I currently have a 2wd MX4700, but I have found a 4wd MX4800 that I could possibly get. I'm new to Kubotas in general, and especially any tractor with the Regen on it. Would the MX4800 be be a better overall tractor even with the regen? I know the 4wd would be an upgrade. Both tractors have around 700 hours, and both have FEL. Is the regen really that troublesome, or has that been exaggerated? Thanks for any suggestions or input.
MX4700 or MX4800?
- Thread starter KYCase69
- Start date
jyoutz
Well-known member
Premium Member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
4wd is always a plus on these lighter tractors. Today I chisel plowed my dry and hard packed garden. Nine seventeen inch chisels on the plow. In 2wd I blogged down. Flipped it into 4wd and it plowed easy.
4WD is definitely a plus for many, but it'll depend on how and where you use the tractor.
The DPF and regen is a completely different conversation, and honest answers to these four questions might help. Obviously the intent with these questions is to compare a tractor with DPF/EGR/regen to one without. I've owned one tractor without DPF and three with.
- How does DPF/EGR/regen make a difference to the user?
- For open station tractors in particular the reduction in unpleasant emissions can be noticeable
- Extended idling isn't recommended due to the accumulation of carbon (soot) and ash in the DPF resulting in more start/stop vs. idling (could lead to shorter starter/battery life)
- Increase in engine rpm when operating to reduce particulates entering the DPF
- Need to pay attention to PM warning levels and understand what to do and when to do it
- Need to run the tractor while a regen is occurring
- Need to override a regen if necessary
- Increased fire risk (tractor and what's around it if you're inattentive)
- Increased fuel consumption (higher rpm, regens)
- Increased noise (higher rpm)
- Increase in oil change frequency (EGR)
- What are the potential short-term issues with DPF/EGR/regen?
- If you don't pay attention to PM warning levels and act accordingly the tractor might need to go to the dealer for inspection/service/repair
- What are potential long-term issues with DPF/EGR/regen?
- Cost and downtime due to DPF relacement
- Shorter engine life due to EGR
- Shorter starter/battery life
- What options are available?
- DPF/EGR delete via ECU reflash (programmer or bench)
Having owned three tractors with DPF I will say that if you understand the different PM warning levels and act accordingly it really isn't a big deal. What we see here time and time again are owners who don't read operator's manuals, don't understand what's going on with the regen system, and then make BS claims about how their tractor mysteriously got to PM warning level 4. You can't fix stupid or lazy.
EGR is not good however you slice it, but DPF isn't a big deal until the filter needs to be replaced and even then it might not be a big deal. It might be expensive, but replacing the filter isn't hard assuming that the ECU hasn't had an aneurism due to the filter being clogged, so DIY could be an option. But if you ever get to the point where a DPF replacement is required you can always choose to delete which will probably be significantly cheaper. Of course, that option is also available before the DPF needs to be replaced.
On my MX regen normally happens during use and I normally don’t notice it right away (I am usually looking where going and behind me and have muffs or earplugs in - the odor is what tips me off versus the lights/beeps). I would not let that affect my decision of the correct size machine for my uses. That being said if I could have a machine same size and abilities and vintage as my MX without regen I would prefer simpler.
as far as 2WD vs 4WD…IMO 4WD makes them do the work of a larger tractor…however machine weight is still a limiting factor. If you feel your current is running out of traction I would think deeply (maybe demo a few) whether 4WD is what missing or need more machine weight. YMMV.
MXs in general very capable within their size and class and offer lots of value. Hard to go wrong with MX if it’s the right size. Good luck.
as far as 2WD vs 4WD…IMO 4WD makes them do the work of a larger tractor…however machine weight is still a limiting factor. If you feel your current is running out of traction I would think deeply (maybe demo a few) whether 4WD is what missing or need more machine weight. YMMV.
MXs in general very capable within their size and class and offer lots of value. Hard to go wrong with MX if it’s the right size. Good luck.