Your Local Land & Adventure Partners Since 1981

Whether you're managing a farm or carving out your own backyard paradise, Northeast Farm Sales & Service is here to keep you moving. We’re a family-owned team led by Reene Fontaine, and we’re obsessed with two things: quality equipment and even better service.

From Kioti tractors, Ferris mowers, and Husqvarna equipment to the latest Honda ATVs, UTVs, and Power Equipment, we only sell what we’d use on our own land. Plus, we’ve expanded to help you haul it all—we’re now officially a 3-Line Trailer dealer. We carry high-quality, rust-free Aluma aluminum trailers and heavy-duty Midsota trailers, along with our reliable and affordable Triple Crown utility line.

And when things need a tune-up? Our shop is backed by certified mechanics and our very own Honda Red-Level Technician, Lance Chilafoux—because "good enough" doesn't cut it when there’s work to be done.

Stop by our Vermont dealership for expert advice, a massive parts inventory, and a team that always puts you first.

From the machine to the trailer that hauls it, Let’s grow together.

3 Common Kioti Tractor Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

A Kioti compact tractor with a front loader is displayed outside the Northeast Farm Sales & Service dealership.

You didn’t buy a Kioti tractor to let it sit in the shed looking pretty. You bought it to clear brush, move hay, and handle the heavy lifting that Vermont land demands. But here’s the reality: these machines are built like tanks, but they aren’t invincible.

At Northeast Farm Sales & Service, we see a lot of tractors come through our shop. Most of the major repairs we handle could have been avoided with ten minutes of basic maintenance. Don't be that guy who ignores a $20 filter and ends up with a $5,000 repair bill.

Here are the three most common Kioti maintenance mistakes we see and exactly how you can avoid them.

1. Skipping Grease Points (The "Quiet" Killer)

If your loader or backhoe is squeaking, you’ve already waited too long. Kioti tractors are packed with grease fittings: also known as zerks: at every major pivot point, loader pin, and steering connection.

Metal-on-metal contact is the fastest way to turn a precision machine into a pile of junk. When these pins run dry, they start to "egg out" the holes, leading to slop in your loader and eventually a failure that grease can't fix.

How to avoid it:

  • GREASE EVERY TIME: If you’re doing heavy loader work, grease those pins every 10 hours of use.
  • WIPE THE ZERK: Don't just pump dirt into the joint. Wipe the fitting clean before you attach the grease gun.
  • FIND THEM ALL: Check your manual. There are often hidden grease points on the driveshaft or pedal linkages that people miss for years.

A Kioti tractor with a front loader attachment operates in a freshly tilled field.

2. Neglecting Filters (Fuel, Air, and Oil)

A clogged filter is like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a cocktail straw. It’s hard on the engine and eventually, it’ll just stop.

We see a lot of "sluggish" tractors that just need a new fuel filter. Vermont’s temperature swings can cause condensation in your tank, leading to water and algae that choke out your fuel system. Similarly, hydraulic filters are your first line of defense against metal shavings and dirt entering your expensive transmission.

How to avoid it:

  • STICK TO THE SCHEDULE: Change your engine oil and filter at the recommended intervals (usually every 50 to 100 hours depending on your model).
  • DON'T FORGET THE HYDRAULICS: Clogged hydraulic filters lead to jerky loader movements and HST whine. If your tractor feels "weak," check the filter first.
  • USE OEM PARTS: Don’t gamble on a "close enough" filter from a big-box store. Get the genuine Kioti parts designed for your specific flow rate.

A Kioti tractor with an enclosed cab and front loader attachment on a grassy property.

3. Ignoring Fluid Levels and Condition

"I'll check it next time" is a dangerous game. We’ve seen front axle oil simply "disappear" because of a small, unnoticed seal leak. If you run that axle dry, you aren't just replacing a seal anymore: you're replacing the whole gear set.

The same goes for your HST and hydraulic fluid. It’s not just about the level; it’s about the condition. If your hydraulic fluid looks milky, you’ve got water contamination. If it looks dark and smells burnt, it’s lost its ability to lubricate.

How to avoid it:

  • PRE-WORK WALK-AROUND: Make it a habit. Check the engine oil, the coolant, and the hydraulic sight glass before you even turn the key.
  • CHECK THE FRONT AXLE: This is the most commonly ignored fluid on a tractor. Pull the plug or check the dipstick regularly.
  • LOOK FOR LEAKS: A small damp spot on the garage floor or a dusty, oily film on a hose is a warning sign. Fix it before it becomes a puddle.

The Northeast Farm Sales & Service storefront with a lineup of new Kioti tractors and Ferris mowers.

Get a Pro Tune-Up

Maintenance isn't complicated, but it is mandatory. If you’ve fallen behind on your service schedule or you’d rather have a professional eye look things over, give us a call.

Our certified mechanics at Northeast Farm Sales & Service know these orange machines inside and out. Whether you need a full 50-hour service or just want to pick up a box of filters and some grease, we’ve got you covered.

Stop by the shop or check out our current Kioti inventory if you're looking to upgrade to a machine that’s ready to work as hard as you do.