New style Kioti KL130 loader - OEM improvement?

Highbeam · Apr 17, 2006

Interesting that your gussets are welded the whole length. Those cracks would never have been visible without removing the cover. They will get worse, mine extended all the way to and into the radius of the box section. I could really only make out the one deep crack but by looking at the crack it seems open.

You have a warranty, time to use it. The more people that show up with this issue at Kioti the more aware they'll be and maybe do something corrective.

The paint that is visible looks nice and new. You guys keep some clean tractors.

gravel13 · Apr 17, 2006

It was hard to get a good photo that shows how the cracks go completely through. A lot easier with your own eyes. As for the paint.... I haven't washed yet, it is only clean under the cover. The 2 left bolts were nice and black from the exhaust, just like that side of the loader arms. But the left side is definitely worse for some reason. I had thought of letting it go for a while before I call but then I decided with my luck I better not. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.

gravel13 · Apr 19, 2006

Well I contacted the dealer on Tuesday and informed them of my situation. The owner was away and would not be back until Thursday and the person who answered the phone relayed my info to someone else who was in charge in the interim. I got a call back about 10 minutes later and they said that they would need for me to bring the tractor in to have it inspected before they could do anything. I haven't bought a trailer for it yet so they are going to schedule it to be brought in, they said it might take about 7 to 10 days since they were down to just one mechanic. Since I just turned 39 hours on it I'm going to try to get some seat time every day and I'll probably have them do the 50 hour service when it goes in. I'll let you know what happens after that.

VictorW · Apr 19, 2006

I haven't looked at mine even with all the posts but It's to late now. It's 1 year and 18 days old. It will be interesting to see if I have cracks with 91 hours on the tractor. Used the FL a good bit.
Let us know how this is resolved.

MotorSeven · Apr 22, 2006

VictorW,

I wouldn't be so sure it's too late. Inspect it now and if cracked get to your dealer quickly. It should be covered since this type of damage does not occur overnight.......

RD

MOTractorman · Apr 22, 2006

My CK30 also has the cracking loader brace syndrome. My is cracked from the bolt holes and extend well into the radius. I'm taking it up Monday, 04-22-06, to drop off the loader. It's within the year warranty so I'm hoping they replace the loader frame. I will post again when I have talked to my dealer.

KiotiJohn · Apr 22, 2006

( I'm taking it up Monday, 04-22-06, to drop off the loader. )
You must live in a different date zone than I do! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Glad I'm not the only one that gains/loses days.
John

IslandTractor · Apr 22, 2006

Anyone had a successful repair done yet?

Unless a loader cannot be repaired by welding the cracks, I'd be surprised if Kioti simply replaced it. They may have to replace Highbeams because the dealer kinda screwed up the repair but if a repair is done properly the loader should be "good as new". I presume they are also adding in the newly designed radius piece to prevent repeat cracks.

I don't think most manufacturers would replace something that can be functionally repaired with acceptable cosmetic outcome. The big question mark with these loader repairs is whether the dealer has sufficient welding skill at hand or is able to send it out for professional welding. The basic repair of the cracks would seem to be to drill a hole at the end of the crack to keep it from extending then to grind out the crack a bit and weld it. Is there any reason not to be happy with such a repair?

DrewL · Apr 22, 2006

I agree. If it can repaired in the field with a fair amount of certainty that it will be "right", a replacement would be the last resort. Highbeams was an, pardon the expression, abortion. Years ago when I was in this business we sold skid steers. Bolt on tracks for skid steers were in their infantcy. One of my customers bought a set and it wasn't a week that he warped the whole side where the axles/wheels came out. Deere warranteed the fix (back then they shouldn't have because they were an unauthorized modification) which was welding plates to strengthen the sides and shim the axles and hyd motor to line up. .............final drive was a chain drive. The other reapir was to replace the complete frame, unreasonable. The rub was not to run bolt tracks or the next repair he was going to have to eat. The machine is still in operation today.

KiotiJohn · Apr 23, 2006

( The basic repair of the cracks would seem to be to drill a hole at the end of the crack to keep it from extending then to grind out the crack a bit and weld it. Is there any reason not to be happy with such a repair? )
As you describe it, I would be happier with the repair than the original as long as the repairs also added a better reinforcement.
After all, many people add such reinforcements to their equipment anyway, beofore problems happen.
John