Tier 4 Interim Engines Have Landed
The Future of Emissions Is Here Today
To the end-users, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards for off-highway diesel engines seemed like a distant future-world full of clean-burning machines when they were introduced in 1996. For engine and machine manufacturers, that future was quickly approaching.
Less than one year from now, in January 2011, green Tier 4 Interim engines will flood the market. Last month, Caterpillar unveiled its next generation of products ready for Tier 4 Interim standards and UC’s own Contributing Editor Pam Stask caught a glimpse of the future of engines.
“Our Tier 4 Interim products will be delivered on time, on cost and with the quality, durability and reliability our customers expect and deserve,” said Caterpillar Group President, Stu Levenick. “Tier 4 Interim is the most aggressive and expensive product development initiative in Caterpillar history. With each new Tier, we continue to build upon our proven technologies, product development and strong dealer network.”
Caterpillar’s Tier 4 Interim engine technology includes state-of-the-art integrated system design built upon the success of the company’s ACERT technology. Additional technologies, including powertrain innovation and after-treatment devices, will be specifically tailored and applied to products to provide maximum value to customers while meeting the stringent emission requirements mandated by law.
“Our pricing strategy will focus on providing customers with the best value proposition in the market, a broad-based deployment process that minimizes disruption while at the same time allows the company to recover significant multi-year costs necessary to meet the new regulations,” said Levenick
Caterpillar’s significant research and development costs are primarily due to the new product introduction programs related to Tier 4 Interim emissions compliance.
“While the details have not yet been finalized, price actions associated with recovering the costs of Tier 4 Interim for our machines in the 130 through 560 kW power range may increase prices by as much as 12 percent over our Tier 4 Interim introduction time frame,” Levenick continued. “We anticipate the first increase, starting Jan. 1, 2011, to be about one third of the 12 percent increase. Pricing for commercial engine applications, such as electric power, industrial and petroleum, will vary depending on product and power range. We plan to initiate broad-based emissions related price actions also starting Jan. 1, 2011, for all products, including those utilizing transitional provisions.”
In 2004, the EPA and the European Union introduced Tier 4 and Stage IIIB/IV emission standards respectively, with effective dates ranging from 2008 to 2015. Tier 4 Final standards require emissions of particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to be reduced by more than 90 percent.
“It’s not just about emissions — our focus is on the customer,” said Marketing and Product Support Vice President Rod Beeler. “Our ultimate goal is to exceed expectations by developing products that are safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible without sacrificing performance.”
It is projected that Caterpillar will accumulate nearly 1 million hours of testing on Tier 4 Interim engines and machines by the end of 2010. During the strategy update, Caterpillar previewed some of its newly developed machines, including a 336E hydraulic excavator, 140M motor grader, 980H wheel loader and 775 off-highway truck. The company will also showcase its Tier 4 Interim readiness at the international trade show, Bauma 2010, this April in Munich, Germany.
What Does Tier 4 Mean to Me? The Engine Emissions FAQ
What are U.S. EPA Tier 4 regulations?
In 2004, the EPA published the final rule introducing Tier 4 emission standards, which are to be phased in over the period of 2008-2015. The Tier 4 standards require that emissions of particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) be further reduced by about 90 percent. Tier 4 emissions levels are similar to those required by the 2007-2010 standards for on-highway engines.
When do the new regulations begin to apply?
Tier 4 Interim emissions regulations will be phased in by engine power category, followed by Tier 4 Final standards.
The Tier 4 engine power categories are expressed in kilowatts (kW). Tier 4 began in 2008 for all engines under 19 kW, and for those greater than or equal to 19 kW but less than 56 kW. For engines in the 130 to 560 kW category, and those in the category for above 560 kW, Tier 4 Interim applies in 2011. Finally, for the 56 to 130 kW category, Tier 4 Interim applies in 2012. Tier 4 Final standards generally are applicable three years after the Tier 4 Interim start date.
What is Tier 4 Interim vs. Tier 4 Final?
Tier 4 Interim regulations begin in 2011 for most power categories and Tier 4 Final is phased beginning in 2014. Tier 4 Interim is intended to enable a gradual phase in to final regulations for manufacturers. Tier 4 Final regulations require additional reductions in NOx. Alternative phase-in periods from Interim to Final are intended to provide time to transfer technology from highway engines to off-road engines.
How will Tier 4 Interim machines change to Tier 4 Final machines?
Tier 4 Interim machine engines will require an additional 50 percent reduction in NOx emissions for Tier 4 Final. Caterpillar is researching and developing additional NOx reduction technologies, above and beyond technology currently planned for Tier 4 Interim, to meet this emissions regulation.
How will fuel economy compare from Tier 3 to Tier 4?
In terms of Caterpillar engines, Cat Tier 4 engines will have improved fuel consumption over its current Tier 3 engines. Fuel consumption could be up to 5 percent better, depending on application and load factor.
What fuel restrictions do these products have?
Tier 4 Interim products will require ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel containing a maximum of 15 ppm sulfur as opposed to current low-sulfur diesel (LSD), which contains 500 ppm sulfur maximum. ULSD by law must be widely available in the United States by June 2010.
Are there any oil restrictions for Tier 4 Interim products?
Tier 4 Interim products will require new oil formulations to support the new technology.
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