Columbus, Ind.-based Cummins Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to the North American construction and agriculture markets with its solutions for the Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 standards that take effect in January of 2005.

“We have invested in upgrading our entire product line — across the 50- to 750-hp Tier 3 power band,” said Cummins executive director, marketing Tom Kieffer. “At the same time, we are committed to meeting or exceeding clean air standards.”

Development work is well underway for all of the Tier 3 products, which will be launched ahead of the emissions introduction dates, Kieffer said. Cummins engines will feature an in-cylinder solution with minimal OEM installation impact. Cummins 6-cylinder Tier 3 QSB will be available in June 2005 and the QSM Tier 3 engines will be available in July 2004, for emissions regulations beginning in January 2005.

The EPA has not set Tier 3 standards for engines of 50 hp or less, such as the lower range of the Cummins A Series, but it has proposed Tier 4. Tier 4 begins in 2008 for these engines. Engines greater than 750 hp will need to meet Tier 2 standards in the United States beginning in 2006.

Cummins has been able to optimize the in-cylinder combustion system to meet Tier 3 NOx levels without the need for after-treatment or other hardware. In addition, the Cummins Tier 3 advanced combustion solution provides a stable equipment architecture through 2015 and beyond.

The company also affirmed plans to meet the Tier 4 off-road diesel emissions rule, signed today by EPA administrator Mike Leavitt, and scheduled to take effect beginning in 2008.