Cummins Inc. last week announced its technology path to meet stringent United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 Interim and European Stage IIIB mobile off-highway emissions standards across the 174-hp to 751-hp (130-560 kW) powerband, which takes effect in 2011. Core technology will be Cummins Particulate Filter and cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) as part of an integrated technology solution extending from air intake to exhaust aftertreatment.
Engine enhancements will also include the use of Cummins variable geometry turbochargers (VG Turbo), advanced electronic controls and high-pressure common rail fuel systems. Common Tier 4 subsystem architecture will extend from the mid-range QSB to the heavy-duty QSX engines. Cummins Tier 4 product range will maintain or increase power outputs compared to Tier 3. Fuel efficiency will be improved by up to five percent, dependent on rating and duty cycle.
“Our Tier 4 solution is driven by the need to deliver the lowest cost of ownership and most productive power solutions for operators,” said Ric Kleine, vice president of Cummins Off-Highway Business.
"Cummins long-term investment in the design and manufacturing of key component technology provides a significant advantage for our Tier 4 solution. We were able to take the proven durability of our Tier 3 base engines and combine this with successful technologies, such as cooled EGR, that we have leveraged from Cummins broad experience. Our customers can be confident that Cummins will continue to deliver the most dependable power solutions.
"While exhaust aftertreatment may be new technology for the off-highway industry, it is not new to Cummins,” said Kleine. “For Tier 4 applications of the Cummins Particulate Filter, we are factoring in off-highway requirements such as high-shock loads, angularity, space restrictions and working environment conditions.”
Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., Cummins Inc. is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
