By Beth Hyatt
Kioti Tractor had several big announcements at the recent GIE+EXPO trade show, including new tractors, a new UTV and a $13 million expansion of its North American headquarters in Wendell, North Carolina.
The company estimates the project will be completed late in 2019, and the expansion will double the size of existing facilities.
Kioti says the additional 162,750 square feet of warehouse space will facilitate the company’s planned employee growth of 15 percent in two years’ time, and they add that it will provide warehouse and assembly space for its current and future product lines.
The company says the additional space will also support the company’s goal of providing unmatched product and parts availability to its North American dealer network and customer base.
“Kioti has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and this expansion is critical as we seek to build upon our foundation of success to better support our dealer network and deliver outstanding service to our growing customer base,” says Peter Dong-Kyun Kim, president and CEO of Daedong-USA, Inc. Kioti Tractor Division. “In everything we do, we are committed to delivering the best machine-owning experience our customers have ever had, and this investment helps us continue to deliver that goal.”
The company says the warehouse expansion comes on the heels of a recently completed office addition, which took place in late 2017 and added nearly 15,000 sq. ft.
New DK10, CK10 tractors
The company also announced the expansion of its DK10 product line with the introduction of eight new compact tractor models in the DK10SE Series. The DK10SE series includes four cab models — the DK4210SE HC, DK4710SE HC, DK5310SE HC and DK6010SE HC — and four ROPS models — the DK4210SE HST, DK4710SE HST, DK5310SE HST and DK6010SE HST. Kioti says the new models offer top-of-the-line comfort and performance to tackle most any job.
“The new SE Series truly lives up to the DK10’s reputation for both power and smooth handling,” Kim says. “We’re excited to expand this line in an effort to continually meet and exceed our customers’ desires.”
With the recent additions to the DK10 line, Kioti says operators can choose the tractor that best fits their needs, and with an engine gross horsepower from 40 to 58 and PTO horsepower from 29 to 45, operators are offered top-notch power in the field.
The company says the DK10SE Series tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-efficient, three-cylinder Daedong diesel engine. The company says the DK10SE has a rear external 3-point control lever and hydraulic independent PTO, and they add that it delivers serious power to a range of implements.
The DK10SE features tilt steering wheels and an adjustable seat, and Kioti says all models come standard with rear differential lock, rear PTO, hydraulic power steering, 4WD, a remote hydraulic valve and an onboard toolbox.
The company says the DK10SE ROPS models specifically feature an open platform design with a deck mat and fender grips on each side for easy mounting and dismounting. Kioti adds that cab models also feature heat and AC, rear window defrost, a single lever joystick, front work lights and a power socket with USB connection and an AUX port.
Kioti adds that with the introduction of the DK10SE Series comes two newly developed loaders, the KL5520 and KL5521, for ROPS and cab models. These front-end loaders, Kioti says, can be easily attached and detached with the assistance of a built-in parking stand.
The company says that the Kioti KB2485 backhoe is also compatible with the DK10SE Series offering responsive two-lever controls with exceptional feathering.
Kioti also expanded their CK10SE Series line with four new models. The ROPS models include the CK3510SE, CK4010SE, CK3510SE HST and CK4010SE HST.
“The CK10SE Series gives customers a powerful, yet comfortable workhorse,” says Kim. “These tractors are ready for any job; and with the versatility in model options, they are perfect for any user.”
The company says operators can choose the machine that best fits their unique needs from the CK10SE Series lineup, with engine gross horsepower options, PTO options and synchronized shuttle or hydrostatic ROPS or hydrostatic cab models.
The company says all six models are powered by three-cylinder, in-line vertical, water-cooled, fuel-efficient Daedong diesel engines and have a wide range of features, including hydrostatic power steering, telescopic lower link and stabilizers, rear independent PTO, rear differential lock, mechanically actuated 4WD and rear dual remote valves with four ports are standard on all models. Kioti says the CK10SE Series also features high ground clearance and three tire options.
The HST models, the company says, come with cruise control and linked pedals that reduce fuel consumption over long periods of use. Kioti says the factory-installed cabin on the HC models feature a panoramic view with standard AC and heat, front and rear working lights and front and rear window wipers.
New UTVs
Kioti will also be introducing its new K9 utility vehicle series and debuted the K9 2400 model, which joins the Mechron Series.
“The launch of the K9 Series marks continued growth for Kioti,” says Kim. “The new K9 comes from the same rugged, workhorse bloodline as the Mechron, but offers an enhanced level of performance, operator comfort and new high-value standard features.”
The company says landowners will benefit from a new automotive-style dash configuration, tilt steering and front/rear independent dual A-arm suspension with CV joint guards. Kioti says the K9 boasts a 24 horsepower, three-cylinder, in-line vertical, water-cooled Daedong diesel engine with a ground speed up to 31 mph.
Additionally, the company says K9 has one of the largest all-metal beds in its class with a 1,102 lbs. capacity and an optional hydraulic dump kit, and other key standard features include:
- 12.5-inch ground clearance with HD, Turf, ATV and Tomahawk tire options
- Towing capacity of 1,300 lbs. and payload capacity of 1,598 lbs.
- Spray-in bed liner
- Hydraulic power steering
- Protection package with full-coverage skid plates and front grill guard
- Front and rear hitch receivers
“We are excited about the K9 and believe this will be a big step forward for Kioti,” says Allen Hoover Jr. of Hoover Tractor, a Kioti dealer in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. “With the innovative design and numerous standard features, we see a demand for this utility vehicle from new and existing customers.”
