Kioti, a division of South Korea’s Daedong Corp., has announced significant updates to its Canadian lineup of tractors and loaders, introducing enhancements to both the hydraulics and telematics systems to meet evolving customer needs.
The company currently offers two models of compact loaders, the skid steer SL750 and the compact track loader TL750, both of which feature 74 horsepower. To better cater to the increasing demand for higher hydraulic performance, Kioti has introduced the Flow+ option, a high-flow hydraulic system designed to enhance the versatility of its loaders.
“We’ve seen a high demand for high-flow units within the 74 horsepower size class, especially as these machines become more versatile tool carriers in addition to their traditional uses like digging or lifting,” said Justin Moe, product manager for Kioti’s construction division. “With the Flow+ option, we’re taking the first step toward offering higher hydraulic flow rates, which are crucial for attachments like snow blowers, rotary cutters, and sweeper brooms, especially in agricultural settings.”
The Flow+ option increases the hydraulic flow rate from the standard 21.9 gallons per minute (g.p.m.) to 34 g.p.m., one of the highest flow rates in the industry for this segment. This boost in hydraulic power comes from the addition of an extra gear pump, which allows for better distribution of hydraulic functions. The improved flow rate does not affect the cycle time for functions like lifting the loader arms, but it significantly enhances the multi-functionality of the loader when powered attachments are used simultaneously.
“Where you’ll really see the difference is in multi-functioning,” Moe noted. “The improved flow rate makes it easier to operate multiple functions at once without sacrificing response time.”
Along with the higher flow rate, the pressure has been lowered from 3,335 psi to 2,900 psi to reduce stress on the hydraulic components, ensuring better durability and reliability.
Looking ahead, Kioti plans to introduce a third hydraulic option with even higher flow rates for demanding attachments used in industries such as forestry. While an official release date for this upgrade has not been announced, the company aims to meet the needs of customers requiring more power-intensive tools.
Kioti is also expanding into the telematics field with the launch of the Kioti Connect App, a new feature for its line of utility tractors. This app offers the typical range of telematics data, such as location tracking and running time, while also incorporating AI-powered predictive analytics to anticipate potential machine failures.
“We started rolling it out this year,” said Youngjin Son, senior vice president and chief product technology officer. “The main goal of Kioti Connect is to give customers a heads-up about potential issues before they arise. It allows them to fix problems before they lead to costly repairs.”
The Kioti Connect system is available on the 66 to 73 horsepower RX tractor line, as well as the larger HX Series and compact construction machines. New machine owners will receive a free trial period for the service, with the option to subscribe for continued access. The app will be expanded to include smaller compact utility tractors later this year, with plans to cover the entire tractor lineup, including sub-compacts, by year-end.
“We’re absorbing the costs of these updates to provide extra value for our customers,” Son added.
Additionally, Kioti plans to expand its tractor offerings with the introduction of a new 140 horsepower model later this year, aimed at livestock and forage producers who require more power for their operations.
With these updates, Kioti is reinforcing its commitment to providing innovative solutions for a wide range of agricultural and construction applications, meeting the demands of both performance and technology-savvy users.