Oil & Fuel Kubota DEF

[George the Beagle]

It's very easy to blame the politicians for the DEF debacle, but let's not forget that they only do what will get them re-elected. There are lots of folks in this country who have demanded that politicians pass stricter clean air laws each year, and as a result we're saddled with tougher regulations every year. Up until recently, diesel manufacturers got along ok, but now with DEF they've hit the wall. You just can't run an efficient diesel engine with all the sensors and stuff that are now loaded onto them, which I believe is why companies such as UPS are going back to gas engines for their delivery fleets.

 

[AStanton]

It's very easy to blame the politicians for the DEF debacle, but let's not forget that they only do what will get them re-elected. There are lots of folks in this country who have demanded that politicians pass stricter clean air laws each year, and as a result we're saddled with tougher regulations every year. Up until recently, diesel manufacturers got along ok, but now with DEF they've hit the wall. You just can't run an efficient diesel engine with all the sensors and stuff that are now loaded onto them, which I believe is why companies such as UPS are going back to gas engines for their delivery fleets.

Personally, I never thought I would see the day that we would put the people in charge of the motor vehicle department in charge of our healthcare.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

I bought a new Kubota M5-111 that now has 480 hours. I got a DEF WARNING time clock lite that said my tractor will go to 1/2 idle then to 10% power. I drained the Kubota DEF and then bought new DEF with a manufacturing date that read the DEF is 3 months old. Still the clock ticks down. I finally called the dealer's service department and was told this is a common problem and I have to bring it in. Their computer said it is a sensor inside the system and the whole thing has to be replaced. Several thousand dollars but warranty will cover the cost. A month later, still in Kubota's shop. Has anyone else had DEF problems with any Kubota product?

I think every mfg has had some form or another of problems with final tier IV. But I am curious to this complete system replacement that I have heard/saw others mention on Kubota's. Who are the other tractor mfg's that can not repair the def delivery and monitor system but have to replace the whole thing? Not trying to pick on Kubota, nor am I saying it is cheap to work on any tier IV unit regardless of brand...just curious as to why individual parts can't be provided. Or is this practice only done on warranty machines? Best of luck on your tractor repairs.

 

[fried1765]

I bought a new Kubota M5-111 that now has 480 hours. I got a DEF WARNING time clock lite that said my tractor will go to 1/2 idle then to 10% power. I drained the Kubota DEF and then bought new DEF with a manufacturing date that read the DEF is 3 months old. Still the clock ticks down. I finally called the dealer's service department and was told this is a common problem and I have to bring it in. Their computer said it is a sensor inside the system and the whole thing has to be replaced. Several thousand dollars but warranty will cover the cost. A month later, still in Kubota's shop. Has anyone else had DEF problems with any Kubota product?

Such stories make me want to run out and hug my little 32HP Shibaura/Ford 1920 again.
The 1920 is just like me!
Old,.... and simple!
Well.....not really just like me.
My Shibaura/Ford 1920 has been completely refurbished.
Unfortunately, that is not possible for ME!

 

[C4Ranch]

Its about time someone figures out a delete for Kubota.. I know of folks already doing it on fairly new p/u's

 

[Ortimber]

Its about time someone figures out a delete for Kubota.. I know of folks already doing it on fairly new p/u's

Pickup deleting started in 2007-2008.

 

[ruffdog]

DEF has to be kept clean and in the original container. Different types of metal will contaminate the fluid as will any other liquid. Storage container must be 100% approved and that includes all hoses and fittings.

One teaspoon of salt will contaminate 5000 gallons of def.

Understanding Diesel Exhaust Fluid - Basic Training - Diesel Power Magazine

 

[MHarryE]

Are there lots of Kubota owners having DEF problems? As DEF is only used on the M5, M6 and M7 series, I do not believe there are a lot of users with those tractors on this forum. My neighbor's 2 problems resulted from contaminated DEF. The originator of this thread had a problem but we do not yet know his problem. My M7 has had no problems. Something that needs to be considered is that DEF usage is so low that we need to be talking about extreme cleanliness due to tight clearances. I know so many running tractors requiring DEF who never have problems. Is there a particular area of North America experiencing problems with their tractors?

 

[runner420]

BillySunday: Just brought my M5-111 to Kubota shop for the same issue with 250 hours. Waiting to see if warranty will apply.

 

[runner420]

M5-111 has been in the local Kubota shop for five weeks. Initially told the DEF was bad even though it was just changed and from the original fresh clean original container. I did find on the web that one can purchase bade DEF, however. I was also told that the regeneration system was clogged from improper regeneration. I do not know how this could happen as I follow the procedure exactly from the Kubota manual (a copy is kept in the cab of the tractor). Anyway, I was told the parts have been ordered to repair the system , and all should be repaired as of last week. No word from them so I stopped by today to check on the progress. Today, I was told it was a malfunctioning light.
I did learn that you can check your DEF with a refractometer ($80.00) calibrated for DEF. This stuff does have shelf life and can be contaminated and shut down your machine.
I am not sure what happened with my tractor, and I am definitely not happy with the service presently, although I hope it is just a malfunctioning light.