How Long Does Kubota Regen Take?

Kubota tractors have many different models. One of the ways we categorize them is whether they have a diesel particulate filter (DPF). If your tractor has one, or you plan to purchase one from us, you have to know about the regeneration time. So, how long does Kubota regen take?

The regeneration, or regen in short, is a process that diesel Kubota tractors with DPF need to go through to combust the pollutants in the DPF after a certain time of engine operation. We always advise our clients not to ignore the regeneration process so they can keep the machine running properly.

With our expert guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the Kubota regen process to ensure proper performance and a cleaner filter. Let’s get started!

How Long Does Kubota Regen Take?

The regeneration is an emission control system process. When regenerating, the engine adjusts the operating temperatures to burn off the accumulated soot. That helps reduce emissions and maintain optimal filter performance. While it seems complicated, we assure you the regeneration process is quick and easy.

The regeneration duration of Kubota diesel tractors depends on several factors, such as the soot amount accumulated in the DPF, the tractor model, and engine size. As a rule of thumb, Kubota tractors need around 20 minutes to complete the regeneration process.

Besides providing you with the best tractors, our goal as one of the trusted Kubota tractor repair service providers is to educate you on how to use the machine properly. We will discuss more about the regeneration process below.

DPF Regeneration on Kubota Tractor

You should always follow the Kubota DPF regeneration instructions we provide when purchasing the tractor. The DPF filter light indicates that it is full and has a specific amount of PM. Hence, it needs to be burned off. 

But when the DPF filter light flashes, you should do regeneration. You will have two options:

• Initiate the regeneration process
• Press the inhibit switch to delay the regen process for later

We recommend delaying the regeneration process if you don’t want hot exhaust from your machine. Simply put, it is not wise to begin regeneration if you operate the tractor in an enclosed area like a shed or something similar.

To avoid having Kubota regeneration problems, you should know the differences between the two modes of regeneration: parked and auto regeneration. Whether or not your tractor is equipped with an auto regen option depends on the model.

The steps for regeneration vary slightly according to the model, so it is best to follow the Kubota regeneration instructions. But we provided the general steps of how it is done in the following.

Automated or Parked Regeneration

If your tractor features automated and parked regeneration, it is important to know which instructions you should follow. The lights that will appear on your dash will tell you what mode of regeneration is required.

For instance, if only the regen light starts flashing on your tractor dash, the machine needs an automated regeneration. Yet, you can check the table below for the parked regeneration.

How to do an automated regeneration on a Kubota tractor

You won’t have to do anything special to do an auto regeneration on Kubota tractors. When the regeneration indicator starts flashing, keeping the tractor running will be your job.

As the name suggests, the regeneration process will start automatically. You must ensure you are in a working area where it is safe to have higher exhaust temperatures than normal.

During the regeneration process, the engine RPM increase indicator might appear on your dash. This happens when the regeneration conditions are unmet. You can turn it off by increasing the RMP if it starts to flash.

Important note: Damage to your DPF or engine might occur if you interrupt the regeneration process or ignore the warning signs. Typically, Kubota tractors have four PM warning levels. We explained them in the table here:

How to do a parked regen on a Kubota tractor

The parked regeneration operating procedure is initiated slightly differently from the automated one. To do it, you should follow these steps:

1. Turn on the engine.
2. Find the DPF inhibit switch and switch it on to turn on the regeneration inhibit mode.
3. Wait for the parked regeneration indicator to start flashing.
4. When it does, drive the tractor to a safe place.
5. Ensure all implements are on the ground.
6. Put the tractor in neutral.
7. Put the throttle on idle.
8. Lock the parking brake.
9. Push the parked regeneration button.

While the parked regeneration is in progress, you have to avoid touching anything. You shouldn’t switch the levers, throttle, switches, or else. 

This is also important for the RPM because the tractor will control it by itself during the parked regeneration mode. It will raise the RPM to the required level and finish the regeneration.

Considering all of these steps, how long does Kubota parked regen take? Like the automated, the regeneration process is typically completed in 20 minutes. However, certain models may sometimes need up to 40 minutes to finish the parked regen process.

Indicators of when the Kubota regeneration process is completed

You may check your dash to see how the process progresses. Here are the meanings of the lights you will come across in the process:

• A flashing regen light means your tractor needs regeneration.
• A solid regen light means the regeneration process is in progress.
• The regeneration light will go off when the process is finished.

How Often Should You Do Regeneration on Kubota Tractors?

Several factors will determine how often your tractor needs regen. The most important are:

• Kubota tractor model
• How you use the tractor
• How long you let the tractor run idle
• The typical RPM with which you drive the tractor

Kubota tractors build up particles as they work. After you have worked with the tractor for certain hours, the tractor will require regeneration. 

Generally, Kubota tractors may need regen after 15 to 20 hours of operation. Some customers have reported their tractors can go up to 50 hours without regeneration.

Conclusion

How long does Kubota regen take? As said, it might take around 20 minutes. So, we always remind our clients about the importance of the regeneration process. 

Understanding how the regen process is done and how often you need to do it will let you plan your work. In addition, you can minimize downtime and enhance the longevity of your equipment.