CAT 279D-Is dealer lying about need to remove engine to clean DPF and clear ECM code

[FLYWHEEL PRIME]

Do I have anything against the 242d3? No comprendo senor.

 

[servicem]

Hay algún problema con el modelo 242d3 con motor C3.3B del que debería preocuparme?

 

[KSSS]

As those Kubota motors are hitting 3 plus K here comes the gift that keeps giving. I believe this is the reason the new CAT machines are not running Kubota. Hopefully Taki bails on them as well.

 

[servicem]

As those Kubota motors are hitting 3 plus K here comes the gift that keeps giving. I believe this is the reason the new CAT machines are not running Kubota. Hopefully Taki bails on them as well.

So with that I'm guessing you think I should look at a different brand all together?

 

[Tyler d4c]

So with that I'm guessing you think I should look at a different brand all together?

They all have there share of problems. In cat though and though. At the end of the day at leaset locally they have the best parts and support even if they do need some extra fixing.

 

[KSSS]

So with that I'm guessing you think I should look at a different brand all together?

As Tyler pointed out they all have their issues. Its just this issue having to pull the motor to clean the DPF as part of a planned maintenance decision, just really sucks for the end user. I guess if you get one, just plan for that, or get out of it before that time comes.

 

[ozarkag]

I think it was mention on the forum somewhere that the newest software for the Cat skid steers removes the 3000 DPF service interval reminder. The Kubota engine in other applications does not require a preventive maintenance DPF service. It is only a maintenance reminder, not a code or actual issue.

 

[KSSS]

The fact that its a reminder, that can be ignored. The issue is when it actually needs to be serviced. Like the one in question. Its a filter and at some point, they have to cleaned or replaced. Having to pull the motor to do that whether it takes 16 hours or 30 is a ridiculous cost.

 

[FLYWHEEL PRIME]

I think a lot of people simply don't understand the functioning principles of the DPF and how much variation you will get based on operation styles. If you take 2 identical machines, same motor, same DPF, same everything, and put them in 2 different operating situations over a 3000 hour runtime, they will see drastically different results.

A machine that is run hard at high RPMs will most likely not have DPF issues, but mechanical linkages will be worn.

A machine that idles constantly or doesn't see consistent loading and heat cycles will have premature DPF clogging and EGR valve failures, but less mechanical wear.

All that to say, DPF service is an inevitability, you cannot escape it, quite literally the laws of physics won't allow it.

 

[Zewnten]

So with that I'm guessing you think I should look at a different brand all together?

Buy who ever is the most reputable dealer you have. This is like getting married, you're going to be building a relationship with the service and parts departments. Don't pick a bad one.

If I had options personally no I would not pick a Cat skid with a Kubota engine. Most techs don't know how to diagnose them and shotgun parts at them. But again the dealer is more important

 

[KSSS]

I think a lot of people simply don't understand the functioning principles of the DPF and how much variation you will get based on operation styles. If you take 2 identical machines, same motor, same DPF, same everything, and put them in 2 different operating situations over a 3000 hour runtime, they will see drastically different results.

A machine that is run hard at high RPMs will most likely not have DPF issues, but mechanical linkages will be worn.

A machine that idles constantly or doesn't see consistent loading and heat cycles will have premature DPF clogging and EGR valve failures, but less mechanical wear.

All that to say, DPF service is an inevitability, you cannot escape it, quite literally the laws of physics won't allow it.

That is exactly right. How you run them makes a huge difference on how long the DPF will last. I think SCR is the very same. Run them harder and there are far less problems. I had a straight 4i DPF machine in 2015 it was a CASE SV300. We ran it hard for 2000 hours and not one DPF issue. I can say the same for SCR. I have yet to lose time or have any repairs related to DEF problems and I have had 6 machines. If you baby them I think your more likely to have emission issues. What makes it difficult is SSL/CTLs are frequently used that way.

 

[Keith Malatesta]

DPF cleaning is only $250 bucks around here in VA so as long as it's only dirty it can be cleaned. 95% of the time turbos failure causes oil entry and costs to catalyst and failure occurs.
Why I stress checking turbos and air filters!!

Where in VA you at? I am near the airport with a 2021 299D3 with 2600 hrs that is throwing the 523602-0 code.

 

[FLYWHEEL PRIME]

@Keith Malatesta Anybody claiming $250 for a DPF cleaning is almost guaranteed to require it out of the machine. My personal experience, by the time you spend effort removing engine to get to the DPF mounts, you can spend less than $250 and just clean it yourself (assuming you already own a pressure washer and know how to weld).