Do Kubota Tractors Use Def?
Kubota tractors have one of the most powerful diesel engines. They are renowned for their reliability and efficiency. With diesel-powered engines comes a great responsibility for preserving the environment. But do Kubota tractors use DEF?
If you are seeking the ultimate answer about diesel exhaust fluid and Kubota tractors and are curious to find out if they require DEF, our Wickham Tractor team will help you. We will reveal the ultimate factor that determines when DEF is used in Kubota tractors.
Do Kubota Tractors Use DEF?
Selective Catalytic Reduction systems are used to reduce the amount of pollution generated by diesel engines. More specifically, the SCR reduces the nitrogen oxide emissions that the exhaust gas produces.
For the SCR to function effectively, it requires diesel exhaust fluid or DEF in short. So, do Kubota tractors use def fluid?
Whether Kubota tractors require diesel exhaust fluid or not depends on their horsepower. If the tractor you have or plan to purchase has a diesel engine with more than 75HP, it should have an SCR system and will require DEF.
What Kubota tractors use DEF more specifically? Typically, the utility tractors, both new and pre owned Kubota tractors, use DEF. They include but are not limited to:
- The M5 series (for instance, models M5-091 and M5-111)
- The M6 series (such as the M6-101, M6-111, M6-131 and M6-141 models)
- The M5N series (including the M4N-071, M5N-091 and M5N-111)
However, it’s good to note that certain Kubota tractor models are up to 100 HP but don’t have an SCR and don’t require DEF. But these models have specially designed engines and are sold only on the Chinese market.
Do all new Kubota tractors use DEF?
There is a common misconception that the year the tractor is manufactured determines whether it requires a DEF. However, the year of manufacturing doesn’t play a role in whether a tractor will require diesel exhaust fluid.
Consequently, there are new series and models of Kubota tractors that don’t have SCR systems. So, they don’t use DEF.
Are there any specific Kubota tractor models that do not use DEF?
There are many Kubota tractors that don’t use DEF. But do small Kubota tractors use DEF? The short answer is no. Generally, all small Kubota tractors are below 75HP, and they do not use diesel exhaust fluid.
They include certain series from the specialty and utility tractors. For instance, the following Kubota tractor series don’t use DEF:
Characteristics of DEF and Storage Recommendations
The DEF solution is a fluid that contains urea and water with high purity. There are two types of DEF: AUS 32 and AUS 40. Agriculture equipment, including tractors, uses AUS 32 with 32.5% synthetic automotive grade urea.
The main characteristic of DEF is that it is non-explosive and non-hazardous. Due to its water content, the DEF can freeze if it is stored in cold temperatures.
On the other hand, if you store it at high temperatures, the DEF might break down into ammonia. The ideal storing temperature is between 40°F and 80°F. The fluid must be stored in a well-sealed container in a ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
How to Check the DEF Levels on a Tractor
Depending on the tractor model, there might be a dipstick, as there is with engine oil, so you can check the DEF levels. There are also tractors where you can visually see the DEF level because they have a sight glass on the tank.
Filling the DEF
DEF should be added only by using the specialized fill part. Typically, the DEF tank is located near the diesel tank. To distinguish it from the diesel tank, you should check the color of the cap. DEF tanks have a blue cap, while diesel fuel tanks have green caps.
Once you locate the tank, you should remove the cap and put DEF into the tank. When you are done, put the cap back on and write down when you have refilled the DEF for future maintenance.
How Often Will You Need to Fill up DEF?
The EPA regulations have set clear regulations about the DEF refill intervals:
- Vehicles with 400-mile fuel range: Refill every tenth fuel fill up.
- Vehicles with an oil change every 7,500 miles: DEF refill every oil change and no more than once between two oil changes.
These regulations are set as an industry standard. However, we advise you to check the Kubota operating instructions of the model you own.
In addition, if it is time to refill the DEF, you will get a warning light on your dashboard. Kubota tractors that use DEF have different lights with the following meanings:
- DEF level low
- DEF poor quality
- DEF trouble
- DEF freeze
Keep in mind that the DEF warning lights can either stay solid on your dashboard or flash. In addition, the Kubota warning light for DEF can be yellow and red.
For instance, if your DEF tank level is at 15%, the warning light will be solid yellow. However, if your tank level is at 5 %, you will get a flashing yellow warning light, which is a level 1 inducement. If you reach the inducement level 2, the warning light on your Kubota tractor will be red and continuously flashing.
Factors That Influence the DEF Usage of Tractors
The DEF consumption of Kubota tractors and all vehicles, in general, is related to fuel consumption. The optimal DEF consumption ranges between 2% and 3% of the fuel used. For instance, if you use 100 gallons per year, you should expect your DEF levels to drop by 2 to 3 gallons.
However, these are just averages. The actual DEF usage of your Kubota tractor depends on several factors, including operating conditions, climate, and DEF’s quality.
The common workload and operating conditions may impact the DEF consumption. For example, if you are working with heavy loads or have other demanding applications, your DEF usage might be higher.
In addition, environmental conditions are also quite important when it comes to DEF usage. Working in hot and dry weather typically requires more DEF, while colder and high-humidity conditions reduce DEF consumption.
As Kubota distributors, one of the best advice we can give you about their models with DEF is to use only high-quality fluid. While you might think that you can save money by purchasing a more affordable and low-grade DEF, the reality is that you will have higher usage. In certain cases, unsuitable DEF might lead to engine issues.
Ultimately, if there is a leakage or other damage to the DEF and SCR system, your tractor might start using more DEF than normal. If you notice such a thing, you should immediately have it repaired.
What happens if your tractor runs out of DEF?
First and foremost, you should never run out of DEF. As your DEF tank gets lower than the recommended level, the engine torque and speed will be reduced. Running out of DEF might damage your engine and cause downtime.
Conclusion
Do Kubota tractors use DEF? To sum up, it depends on their horsepower. Now that you know it, you can confidently check out our Kubota tractor offer and find the perfect model for your needs.
We offer new and pre-owned agricultural Kubota tractors to fit your budget. If you need any further assistance with Kubota tractors and their DEF usage, you can contact us or pay us a visit to one of our five locations in Colorado.