Newer diesel with least problems

Looks like Kubota is minority who give driver a light showing regeneration.
I drove my F350 for 15k miles to date, refilled DEF several times but never could notice when regeneration happen. Only once, when pulling a trailer I was observing mpg very closely and on one stretch truck start burning like 20% more fuel. Different wind direction could not cost such difference, so I concluded I catch DPF regeneration after resetting the meter.
The problem is that when you drive short distances, often you can cut regeneration off mid-way. Also some programs will cut the regeneration when you floor the pedal.
Aborted regeneration few times in the row can lead to problems.
BTW the 2016 Ford had an option for driver to control regeneration.
That option was gone for 2017 models.

The DPF and DEF for that matter are on road diesel things. Off road diesels don't need them.

I bought a 2016 Kubota M7060 tractor recently. 70 HP, so not a small tractor. It has the diesel particulate filter. Before finding this tractor I did a lot of research on all models. Some used the diesel particulate filter, others use other methods of cleaning up the exhaust. New Holland uses a "particulate matter catalyst". But all new tractors from about 25 - 80 hp use some form of exhaust cleaner filter; none that I know of need to use DEF. The really big engines - 100+ hp - also use Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Before I retired I had to bring in a stock of DEF for the huge mining equipment we used.

But the diesel particulate filter on the Kubota has not been a hassle. When I'm out working the tractor I notice the regeneration light on the dash comes on to tell me its regenerating. About 15-20 minutes later it goes out. That's all there is to it.

There is more than just reduced power due to errors in DEF system.
It did happen in Mercedes, but I believe the law require that on all vehicles.
When one of DPF sensors failed, I've got the message
"you have 10 starts remaining" and the count down begin.
Good thing it happen in hometown, as being that new technology - not too many mechanics want to touch it and new sensor require SCN coding, meaning subscription to connect with manufacturer.
I counted 7 sensor/probes on single pipe exhaust. Lot of potential.
There is a movement to cut down manufacturer's rip-offs BTW. repair.org/

Here's a pretty good article that also highlights some reasons why they have issues.

https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-diesel-particulate-filter-problems-dpf-problems

First generation are mostly a problem due to bad sensors and poor software that says when to Regen. Second generation trucks aren't as bad, but also use DEF fluid. I feel like they are years away from having the real solution. I'm old enough to remember catalytic converters failing dramatically. They still fail but not like before. Like that it's a result of an EPA regulation that was way ahead of a solution.

When they fail you have at least reduced power, not a good problem with a load going up mtns.

diesel particulate filter

Could someone tell me what DPF stands for. Being an older 7.3 owner I am not familiar with that one.

jimh425 wrote:

DWeikert wrote:

The DPF and DEF for that matter are on road diesel things. Off road diesels don't need them.

Small tractors have DPFs now. The link has some info.

Thanks, I sit corrected. I was unaware of Tier 4 requirements. After some research it seems Mahindra is not alone in their DPF free solution.

Hitachi Final Tier 4 technology: No DPF needed

Kubota announces Tier 4 engines without DPF

Bobcat Non-DPF Tier 4 Compliant Solution

Tier 4 Engines Get It Done Without DPFs (Kohler, Tognum, JCB, Perkins)

Looking but haven't been able to find how the Tier 4 PM requirement compares to the requirements on our diesels. That difference could explain how they're getting away without a DPF.

DWeikert wrote:

jimh425 wrote:
Too bad that truck engine manufacturers can't build an DPF free engine like Mahindra with no DPF. https://mahindrausa.com/mcrd Sounds like someone needs to convert a Kubota to a Mahindra engine ... kind of like the Cummins in the Ford joke. :D

The DPF and DEF for that matter are on road diesel things. Off road diesels don't need them.

Small tractors have DPFs now. The link has some info.

jimh425 wrote:
Too bad that truck engine manufacturers can't build an DPF free engine like Mahindra with no DPF. https://mahindrausa.com/mcrd Sounds like someone needs to convert a Kubota to a Mahindra engine ... kind of like the Cummins in the Ford joke. :D

The DPF and DEF for that matter are on road diesel things. Off road diesels don't need them.

Good thing our new moderator made a special post to introduce himself and ask us to size our pics...