A howling success from South Korea

In farming circles, particularly in New Zealand, the name Kioti springs to mind, but that has not always been the case.

Power Farming started importing Daedong tractors to NZ and Australia in 2002, and used the name of Kioti’s parent company until 2009, when they followed the rest of the world in adopting the Kioti name. Kioti now has a reputation for no nonsense performance, showing Power Farming’s choice of this ‘alternative’ brand to be a clever one as it can be landed on farms for a lot less than its mainstream competitors.

So it was good to catch up at the Fieldays to see new Kioti models about to go on sale in NZ.

With a target market of lifestyle block owners, hobby farmers and the landscaping trades, the new CK Hydro series tractors are sure to find a ready market where versatility is more important than power, and brand recognition is much less important than in the agricultural market.

First impression of the new series is of a bold new look taken from the higher powered brothers in the stable. Available in 35hp (3710) and 40hp (4210), both models use a 3-cyl Kioti engine that will prove economical to run. Mated to a 3-stage hydrostatic transmission with operating speeds from 0-30km/h, control is via dedicated forward and reverse pedals, rather than the more common lawnmower-style rocker pedal that places huge strain on ankle joints.

Available in ROPS format only, access to the flat platform is good, and leads to a comfortable seat and controls that fall easily to hand, including a concise dashboard to monitor all key functions.

With a heavy duty cast front axle, power steering is standard, so direction changes are safe and easy, and an integral joystick takes care of the self-levelling loader frees up two external remotes to the rear of the tractor.

As part of the package the tractor/loader combination is supplied with a 4-in-1 bucket that should prove extremely useful to the target market as a single unit allows standard loader functions as well as grading and clamping – sure to find many uses around any property.

The new DK Series sees the introduction of higher-powered models in the 45hp (4810) and the 55hp (5810) tractors, and should again suit small block owners, but also show potential for beef, sheep and dairy units as a good second tractor.

Power comes from a 4-cyl naturally aspirated Kioti engine coupled to a conventional transmission with 8 forward and 8 reverse speeds. The smaller 4810 uses a synchro-shuttle unit (dry clutch), the larger 5810 a hydraulic shuttle (wet clutch) for forward reverse movement and removes the need to use the clutch pedal. 

Both models have 2-speed PTO with 540 or 1000rpm options, single rear hydraulic remote and, once again, an integral joystick for frontloader control. The loader is a self-levelling unit with third service and the previously mentioned 4-in-1 bucket. Power steering with 58 degree steering angle and a comprehensive two year warranty complete the package.

Brett Maber, national sales manager for Power Farming, commented, “the Kioti of today is a long way advanced from the first units we brought into the country in late 2001. The range runs from 26hp to 100hp and offers class leading specifications, sometimes not even offered by supposedly mainstream players who in reality just carry out re-badging exercises. The Kioti product is designed and engineered in-house so they control their own destiny and adapt to changing markets much more quickly when required.”

Kioti Facts

• Situated Daegu South Korea
• 23ha site – 9ha covered
• Founded 1947
• 820 employees
• Makes 30,000 tractors per year
• Exports to 30 countries
• Revenue US$560 million.