Cummins Inc. last week announced that the mechanical B3.3 engine will move forward to meet Tier-4 Final emissions standards in 2013 with a particulate filter after-treatment system developed specifically for use in compact equipment rated below 75 hp. The new exhaust after-treatment operates as an independent system to achieve near-zero particulate matter emissions, enabling the B3.3 to simply "up tier" to Tier-4 Final without the need for any change to the engine.
Using a particulate filter-only solution for Tier-4 Final means that the B3.3 engine maintains exactly the same performance and reliability that it currently achieves at Tier-4 Interim emissions levels. The inherent simplicity of the mechanically controlled 3.3-liter engine continues forward without adding engine electronics or changing the fuel system.
The ability of the B3.3 to easily up-tier with the particulate filter provides a more efficient installation solution by retaining the same engine configuration for use at all emissions levels worldwide across the 55- to 74-hp power range for compact equipment.
The particulate filter has been developed by Cummins Emission Solutions to meet the EPA Tier-4 Final and equivalent emissions standards in Europe and Japan taking effect on Jan. 1, 2013, for engines below 75 hp. The after-treatment reduces PM emissions by more than 90 percent to a near-zero level of 0.02 g/kW-hr for machines such as excavators, aerial lifts, forklifts, tractors, gensets, skid-steer loaders and other compact equipment.
"Cummins up-tier solution for the B3.3 to meet Tier-4 Final is unique in the industry, with the new particulate filter replacing the exhaust muffler and with no change to the proven mechanical engine platform," said Chris Calas, Cummins 3.3-liter product manager. "With only one B3.3 engine configuration required for all markets worldwide, this means that equipment manufacturers will benefit from more streamlined production and easier in-service support. The machine cooling system remains the same for all emissions standards, with no additional heat rejection and no need for engine after-cooling.
"Our Tier-4 Final approach is intended to minimize equipment redesign and maintain our extremely reliable B3.3 with the benefit of mechanical simplicity. Customer demand for the 3.3-liter continues to grow significantly, and now we will move the capability of the B3.3 even further ahead of other similar 4-cylinder engines for Tier-4 Final."
Cummins up-tier solution for the B3.3 is anticipated to realize higher residual equipment value for operators and rental fleets. Using the same engine as today for Tier-4 Final in 2013 also means that owners will continue to benefit from the outstanding dependability and low cost of maintenance, proven under the toughest duty cycles.
A new production operation in Chennai, India, will complement B3.3 manufacturing in Japan, providing a major increase in build capacity to meet the continuing growth in demand from compact equipment manufacturers worldwide.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., Cummins Inc., designs, manufactures, distributes and services engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
