see if that was enough.