The Durable And Reliable Engine - Caterpillar
New diesel engine technology designed to meet the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission regulations will make a big difference to the environment, but manufacturers of lower horsepower engines say, for the most part, rental businesses will not experience change in their day-to-day operations.
In 2004, the EPA announced a rule to reduce emissions from nonroad diesel engines. Specifically, emission levels from construction equipment, agricultural equipment, used concrete equipments and industrial diesel-powered equipment will be reduced by more than 90 percent.
To gain the greatest emission reductions, the EPA rule specifies integrating engine and fuel controls similar to those already used in highway trucks and buses. While there are only a few engine models for trucks and buses, there are many engine models and ratings for relatively lower volumes of specialized non-road machines, such as track-type tractors or industrial power equipment. Caterpillar alone, for example, offers more than 200 engine models and ratings used to power its own equipment.
Caterpillar’s compact engines that are 2.2 liters (50 hp) and below are compliant with Tier 4A (Tier 4 Interim) with no visible differences.
Maintenance for Caterpillar equipments in this range is going to be very similar to engines designed to meet the requirements of previous tiers. Oil change intervals will remain at 500 hours, which is standard on Caterpillar products.
Our compact engines are recognized for durability and reliability,” says Mike Reinhart, marketing manager, Caterpillar industrial power systems. Going from Tier 3 to Tier 4 Interim, there’s no impact on componentry. What we’re trying to do when we go from one emission level to the next is improve the overall content, processes and parts’ reliability.
