A smaller, more efficient after-treatment device provides more space under the hood
The 5045E, 5055E, 5065E, and 5075E Utility Tractors meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Final Tier 4 (FT4) exhaust emissions regulations with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)/diesel particulate filter (DPF) system. Modifying the after-treatment device resulted in better forward and side visibility around the hood. The hood slope of the updated design is comparable to the Tier 2 tractors previously produced. Similar to the system on the 5M, the purpose of the DOC/DPF combination is to reduce toxic gases emitted from the exhaust, as well as to filter particulate matter to prevent it from becoming airborne.
As the tractor continues to operate over time, as is the case with any filter, the DPF will accumulate particulate matter and will need to be cleaned. It is cleaned through a process called regeneration. During a regeneration cycle, exhaust temperatures increase to burn off the excess particulate matter. On a John Deere 5 Series Tractor equipped with a DOC/DPF, the operator does not need to provide any input to trigger the regeneration process.
Exhaust filter cleaning switch
On the dash is an exhaust filter cleaning switch. As long as this switch remains in the auto position, the tractor is in full control of the regeneration process and will regenerate on an as-needed basis during operation. The operator just continues to operate the tractor as normal while the regeneration process takes place.
There may be times a tractor is operating in an environment not suitable for a regeneration cycle, such as in a confined area or during service. For this reason, the bottom section of the exhaust filter cleaning switch can be depressed to disable the regeneration. The disable position allows the operator to temporarily inhibit the regeneration cycle. The operator should return the switch to auto mode as soon as possible to avoid continued soot buildup in the exhaust filter, which can lead to a parked regeneration. John Deere does not recommend disabling the automatic exhaust filter cleaning unless it is absolutely necessary.
The simplicity and intuitiveness of the exhaust filter cleaning switch maximizes uptime by minimizing the operator’s input into the regeneration process. This increases the overall productivity of the tractor by reducing the chances of a parked regeneration. The operator-friendly interface allows the operator to easily complete the task at hand, even during the regeneration process.