Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Company said that new regulations for off-road diesel engines announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would be challenging to meet but that John Deere Power Systems is confident in its ability to do so.

“We have a proven track record for producing off-road diesel engines offering increased fuel economy and power as well as improved environmental performance,” said James White, senior vice president, John Deere Power Systems Group.

The new EPA Tier 4 rule continues the progression toward cleaner off-road diesel engines. Since EPA first adopted off-road regulations in 1996, emissions have been significantly reduced. The new standards, when fully implemented, will provide a 90-percent reduction in NOx and more than a 95-percent reduction in particulates, as compared to uncontrolled emission levels.

EPA has recognized differences between on-highway and off-highway engines in the new Tier 4 rule — a move that was supported by Deere and others.

White said a phase-in provision helps promote better air quality while reducing compliance costs for manufacturers and enabling consumers to replace their older engines with newer, more affordable, cleaner emitting ones.

Deere also supports the 2007 technical feasibility review and harmonization of the rule with the European Union, White said.

“Although a number of technical issues remain to be resolved, such as the measurement and certification procedures, we are pleased with the overall direction taken by the agency in crafting the rule,” White said. “John Deere will continue working with the EPA and others to address these remaining issues and will continue to be a leader in the progress that has been made over the years toward cleaner, more efficient, off-road engines.”