New Kubota with DPF Filter

[sunnyside360]

Looking to buy a new Kubota which has a DPF diesel particulate filter. I know it is there to meet tier 4 EPA emission requirements. This is all new to me so I have zero experience and knowledge. Does it have any detrimental effects on engine performance and/or maintenance?

 

[RjCorazza]

The only Kubota model I have read about having dpf problems is the B3350. I have no idea if current production 3350's are working properly, but they do not seem to be able to fix the defective ones.
My L4060 has been problem free so far, but it has only gone through regeneration twice. If the manufacturer projections are correct, the dpf should be good for about 3000 hours before requiring cleaning. I don't think there is a performance penalty because of the dpf, and you can usually continue working the tractor while its doing a burn.

 

[tor]

Got at MX5200 with a DPF. As long as you keep the rpm up on a decent level while working your tractor, you should be fine. have not had any issue with mine.

 

[Jeff F.]

L4060 with 200 hours. No issues at all

 

[jeff9366]

L3560 with 700 hours. I have to stop every sixty engine hours and regen for approximately sixteen minutes @ 2,200 rpm.

The Tier iV Kubotas generally have 3-5 horsepower MORE than their Tier III predecessors. Tier IV engines produce no smoke nor diesel exhaust smell.

 

[brain55]

The majority of the DPF problems we see are operator induced. Operators that don't understand the regeneration process and continually cancel regens and/or won't run the machine at sufficient RPM so the exhaust will get hot enough to passively regen, causing the need to regen more often or to do park regens.

 

[sandyc]

My 3350 has been upgraded and now I hardly notice regens

 

[kuboman]

Why do you want the 1511? I have the 1211 and it has all the power needed. Unless you need the horsepower for something other than mowing grass why complicate your life with the extra emissions garbage? Its a guarantee that at some point it is going to cause you trouble and money.

 

[sunnyside360]

Like mentioned above, the only Kubota model with DPF that had notorious DPF issues that I could find was the B3350. Those issues seem to be fixed by changes found in Kubota Technical Bulletins. The main reasons for getting the 1511 Z-turn are the air ride seat (for my bad back) and I've got a very good quote on a 1511-72.

Thanks to all for your replies.

 

[ericm979]

My new DPF equipped tractor's exhaust smells like unicorn farts.

Seriously, it's nice to not have to breathe diesel smoke or smell diesel stink in the barn when changing implements.

 

[kuboman]

Like mentioned above, the only Kubota model with DPF that had notorious DPF issues that I could find was the B3350. Those issues seem to be fixed by changes found in Kubota Technical Bulletins. The main reasons for getting the 1511 Z-turn are the air ride seat (for my bad back) and I've got a very good quote on a 1511-72.

Thanks to all for your replies.

Good enough reason. The 1511 has the same engine as the B3350 but expect the 1511 has fewer problems because of the kind of use and doesn't usually get used in winter.

 

[scottfarm1]

I miss the smell of diesel on my new l4701.

 

[sunnyside360]

Good enough reason. The 1511 has the same engine as the B3350 but expect the 1511 has fewer problems because of the kind of use and doesn't usually get used in winter.

Same engine Didn't realize that.

 

[kuboman]

Same engine Didn't realize that.

Yes same one with a few less horse power mainly because they slowed the rated rpm down. I hate to be a wet blanket but the added complication of the emissions would be enough to scare me away. But that's me. The whole business has gotten to the ridiculous.

 

[CADplans]

The whole business has gotten to the ridiculous.

Just wait until they come up with another resolution to the particulate filter issue.
Think of the gas engine cars with smog pumps,,, etc,, in 1980.
400 cubic inches,,, 175 horsepower. The manufacturers found a better answer.

Now we have 300 cubic inch engines putting out 300 horsepower,, no smog pump.
Those 1980 cars are orphans,, or are shredded,,

DPF owner's are gonna be looking to update to whatever comes next,,, IMHO,,,

 

[kuboman]

I agree. The present edition of emissions garbage is not sustainable. Something more reliable will have to be implemented as what we have now is expensive garbage meant to keep government agencies quiet.

Just wait until they come up with another resolution to the particulate filter issue.
Think of the gas engine cars with smog pumps,,, etc,, in 1980.
400 cubic inches,,, 175 horsepower. The manufacturers found a better answer.

Now we have 300 cubic inch engines putting out 300 horsepower,, no smog pump.
Those 1980 cars are orphans,, or are shredded,,

DPF owner's are gonna be looking to update to whatever comes next,,, IMHO,,,

 

[moriboy]

I agree. The present edition of emissions garbage is not sustainable. Something more reliable will have to be implemented as what we have now is expensive garbage meant to keep government agencies quiet.

Yep, when things start changing (for the better) as far as reliable emissions controls, I'll probably start trading in any problematic machinery before the value dips.

 

[The Deerslayer]

I miss the smell of diesel on my new l4701.

To be honest...there are times when I do as well. But it is soooo much better when starting up and warming up in the barn!

 

[adventure bob]

L6060 100hrs no issues.

 

[Oldoak]

I agree. The present edition of emissions garbage is not sustainable. Something more reliable will have to be implemented as what we have now is expensive garbage meant to keep government agencies quiet.

I agree. Not only does the present DEF emission system add a costly initial expense to the tractors, but also higher operating costs through higher fuel consumption by having to run at higher RPMs to avoid more frequent Regens or possibly plugging the system and cleaning or replacing expensive filters. At least that's my understanding. As we see here, there are various opinions of the subject.

Oh well, time will tell. But I'm ready to trade now and just not sure whether to hold out or not.
Love my present L4200GST which has been serving me will for 19 years now, however I like the new upgraded features of the newer L5060GST model (all accept the DEF emission system of course) and I would certainly order it with more hydraulic outlets front and rear.