Is DEF that bad?

[rockinbbar]

I'm looking at a JD 5085EL

One small word here. If you are looking at an "E" series tractor, bear in mind that the "E" series is their "Economy" series, made to compete with lesser priced imports and other economy priced tractors. They just aren't as rugged as the more premium tractor models.

JD, Case, New Holland and others make an "Economy" series of tractors.

Personally, for how I use a tractor, the "economy" tractors are just not a good fit. Not that I abuse my tractors, but I spend lots of hours in them using them for what tractors should be used for. I'd tear the guts out of an "economy" tractor, just doing what I do. Those "E" tractors are for people who don't use a tractor to make a living, but more for weekend light to medium use, because they are built accordingly.

 

[oldnslo]

One known problem with DEF fluid is that it freezes so in colder climates it can be problem if the pump back system does not pump the lines empty when shutting down. If not pumped out the lines freeze, swell and break. DEF fluid is corrosive so when thaws it raises heck with anything it touches. Fendt has had lots of DEF problems, I have heard of a few Deeres having problems during fall and winter use in this area. Not sure on sizes and how operated though.

 

[4570Man]

I’ve not had any problems out of my 40 and 74 hp machines with DPFs but I’ve seen pretty garbage reliability out of DEF machines.

 

[Atypical_decorum]

One small word here. If you are looking at an "E" series tractor, bear in mind that the "E" series is their "Economy" series, made to compete with lesser priced imports and other economy priced tractors. They just aren't as rugged as the more premium tractor models.

JD, Case, New Holland and others make an "Economy" series of tractors.

Personally, for how I use a tractor, the "economy" tractors are just not a good fit. Not that I abuse my tractors, but I spend lots of hours in them using them for what tractors should be used for. I'd tear the guts out of an "economy" tractor, just doing what I do. Those "E" tractors are for people who don't use a tractor to make a living, but more for weekend light to medium use, because they are built accordingly.

I thought the E stood for the economy mode the PTO was able to use. Not a different line of tractor. Is that correct/incorrect?

Edit. I'm incorrect. E from M is the difference of a chassis and a lot of other stuff. Looks like I'm on the search again.

 

[Hay Dude]

No doubt there’s some issues with DPF & DEF. Especially the early models.
However, I have found a lot of it is urban lore or just flat out bullchit started by guys with older trucks that don’t even one a DEF or DPF truck.
Then some guys try to modify or remove the equipment, void their warranties and cry they have a truck the dealer won’t fix.

 

[Paystar]

No doubt there’s some issues with DPF & DEF. Especially the early models.
However, I have found a lot of it is urban lore or just flat out bullchit started by guys with older trucks that don’t even one a DEF or DPF truck.
Then some guys try to modify or remove the equipment, void their warranties and cry they have a truck the dealer won’t fix.

Some do work well, but at some point you are gunna have an issue. That's a guarantee. Too many sensors and electronics.
And all it takes is one bad dealer tech to make your world a nightmare.

Not a tractor but I ran a DD15 that was the most horrible experience I ever had. It was at dealer at least once a week. Chasing issues over and over. And in the end the biggest issue was the technicians sticking their test probes into wire harnesses to test for power. Well guess what happened there? Salt got in those little holes and rotted the harness out, unbeknownst to anyone.

So you may have a tractor that works flawless, but just be sure to budget money for either failed sensors or for when the time comes you have to pay to clean or replace DPF's, SCR injectors, etc.

 

[4570Man]

No doubt there’s some issues with DPF & DEF. Especially the early models.
However, I have found a lot of it is urban lore or just flat out bullchit started by guys with older trucks that don’t even one a DEF or DPF truck.
Then some guys try to modify or remove the equipment, void their warranties and cry they have a truck the dealer won’t fix.

I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that the DPF equipped diesel in my Kubota won’t put in the 50 years of reliability the 3306 in my dozer has.

 

[Hay Dude]

I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that the DPF equipped diesel in my Kubota won’t put in the 50 years of reliability the 3306 in my dozer has.

And it won’t pump tons of soot and other pollutants into the atmosphere as well as the 3306 in your dozer, either.
Its also noteworthy that a DPF is an exhaust after treatment system that is repairable and replaceable.
Given the choice, I’d rather not have one, too. However, the world of diesels changed over a decade ago and DPF or DEF systems are as common on a diesel engine as an alternator.

 

[4570Man]

And it won’t pump tons of soot and other pollutants into the atmosphere as well as the 3306 in your dozer, either.
Its also noteworthy that a DPF is an exhaust after treatment system that is repairable and replaceable.
Given the choice, I’d rather not have one, too. However, the world of diesels changed over a decade ago and DPF or DEF systems are as common on a diesel engine as an alternator.

I’m pretty sure the 3306 isn’t killing the environment. It actually runs pretty clean compared to a lot of old diesel. If it actually mattered that much they should have started with trains and boats and planes.

 

[Paystar]

I’m pretty sure the 3306 isn’t killing the environment. It actually runs pretty clean compared to a lot of old diesel. If it actually mattered that much they should have started with trains and boats and planes.

And mines and steel mills, LOL