Massey Ferguson: Clean Air, No DPF

Massey Ferguson 1700M Series Compact Tractors with No DPF

"DPF", as you probably know, stands for Diesel Particulate Filter. The technology has been around for off-road machines since 1980.

But beginning in 1994, emissions standards began to change for off-road diesel engines. At that time, the EPA and all the major diesel engine manufacturers created agreements on admission standards. Starting with Tier 1, each tier defined more stringent regulations. Tier 4, the final set of regulations, was rolled out in 2014. As each phase of the standards was rolled out, diesel engine manufacturers worked to outfit engines with new components. They also created aftermarket refits to match the new standards.

When the DPF was designed to capture diesel engine particulate matter from diesel engine emissions, it was seen as a big step forward. Diesel particulates are the unburned carbon solid particles that are released from the engine. The DPF prevented these particles from being released into the air, so the tractor no longer "smokes."

Unfortunately, DPF systems were sometimes less efficient than expected, needed considerable maintenance, and had unexpected breakdowns that cost the operators time and money. The advent of the new technology solved these issues. And while large tractors were being offered with no DPF, compact tractors still carried DPF technology and all its attendant problems.

Massey 1735 - 1760M Models: NO DPF

Massey Ferguson 1740M Premium Compact Tractor Image1Massey's larger tractors have run with a DEF system rather than DPF for some time now, and it's been successful.

So in 2018, the company redesigned the 1700M Series featuring clean-burning Tier 4-compliant turbocharged diesel engines. Five models range from 36-60 hp. The MF1735M and MF1740M are equipped with a Shibaura 3-cylinder diesel. The MF1750M, MF1755M and MF1760M are equipped with Shibaura 4-cylinder diesel engines.

Tier 4 emissions standards are met without using an expensive DPF filter on these tractors. Instead, by introducing an exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), emissions are reduced to acceptable levels while resulting in maintenance free systems.

The Downsides are Gone for Good

Downsides of the DPF were excessive heat buildup, downtime related to emissions, and higher maintenance costs. The non-DPF engines can be shut down at any time without fear of bypassing necessary regeneration. Massey Ferguson says they have seen high success with the Shibaura engines they first installed in the economy compact lineup, and decided that "placing them in the latest premium compact tractors made a lot of sense."

Emissions system maintenance is now practically trouble-free. You'll save time and fuel, and avoid the intense heat that used to build in the exhaust system during the filter regeneration process. Come in and ask our tractor experts for a demo of a 1700M Series Massey Ferguson compact.

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