Massey Ferguson DPF Delete: Procedure, Pros and Cons

Diesel Particulate Matter, DPF, is a critical component in the protection of the environment against pollution through vehicle emissions. Tractor engines emit a lot of gases into the atmosphere and the DPF has greatly reduced the effects of these emissions on the environment.

Although DPF comes with massive solutions to environmental pollution and is a legal requirement, it has its disadvantages when it comes to engine efficiencies and overall tractor operations. As such, there are tendencies of tractor owners to want to remove the DPF from their tractors for a variety of reasons.

Can DPF be removed or deleted from the Massey Ferguson tractor/computer system? If yes, how should it be carried out? This article will take you through the DPF deletion process and also provide details on the pros and cons of this action.

DPF Removal

A majority of tractor operators prefer removing the DPF to repairing it whenever it brings issues. Apart from the nagging issue of DPF regeneration every few days (sometimes hours), other problems such as clogging, failed regenerations, and reduced fuel efficiencies, are other nagging matters that are closely related to the DPF.

To ease the pressure on DPF-related problems, one can opt to remove the DPF completely from the Massey Ferguson tractor. Removing the DPF system in a Massey Ferguson tractor (as it is in other heavy trucks and other agricultural machinery) is more beneficial as these tractors' DPF is susceptible to failure owing to the tough working conditions and long hours they put up every day.Moreover, alongside the DPF removal, one can also remove the EGR system from the tractor.

The DPF removal in a tractor involves two processes-

• Manual/physical DPF removal
• DPF software removal

1) Physical DPF Removal

This involves the mechanical removal of the filter known as the DPF. It is a component located in the tractor's exhaust pipe system. The DPF is a box/cylindrical device which have a honeycomb-like mesh fitted inside. This mesh traps all the particulate matter while allowing all other exhaust gases to pass through. The filter contains a series of sensors that link it to the tractor ECU for management and control.

To remove the DPF from your tractor,

• Locate your DPF (usually, it is closest to the engine in the exhaust system)
• Check to find out how it is fixed in the system (whether bolted or welded)
• Unbolt or un-weld the filter as the case may be
• Once removed, open it up (by cutting along the weld seams)
• Pour out/remove the mesh filter ( a DPF is typically a normal filter) inside
• Re-weld the filter along the seams and fix it back correctly into place.

In some cases, one can re-weld a special pipe that takes the place of the now-useless DPF.

Once the mesh has been removed, the DPF becomes a normal device within the exhaust pipe that now allows exhaust gases and all particulate particles to pass through and move on to the muffler, and eventually into the environment.

2) DPF Software Removal

This is also called DPF delete. While it is easy to physically remove the DPF device, it is quite the opposite to delete the DPF from your tractor. DPF delete involves removing the DPF program from the tractor's computer system (ECU) to ensure the tractor no longer senses the DPF (or its absence) and does not display error messages coming from a 'missing' DPF.

A DPF delete should render the ECU to operate as if it has never had a DPF system. As such, a DPF delete is a process of deactivating, removing, or disabling the DPF and all associated programs in the tractor computer system.

Without a DPF delete, a physical DPF removal is useless since the entire DPF system is a computer-controlled program. DPF delete involves reprogramming the tractor's ECU such that it does not detect the DPF and therefore will not trigger the usual regeneration cycles or report errors from the engine.

The delete is done using specialized software that reprograms or re-maps the ECU to completely remove any program related to the DPF. This should be done by a software specialist for any error could destroy your tractor computer, forever.

To do this

• Find a suitable software to perform the delete/re-mapping (for example Ecusafe, Galleto, Winols, Swiftec, or MPPS)
• Locate the ECU OBD2 port and connect your gadget to access the ECU
• Perform the delete/re-programing/re-mapping of the DPF software

During this DPF removal, the process involves:

• Reprogramming the DPF calculator to ensure it does not continue with the usual particulate calculations for regeneration.
• Deactivating the regeneration mechanisms of the DPF
• Deactivating the DPF sensors to ensure they do not send any signal to the ECU concerning the DPF
• Reprogramming the entire DPF system to completely remove/disconnect it from the computer system.

The DPF software delete may involve one of these available options:

• You can read and save the original program before installing a new one (depending on the software at hand)
• Delete the original program and install a new one (remapping)
• Install 'tricking' software that allows the ECU to have a false reading that the DPF is up and running properly.

Remember that DPF software removal is a permanent operation that cannot be reversed.

Additionally, as you remove the DPF canister and the related software, you may have the urge to do away with the EGR (Exhaust Gases Reticulation) as well. The EGR re-circulates some exhaust gases to reduce the engine's emissions by lowering its efficiency. The EGR is another problematic component that adds up to the cost of maintenance of the tractor. You could easily remove the EGR valve and then have the entire system completely turned off.

The Pros of DPF Removal

DPF delete/removal is overly intended to bring a host of advantages to the Massey Ferguson tractor, and also to the operator. The main objective of DPF removal is to minimize engine issues associated with it. DPF removal may bring the following advantages:

1) Resolving DPF-related Problems

The most important factor leading to the removal of the DPF in a tractor is to resolve or reduce all DPF-related issues that arise especially with regeneration and clogging. The constant regeneration of the DPF impacts negatively the engine performance as it is never without issues. Among the common DPF issues are

• A failed regeneration that results in engine inefficiency and constant error messages
• Time wastage every so often for the regeneration procedure.
• Fuel consumption during the regeneration process
• Increased maintenance costs due to issues arising from regeneration.
• Possibility of mechanical problems if regeneration is not properly done

Without the DPF, a lot of these issues will not arise and this will provide a cost-effective operation with the Massey Ferguson.

2) Increased Fuel Economy/Efficiency

With the DPF out of the way, fuel economy and efficiency for the Massey Ferguson will improve. The regular regeneration process consumes a lot of fuel as extra fuel is usually injected into the DPF burner to oxidize the particulates.

3) Improved Throttle Response

Without the DPF, the full potential of the engine is realized and the tractor responds well to the throttle, increasing power output, and by extension, its overall performance.

4) Extended Service Span/Life

The removal of DPF reduces exhaust gas reticulation and exhaust gas temperatures. These reduce the engine tear and wear as performance improves. Thus, the service cycles and the overall life span of the engine are greatly improved.

5) Reduced Maintenance Costs

Problems relating to the DPF and DPF regeneration consume a lot of time and money as they get resolved. With the DPF out of the way, the time and cost factor of dealing with these problems and their related maintenance is greatly reduced. Additionally, tractors' DPFs get clogged and damaged quite often due to their heavy work, and replacing a DP is quite expensive.

The Cons of DPF Removal

The removal of the DPF in your Massey Ferguson tractor tags along the following cons:

1) Air Pollution

If DPF removal is healthy for your tractor, it is the opposite for your health. The first and obvious impact of DPF removal is the release of particulates and harmful emissions into the environment, raising the health risks of the people.

2) Possible Engine Failure

The removal of the DPF and the eventual remapping of the ECU may interfere with the normal running of your tractor engine, resulting in total engine failure. The ECU computer programming may fail to accommodate the delete, leading to the possible collapse of the system.

3) It is illegal

DPF delete is illegal and can lead to costly fines, impounds, or even incarceration if indeed it is discovered.

4) Loss of Warranty and Insurance

Once you remove your DPF, your tractor loses any manufacturer's warranty that may be in force. Moreover, even the insurance is at risk for the action of DPF removal is an unlawful interference with your tractor.

5) DPF Error Messages

If some parts of the DPF software remain in the tractor computer system, there is the likelihood that the tractor may fall back into DPF-related issues such as error messages, DPF light coming on, as well as a host of other warnings. These will create more problems for your tractor.

That is what DPF delete will do to your Massey Ferguson tractor.