Ash Removal Intervals for John Deere IT4 Construction Equipment
Last week we talked about John Deere PowerTech IT4 engines at or above 175 hp (130 kW) can go up to 15,000 hours between Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) ash removals [link to past post], which means less downtime and more efficiency on the job site. Now, let’s talk about what ash removal entails, and how you will know when service is required
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) in aftertreatment devices on John Deere Interim Tier 4 (IT4) engines need two types of periodic cleaning to operate correctly: First, an on-board process known as regeneration oxidizes soot collected inside the DPF and most often happens automatically with no impact to machine operation. Second, ash cleaning is required to remove accumulated ash inside the DPF. This process is needed less frequently and involves exchanging your filter for a clean one. The exchange must be made by your equipment dealer or other qualified service provider.
When will ash removal service be required on my John Deere IT4 construction machine?
After more than 700,000 test hours in the lab and field, and in excess of five million hours of use on over 20,000 John Deere IT4 engines in the market, the ash cleaning interval on the DPFs in John Deere construction machines at or above 175 hp (130 kW) has been shown to be as long as 15,000 hours. This compares to the U.S. EPA requirement for engine manufacturers that the ash-cleaning interval for engines in this horsepower category be at least 4,500 hours. John Deere’s long ash cleaning interval range is due to its advanced DPF design and condition-based filter monitoring – your machine will tell you when ash cleaning service is required to maintain proper filtration.
What about machines below 175 hp (130kW)?
Depending on conditions, John Deere IT4 construction machines with aftertreatment below 175 hp (130 kW) will likely have a DPF ash-cleaning interval between 3,000 and 8,000 hours. This shorter expected interval range compared to machines at or above 175 hp (130 kW) is due to reduced DPF capacity and different power levels and idle times during operation. The EPA minimum interval requirement is 3,000 hours for this horsepower category. Condition-based monitoring is used on these machines, too, so your machine will still tell you when it’s time for service.
Advanced DPF design and condition-based filter monitoring: Two leading features that help John Deere IT4 construction equipment deliver outstanding uptime and low operating costs.
