InfraStructures - April 2006 - PowerTech Plus Engine Earns Tier 3 Certification

PowerTech Plus Engine Earns Tier 3 Certification

John Deere Power Systems recently announced that the PowerTech Plus 13.5 l engine has been Tier 3 certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 13.5 l engine is the fourth model in the John Deere line to receive Tier 3 certification, joining the PowerTech Plus 4.5 l, 6.8 l, and 9.0 l engines.

"With all four engines in the PowerTech Plus family now certified, we are well prepared to offer environmentally friendly engines for John Deere and OEM applications that do not compromise on performance," said Mike Weinert, director of engine engineering for John Deere Power Systems. "This is another example of our commitment to meeting stringent EPA emission compliance now and in the future."

The 13.5 l engine features a power range of 350 hp 600 hp and employs the same proven technologies as the other engines in the PowerTech Plus family, particularly the engine electronics, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). "These technologies are the key to our ability to meet emissions requirements and still live up to our customers' power expectations," said Paul Post, engineering manager of 13.5 l product development for John Deere Power Systems. Limited production quantities of the PowerTech Plus 13.5 l engine began shipping to OEMs in November 2005.

Tier 3 regulations for 175 hp 750 hp engines began taking effect in January 2006 and are aimed specifically at reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in non-road applications. A major challenge for engine manufacturers is that technologies used for reducing NOx tend to increase particulate matter, have a negative impact on engine performance, and increases fuel consumption. However, John Deere Power Systems has met that challenge with advanced engine electronics, cooled EGR and the VGT.

Source: John Deere Power Systems