Deleting DPF

[kenmac]

I have read on a Kubota MX site where someone deleted the DPF just by taking the DPF off and knocking the stuff out of the center much like people use to do with the cat converters that came on their vehicles back in the 80's.
The person that did this on the site claims he has had zero issued after doing this to the DPF on the tractor.

Has anyone attempted to do this ? If so, Is it correct that it will cause no issues with the operation of the tractor ?
If that's true, I don't mind buying a newer tractor and knocking the stuffing out of the DPF, and using the tractor without it going into regen !

 

[SDT]

I have read on a Kubota MX site where someone deleted the DPF just by taking the DPF off and knocking the stuff out of the center much like people use to do with the cat converters that came on their vehicles back in the 80's.
The person that did this on the site claims he has had zero issued after doing this to the DPF on the tractor.

Has anyone attempted to do this ? If so, Is it correct that it will cause no issues with the operation of the tractor ?
If that's true, I don't mind buying a newer tractor and knocking the stuffing out of the DPF, and using the tractor without it going into regen !

Not true, and doing so will void your warranty.

FWIW, the DPF emissions systems on current Kubota tractors have proven to be mostly seamless.

Don't get me started regarding DEF.

 

[greenie]

This outfit GPT-TUNING-TOOL | ECU tuning for your Kubota Tractor L3560 - 1.8L - Tier4 (bench) | performance increase - deletes - chip tuning claims it can reprogram the ECU to eliminate regenerations. My question is what about the muffler/DPF which is one unit and will still collect particles even with the ECU reprogrammed.
My L4760 regenerates every 16 hours due mostly to the RPM and load placed on the engine. Most of my work is in the woods winching or grappling brush/logs so the engine is not anywhere near at load.
In another link here I read about Diesel Flush a Power Service additive that claims it will clean out a DPF. I'm only one tank into trying this additive but my regeneration cycles have not changed at all.
Kubota DPF are claimed to last for 2,400 regeneration cycles - at my current 16 hours if my math is correct that works out to 38,000 engine hours before the DPF needs cleaning or replacement.

 

[SDT]

This outfit GPT-TUNING-TOOL | ECU tuning for your Kubota Tractor L3560 - 1.8L - Tier4 (bench) | performance increase - deletes - chip tuning claims it can reprogram the ECU to eliminate regenerations. My question is what about the muffler/DPF which is one unit and will still collect particles even with the ECU reprogrammed.
My L4760 regenerates every 16 hours due mostly to the RPM and load placed on the engine. Most of my work is in the woods winching or grappling brush/logs so the engine is not anywhere near at load.
In another link here I read about Diesel Flush a Power Service additive that claims it will clean out a DPF. I'm only one tank into trying this additive but my regeneration cycles have not changed at all.
Kubota DPF are claimed to last for 2,400 regeneration cycles - at my current 16 hours if my math is correct that works out to 38,000 engine hours before the DPF needs cleaning or replacement.

"[A]t my current 16 hours if my math is correct that works out to 38,000 engine hours before the DPF needs cleaning or replacement."

Don't hold your breath.

 

[BossofBBQ]

There’s a big difference between “gutting” a DPF and actually deleting the system properly.

Knocking the guts out of the DPF like people used to do with old catalytic converters doesn’t mean the tractor will run issue-free. Modern Tier 4 machines (Kubota included) rely on sensors and ECU logic to monitor soot load and regen cycles. If the DPF is hollowed out, the ECU is still expecting to see certain readings. When it doesn’t, you can end up with fault codes, derates, or the tractor constantly trying to regen for no reason.

That’s why most actual deletes involve ECU tuning. The tuning disables regen logic and adjusts fueling/monitoring so the system isn’t looking for a DPF that’s no longer functioning. Without that, you’re basically hoping the system doesn’t notice—and most of the time, it eventually will.

Looking at the big picture, modern diesel emissions systems in general, (EGR, DPF, SCR) force extra heat, soot, and unburned fuel into the engine and exhaust, causing carbon buildup, which usually needs cleaning. The frequent forced regenerations and added complexity create more failure points, shortening engine life if not constantly maintained. For this reason, I typically recommend removing those systems.

But just gutting the DPF alone is kind of a half-measure and not the same thing. Generally, to effectively do the job, you need to remove the DPF/DEF system, remove the EGR system (and install block off plates) and tune the ECU.

Not sure if it's been done properly, or is possible to do on a Kubota MX, but it works on just about any diesel pickup truck if properly done.

Yes, it will void your warranty. No it's not "legal" and yes, it's frowned upon by a lot of people nowadays.

 

[Paystar]

My experience is deletes will eventually come back to bite you. Some work great, but some of these tuners are less than reputable and I've seen many engines blow up eventually. I prefer to just not buy anything with a DPF any more, rather than having to take an expensive gamble.

 

[BossofBBQ]

My experience is deletes will eventually come back to bite you. Some work great, but some of these tuners are less than reputable and I've seen many engines blow up eventually. I prefer to just not buy anything with a DPF any more, rather than having to take an expensive gamble.

Quality tuning is very important, and it's oftentimes difficult to find a trustworthy company. I'd recommend Mini Maxx V2 tuning for the 6.7 Cummins/Powerstroke pickups. They are pretty much the go-to for those engines, but I don't think they have tunes compatible with anything else.

 

[tradosaurus]

I have read on a Kubota MX site where someone deleted the DPF just by taking the DPF off and knocking the stuff out of the center much like people use to do with the cat converters that came on their vehicles back in the 80's.
The person that did this on the site claims he has had zero issued after doing this to the DPF on the tractor.

Has anyone attempted to do this ? If so, Is it correct that it will cause no issues with the operation of the tractor ?
If that's true, I don't mind buying a newer tractor and knocking the stuffing out of the DPF, and using the tractor without it going into regen !

I must have read the same post on the MX Facebook group. I think the guy that did it said don't start the tractor after gutting the DPF without all the wires attached to the DPF?

 

[WM75Guy]

Several manufacturers do not use DPF for their under 75 HP engines. I am not a fan of DPF and regens for farm equipment. Before buying a new tractor and trying to delete the DPF, I would explore other options. Neither my 2020 NH Workmaster 75 or my 2025 JCB 270T 75 HP CTL have DPF. They both use DOC/EGR technology so no regens. Perhaps at some point the DOC may need to be serviced but with the minimal hours I put on my equipment I doubt I will have to deal with it.