This thread is exactly the reason I was looking hard at a Branson instead of LS, though I like the LS better, and I understand the 31 and 41 series tractors have all the regen bugs worked out. The Branson meets T4 with an overlay emissions system on a mechanical engine. Easy enough to gut the DPF (Actually, I think it's a DOC) if it has issues and never look back.
Yup, I'd be "killing the environment", but for the tiny improvement in emissions that they got from T4 in these CUT's, I just don't think the cost/benefit ratio works out. Instead, I lucked into my 2003 MF1455. No emissions, no problem.
(climbing onto soapbox)
Actually, on a global scale, maritime transport causes something like 99% of the "harmful" diesel emissions. (NOx and Sulfer dioxide). So the EPA passed regulations to clean up trucks and CUT's and in the end, even if we made them zero emissions, we only "fixed" one percent of the problem, globally. This is the definition of feel good legislation, just like our CARB gas cans that cause so much spillage that any benefit of them being sealed is negated.
(climbing down...)
OP: As for what to do with your tractor, I think the guys are right... You're going to have to start running it at constant high rpm's, especially when it's cold. Setting the hand throttle low and running it up and down all the time with the foot feed keeps the exhaust from getting warm enough, and generates smoke, which plugs the DPF quickly.
If you're using the correct gears, there will probably be minimal additional clutch wear, even though it seems otherwise. Clutches last a long time if you're not riding them too much...
