Traction No front-wheel assist on DK40

[bullebak]

My DK40 has manual change from/to front-wheel assist (no convenient push-button). I have used it mainly in front-wheel assist and has done about 600 hours.

Problem is, the front-wheel assist does not work anymore (but the indicator is ON and the lever is definately pushed down).

This renders the tractor rather useless in my case.

Any hints, or do I call the dealer?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bluechip]

Could be several things. you can do a quick simple check on front differential by raising the front end off the ground with your loader, engage 4wd, turn one front wheel forward, the other should roll the oposite direction the same amount. then lower one wheel to the ground, you should not be able to turn the wheel that is off the ground. if you can, you need to uncover the drive shaft and see if it is turning. The idea is to find out if the problem is in the front axles/final drives, front differntial, drive shaft couplings or transfer case.

 

[kubotalinc]

my ck 20 is doing the same thing? wheels off the grond and drive shaft uncovered only one wheel spins by hand?

 

[kubotalinc]

some one out there has to have had this happen to them???

 

[bullebak]

Could be several things. you can do a quick simple check on front differential by raising the front end off the ground with your loader, engage 4wd, turn one front wheel forward, the other should roll the oposite direction the same amount. then lower one wheel to the ground, you should not be able to turn the wheel that is off the ground. if you can, you need to uncover the drive shaft and see if it is turning. The idea is to find out if the problem is in the front axles/final drives, front differntial, drive shaft couplings or transfer case.

Bluechip,

Thanks for your reply.

Yesterday I went to my hobby farm and had a good look at it, and report as follows:

1. I raised the font wheels using the FEL. In 4WD (lever down), each front wheel could be freely turned without affecting the other wheel (no movement there).

2. I then lowered one wheel letting it rest on a double pile of bricks, with the other wheel free. Also in that situation it freely turned.

3. I did notice what appeared to be a drive shaft to the front axles (about 1" thick), but as I turned the wheels, it did not turn. With the forward/reverse lever in forward, a slight sound could be heard coming from the front axle when turning the wheel.

What do you think?

 

[kubotalinc]

I did the same test with my ck20 and just a clicking noise from the front end? tractor is pretty useless without four wheel drive. the dealer is coming over today to take a look at it.

 

[MichiganIron]

"Sounds" like the front differential failed. You may want to contact your dealer.

 

[kubotalinc]

"Sounds" like the front differential failed. You may want to contact your dealer.

my carrier failed (broke)

 

[bullebak]

Much much later...

Yep, the diff failed, and turned out to be a very expensive repair. Will upload pics later.

But few days ago it happened AGAIN!!! While digging the bucket into soil, a loud bang came from that spot.

I am NOT happy... more tomorrow.

 

[bullebak]

Invoice dated July 29, 2010...

"Dismantle front axle and found broken diff carrier and damage to crown wheel and pinion."

Parts replaced (in relation to this issue):

Oring AUD 3.0
Crown & Pinion AUD 928.35
Cover diff case AUD 176.35
Nut lock AUD 31.71
Seal AUD 19.98

Labour AUD 1500 (appox relating to this repair including travel). Total bill including a service AUD 3694.75

And now the same thing... kubotalink had the same issue... perhaps this model is a lemon???

 

[dennis52]

Much much later...

Yep, the diff failed, and turned out to be a very expensive repair. Will upload pics later.

But few days ago it happened AGAIN!!! While digging the bucket into soil, a loud bang came from that spot.

I am NOT happy... more tomorrow.

Sorry to hear about your problem with the front differential.
I noticed in an earlier post you had been working it hard moving clay and more recently digging soil.

I would have thought any problem would have arisen with the loader rather than the front differential if you happened to overwork it on these tasks but I would be interested in others' opinions.

The other thing I noticed was your original uncertainty about moving the tractor into 4 WD while it was moving and if you , in fact, frequently did this.

The final thing that crossed my mind was whether you had been turning the front wheels while engaging diff lock.

It's not my intention to offer advice around your costly misfortune but to learn more about possible causes of this failure in what is reported as being a pretty bullet proof model.

 

[kiotiken]

Ouch, I'm really sorry about that. I'd say the same thing, are you doing anything like engaging the diff lock constantly, using steering brakes while turning, or putting it into or out of 4WD regularly, especially if you're moving? Personally, I'd want to find something that could point to the repeated failure.

I would be contacting Kioti about this issue, first the local rep, then Kioti itself, there maybe some "good will" they can extend you since it's not the first time it's failed. I have to say, if Kioti didn't step up to help, if I were in your shoes, I'd be fixing and then selling the tractor. It can only be one of 3 things; 1) Very bad luck. 2) A design flaw. 3) The way you're using the tractor. 2 of the 3 of those are sure to happen again, and even being a betting man, I don't like those odds on a very expensive bet, and I'd be out.

 

[MotorSeven]

Wow, 3,694? That is a lot of $. What year is your DK40 and how many hours?

 

[CJONE]

You should not be able to "overwork" anything on these tractors!!!! I could see breaking a diff if you were spinning on ice and hit dry pavement but using a loader should not break anything. My guess is something is out or spec, gear lash ect and it was not found so it broke again. The dealer should fix it and find the problem this time. CJ

 

[bullebak]

It's done around 1700 hours now, bought it 5 years ago (new).

Unlike the DK35 I had before, the DK40 is mechanical to/from 4WD, and VERY HARD to pull up and push down. So I am practially forced to leave it in 4WD most of the time. It's impossible for me to change it while moving, as I have to stand up and use all the muscles I can muster... even then at times it won't budge.

Mechanic greased some levers but still very hard. Diff lock I seldom use. Never use steering brakes while turning.

Digging up soil from mounts is what I do most, and they do have gorse roots inside so it's not easy, but I do use care. I go underneath the roots and lift the whole plant up or push it away. If the bucket won't dig in or won't lift, I know there's the limit and take it back a bit.... but should not break the machine.

Sure I make it work harder than average, but for the 4WD to disintegrate.... means it's just not suitable for such jobs. But I was told it should do the job.

Have contacted the dealer but still waiting for the return call. Meanwhile have also emailed the distributors who know me personally.

I am reluctant to spend all that money again knowing anytime it could happen yet again (and probably will as there is a lot more such work to do). So have to consider other options.

I also really need a 4 in 1 bucket, as all the time fallen branches need to be moved.

 

[kiotiken]

Engaging/disengaging 4 wheel drive shouldn't be nearly that difficult. I'd think this must be pointing in the direction of the cause of the diff failure.

I don't blame you, I'd never trust it again either. You might have a conversation with other dealers of trade value before and after you have it fixed. If it costs you $3500+ to fix and only gets you $2500 more for trade, you may have your answer. If you could stomach another Kioti, your dealer should be making you a smoking hot offer to keep you as a customer after all you've been through. Mahindra makes a good, strong, heavy tractor.