Will I Ever See My DK45 Again?

derifarm · Jun 20, 2011

I bought a DK45SE three and a half years ago. In early May the engine started making a terrible noise (at about 880 hours.) The local dealer (just 25 minutes from me) no longer deals in Kioti, so I hauled it 2 hours to the next closest dealer. I don't want to point fingers at the Kioti dealer because I don't know if it's their fault or not. Anyhow, it has been 5 weeks and I've heard nothing from the dealer except when I call them.

When I last talked with them, I was told that the bushing for one of the rods was gone...as in couldn't be found. Of course, it took a couple of weeks just to get that information because they were so busy with Memorial Day work they couldn't get to my tractor. Apparently Kioti doesn't manufacture a smaller or larger size so he has to replace the whole crank shaft or just replace the engine. Last I heard (two and a half weeks ago), he was waiting to hear back from Kioti as to which option they wanted. I just tried calling them, but was on hold for about 10 minutes and then hung-up.

Through the kindness of neighbors, I've been able to use an old SAME and Deere tractor (both are from the 80s and are running great.) I operate a small vegetable farm and spring is a terrible time to not have my main tractor. The reason I chose Kioti over Deere is because my experience with the local Deere dealers was that they weren't very responsive and the Kubota dealer was an hour away. My faith in Kioti is quickly fading as my local dealer is gone and it seems like parts take a long time to arrive.

Some words of reassurance would be great!

derifarm · Jun 20, 2011

Quick update...just got off the phone with the parts/sales. Kioti needed more pictures of the engine to determine if they want to give a new one or not. He said he hopes to hear by the end of the week. That's what I heard two and a half weeks ago, so I'm not holding out for it.

Funny...I've been telling some of the guys on the fire department with me and one of them used to work for International. He said that they always had loaners available when they had to keep the tractor for more than a short period. Is that service available anymore with any manufacturer/dealer?

Mousefield · Jun 20, 2011

As this is a work tractor that helps provide your livelihood I would not hesitate to ask them if they have a tractor you can use. Perhaps they have a used one on the lot that would work for you. Don't know if you could get it for "free"

or if you had to pay a bit for the hours you put on it. I hate it when the companies do not respond

and you have to repeatedly call them. Biggest problem often is lack of communication, not the problem with the product itself. 5 weeks and no answer yet is to me unacceptable. Hope you get this resolved quickly.

Coyote machine · Jun 20, 2011

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I'd call the dealer and ask for the name and number of the zone representative for Kioti in your region. Then I'd call him and say what your concerns are and ask him what he can do to make your situation right, ASAP. If he does not give you quick satisfaction or assurance it will be solved soon then call Kioti direct and speak with their customer service dept and file a complaint about the lousy service and demand immediate resolution. If you're too nice , as you have been to date, all one gets is what you've gotten: run around and no answers. Step up the game and make them come to bat for you and your work machine. That's what you have a warranty for 4 years on ALL internal engine parts for!!

Go get 'em:thumbsup:

derifarm · Jun 20, 2011

Thanks for the encouragement. I've received a few personal/private messages as well. I'll give the dealer until the end of the week and then contact Kioti directly.

derifarm · Jun 29, 2011

I've finally had word from the dealer. Kioti is going to replace the engine, but won't pay the labor. At first I thought that was OK, but now I'm told the total bill will be around $1800! (That does include getting my tires loaded.) The more I've thought about it, the more pissed I am with Kioti. This tractor has been at the dealer since May 16 (that's over 6 weeks) and only now I'm getting a decision on how they're going to deal with it...plus I have to pay the labor?

I'm reluctant to get pushy with the dealer because he's the one I'll have to deal with in the future. Do you guys think paying the labor is a good deal? Should I call Kioti directly? As a reminder, I'm a vegetable farmer and I have had to borrow tractors for the past 6 weeks just to get work done.

Lloyd_E · Jun 29, 2011

I would push warranty and for parts and labour. And I would also relate the cost to you in down time. Put a value on your hour cost - ie: $45 - lets say, 20 hours a week at 6 weeks: $5400 in down time costs plus whatever it cost to borrow replacement tractor. I would discuss this directly with kioti head office on the phone and follow up with an email to the person you discussed it with.

I am at 800 hours so I hope this isn't a sign...

Good luck - keep us posted.

Lloyd

Mousefield · Jun 29, 2011

I agree with Lloyd E, call Kioti and complain about labour cost and also ask them for reimbursement for lost of tractor during your peak use need. To me they are admitting liability by offering to replace the engine. Not sure why labour would not be a part of that. Ask them. Sometimes the squeaky wheel

gets the grease.

Andrewnewy · Jun 29, 2011

I presume the tractor is still under warranty? If so the they should pay for the repair job complete! If not then it is pritty common for a 50/50 split, in this case if they are paying the engine then you've probably got a good deal.

I know it the case over here, but read your warranty it will probably clearly state loss of production/ down time/ crop damage / transport is not covered.
However this is why you have insurance as your farm insurance should cover that. You might even be able to get the labour covered, that not un-common in these situations.

In terms of time, with a problem like this I wouldn't be that surprised it has taken so long, as dealers we don't get to talk to kioti direct, we have to talk to our rep, who talks to there service tech, who then calls us, talks more, the send emails to the factory, who give them more suggestion / things to look at, then it gets back to us..............
So by the time all this goes on it's not hard to loose a week or 5 and not really achieve anything! It's frustrating but been the same with all the other brands I've worked with aswell.

whiskywizard · Jun 29, 2011

The current extended warranty is pretty clear - it covers labour as well as parts. However, the current warranty only started Aug 1 2010. What does yours say?

"The Extended warranty applies to new tractors and runs concurrently with the General Warranty. PRODUCT TERMS OF WARRANTY COVERAGE
Engine* and drive line**
48 months
Parts and Labor
* The engine includes the crankcase, cylinder head, front gear case, valve cover pans, and all parts contained therein. Does NOT include fuel, electrical, cooling, intake, and exhaust components.
** The drive line includes the clutch housing, transmission case, differential and final drive housing, and all parts contained therein, plus drive axles and external drive shafts. Does NOT include drive clutch disc or PTO clutch disc (wet or dry)"