Simple Steps OEMs Should Take For A Smooth IT4 Transition

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog January 25, 2011. You can view the original post here.

Earlier this month, we explored how the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Tier” emissions regulations evolved and where they are headed. To date we have successfully transitioned through Tiers 1, 2 and 3. This month, January 2011, marks the coming of Interim Tier 4 (IT4) / Stage III B for diesel engines 174 hp (130kW) and above. With it, additional technologies are required in diesel engines for off-highway construction equipment.

What OEMs can expect during installation of John Deere IT4 compliant engines:

• Electronically controlled engines
• Engine design changes to provide performance and emissions management
• The addition of exhaust filter aftertreatment to meet IT4 emissions regulations
• Improved coolant flows, higher top tank temperatures and the use of variable speed fan drives which enable better management of the increased heat rejection associated with increased EGR flow rates.

OEMs can ensure a smooth transition into IT4 by taking the following steps:

• Work with an engine manufacturer or distributor before modifying equipment designs to ensure the new equipment can accommodate Interim Tier 4 as well as Final Tier 4 package requirements.

• Understand the different technologies available. When working with your engine manufacturer or distributor, make sure to gain a full understanding of the difference between technologies such as cooled EGR, exhaust filters (DOC/DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system which requires a second fluid called diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). John Deere has selected the single fluid, cooled EGR & DOC/DPF path for IT4. The cooled EGR, DOC/DPF, single fluid solution offered by John Deere offers packaging advantages to OEMs and performance, total fluid economy and convenience advantages to end users.

• Perform application reviews. After you have worked with your engine manufacturer or distributor to install the right IT4 engine, be sure to perform application reviews to ensure engine and supporting systems meet engine application requirements. By installing a properly specified engine for your application, you can avoid unnecessary increases in operation costs and potentially lower your initial engine costs.

• Take advantage of engineering support – John Deere Power Systems and its distributors offer OEMs engineering support, can provide the appropriate power rating for a specific application and ensure equipment designs meet end-user needs.

Have you begun to modify your equipment? What challenges have you run into and were they overcome?

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader