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Tier 4 Interim Engines Have Landed
The One-Armed Loader
Rock Around the Equipment Block
Trade Show Travelogue
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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.”
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. |
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.
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The One-Armed Loader
Volvo and JCB Join Manufacturing Forces
 The current economic slump has brought on some interesting mergers and acquisitions. The latest being a framework agreement between JCB and Volvo Construction Equipment, under which they will cooperate on the engineering and manufacturing of skid steer loader and compact track loader products for distribution under their respective brands and through their respective global dealer networks.
“Volvo has decided to work with JCB for the manufacturing of skid steers and to use its own manufacturing footprint capabilities for other products,” said Beatrice Cardon, Volvo Vice President of Corporate Communication. “They will be one-armed skid steer loaders and track loaders, but Volvo CE designers and engineers will be involved in the project and will ensure that the products meet the high standards expected of all Volvo machines. They will eventually be available all over the world. The launch schedule will be determined in line with our global marketing strategy.”
It is envisioned that the first mono boom Volvo branded machines will be in production at JCB’s Savannah, Ga., facility by the year’s end. Volvo Construction Equipment will then transition skid steer loader models over time from its Pederneiras facility in Brazil.
“This agreement will allow us to combine forces in this key product area, enabling both brands to compete more effectively,” said John Patterson, Deputy Chairman of JCB.
“Volvo customers will benefit from a wider range of models that maintain the high level of product safety and functionality that they expect,” added Olof Persson, Volvo Construction Equipment President.
Rock Around the Equipment Block
Case Awards Prizes
 Case Construction Equipment awarded each of the three winners of its Rockin’ Block Party sweepstakes with a new Case 430 skid steer loader, valued at more than $47,000. A random drawing conducted on Dec. 14 selected American Abatement, San Antonio; WWF Construction, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and R-Crow Construction, Terrell, Texas, as grand prize sweepstakes winners.
“The response to the Rockin’ Block Party celebration was extraordinary,” said Ion Warner, Senior Director of Marketing. “Thousands of Case customers participated in the events hosted by more than 20 Case dealers throughout North America.”
During the past three years, Case has raised nearly $200,000 in support of Habitat for Humanity, and Case and its dealers have helped build several homes in their local communities.
“The Case Rockin’ Block Party events provided an opportunity for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to accept donations, generate awareness and recruit volunteers,” Warner said. “Some Case dealerships also participated in local Habitat for Humanity home builds.”
Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates homes and sells them at no profit, and with zero-percent-interest mortgages, to low-income, first-time home buyers. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.
Case also announced winners of its Rockin’ Block Party skid steer story contest. Grand prize winners each received a $1,000 CNH Capital card. The four grand prize winners were: Douglas Bullerman, Adrian, Minn.; Doug Eastwood, Medina, Ohio; Roger Betland, Dayton, Minn.; and William Jackson, DeMotte, Ind. Another 20 winners were drawn for first through fifth place and received prizes, including jackets, t-shirts and hats.
Throughout 2009, as part of the Rockin’ Block Party celebration of the 40th anniversary of Case skid steer loaders, customers were invited to climb into the cab of a Case skid steer loader for a demo and a chance to win a new machine. T he events raised more than $50,000 in support of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates across North America.
A complete list of story winners is available at www.CaseRocks.com.
Trade Show Travelogue
 Between the Utility Construction EXPO, World of Concrete and The Rental Show, the Utility Contractor crew had a busy travel schedule in January and February. While the show attendance was still down compared to their heyday several years ago, the atmosphere was much more positive than last year — and that shined through in the number of new machines. Equipment manufacturers came out in force to show their customers that they’re here to stay and help. Here are a few of the mechanical marvels the UC crew was lucky enough to check out.
Gehl Articulated Loaders
 The compact wheel loader market has grown with the introduction of the Gehl Co. compact articulated loader models 140, 340 and 540. Three all-new, uniquely sized loaders are designed to fit both the budget and the application at hand. Gehl articulated loaders feature tipping loads ranging from 1,900 to more than 5,100 lbs (when not articulated) and rated operating capacities from 950 to more than 2,550 lbs.
“We are very excited to offer this new and innovative product line to our dealer network and customers world-wide,” said Daniel Keyes, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. “The new Gehl articulated loaders fill a very important niche in the compact equipment market. With these new models and the Gehl dealer network to support them, Gehl Co. is confident these new loaders will become a vital product for our customers and dealer network.”
Compact sizes from as narrow as 41 in. on the model 140 allow easy access to extremely tight spaces. Articulated steering allows for turns up to 45 degrees, which further enables these compact loaders to navigate confined spaces while minimizing damage to sensitive surfaces and reducing tire wear. Gehl articulated loaders come equipped with industry-proven Yanmar diesel engines, which feature Interim Tier 4-certified emission technology. Horsepowers range from 23 hp on the model 140 to 47 hp on the model 540.
Honda Engines
Honda introduced an all-new generation of its versatile and reliable GX and iGX Series of general purpose engines at the 2010 World of Concrete show in Las Vegas. The new generation GX Series, features four all-new models. The new GX240, GX270, GX340 and GX390 engine models are overhead valve (OHV), horizontal shaft engines that offer users durable power for a wide range of demanding commercial, construction and rental applications.
The new GX models produce 6 percent more power than previous models, making them among the most powerful engines in each of their respective categories. And the GX doesn’t sacrifice fuel efficiency for power — the large GX engines increase fuel efficiency by 12 percent.
In addition to the new GX Series, Honda is expanding its iGX Series with an all-new iGX340 and iGX390 engine.
The iGX Series offers further enhancements to the GX Series, incorporating an electronic self-tuning regulator (STR) governor. Similar to GX, iGX engines are also OHV horizontal shaft engines, yet provide additional advanced technologies for more complex applications.
Bobcat M-Series Compact Excavators
 The new E42, E45 and E50 models join the Bobcat M-Series compact excavator line in the 4- to 5-ton weight class. The E42 is a conventional tail swing unit with an operating weight of 9,246 lbs. The E45 features zero tail swing and weighs 10,077 lbs, while the E50 is a minimal tail swing model weighing 10,677 lbs. The E42 and E45 come with a 41.8-hp, liquid-cooled diesel engine, while the E50 is equipped with a 48.8-hp engine.
Redesigned hydraulics with a load-sensing pump and closed center-valve system provide improved, refined control of machine travel and work-group operation. The new hydraulics combined with re-engineered boom geometry also result in increased bucket breakout forces. Cushioned work-group cylinders offer smooth end-of-stroke for precise control.
Within the operator’s area, the boom swing control has been moved from the floor and placed on a thumb switch on the left joystick, making it easier to operate and opening up space on the floor for the operator’s feet. New larger travel pedals fold up to provide more floor space while flush-mounted floor mats make cleanup easier. A keyless start system that discourages theft and vandalism is available as an option.
John Deere Fleet Care
John Deere introduced Fleet Care, a service that interprets machine data and advises the best methods to proactively control machine health. Fleet Care uses advanced proprietary rules logic to think through solutions for fluid condition and potential root causes. It also cross-checks those results with data from the JDLink machine monitoring system and machine inspections to provide a truly intelligent assessment of machine health.
The Fleet Care assessment gives equipment owners the means to detect and define a potential problem, determine how critical it is and provide possible solutions — before the condition can cause downtime. Using an intelligent system to look at the data with a holistic eye tells a story. When you take telematics data, fluid condition and physical observation and view them through the lens of proprietary logic to think through machine protocols, Fleet Care can — in a way — predict the future and get ahead of problems before they even begin.
Doosan Infracore Portable Power Air Compressors
 The new Platinum Series P185 portable air compressor from Doosan Infracore Portable Power combines the most valued features of the P185 legacy air compressors with design advancements that offer superior performance and value for rental customers.
Powered by a high performance 48-hp Interim Tier 4-compliant John Deere or Yanmar diesel engine, the new P185 air compressor provides 185 cfm at 100 to 125 psi.
The new P185 air compressor boasts several industry-leading performance enhancements. The noise level of the P185 air compressor has been reduced by 50 percent and now leads the industry. Fuel efficiency has been increased by 21 percent, providing for a best-in-class, 10-hour full load runtime on one tank of fuel. Both cooling capacity and altitude performance have been improved to make the P185 air compressor an indispensible solution in more geographic areas than ever before.
Ease of maintenance is assured with a spin-on separator element, designed-for-service component locations and electronic engine diagnostics capability. The P185 has been engineered with a new remote separator element, which is a simple, spin-on design that eliminates the need to enter the separator tank and prevents spillage during oil changes.
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