Is the DPF that much of a detriment? Would you pass on a used tractor because of DPF?
Stricter Tier IV off-road diesel engine emission reduction standards phased in on dealer tractor inventory 2009-2012, impacting tractor prices.
Tier IV emission standards require tractor manufacturers to add or revise pollution reduction technology on new tractors generating over 19 kW power = 25.4794 horsepower.
DPF is used by the majority of tractor manufactures for more powerful tractors, but not all.
It is fact that Tier IV technology complicates the engine package and contributes a significant cost factor.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures exhaust particulates (soot) in a ceramic matrix. When tractor engine runs sufficiently hot, accumulated particulates burn off periodically without operator intervention. If engine is not run continuously hot long enough to burn off particulates, diesel soot accumulates in the matrix. Once heavy soot accumulates in DPF the tractor forces soot clearance with the tractor parked and throttle open to about 2,200 rpm for about sixteen minutes, which makes the DPF REALLY HOT to burn off all accumulated soot. Burning off accumulated soot, either during operation or parked is called REGENERATION.
Regeneration is an infrequent DPF event with my Kubota three cylinder, 37-horsepower engine. Generally once every sixty engine hours. (Very consistent in Florida due to warm weather.)
The pollutants emitted by a Tier IV technology tractor are about 1% of the pollutants emitted by a pre-Tier IV tractor.
L2501 is one of Kubota's highest unit volume models. It is also a legally dirty bugger.
Kubota's
L3301 is the same tractor with eight additi onal horsepower and Tier IV paraphernalia. Your money, your choice.