Waterloo, Iowa-based John Deere Power Systems recently announced that the PowerTech E 4.5L and 6.8L engines have been Tier-3 certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. These two engines are the first models in the PowerTech E family to receive Tier 3 certification, joining the four PowerTech Plus engine models.

“Now that we have certified not only our PowerTech Plus engines but also two of our PowerTech E engines, we’re well prepared to offer a wide variety of environmentally friendly engine options for John Deere and OEM applications that don’t compromise on performance,” said Mike Weinert, director of engine engineering for JDPS.

In addition to EPA Tier 3 certification, these engines have also been given Stage III A certification by the European Union.

The PowerTech E 4.5-L engine features a power range of 115 hp to 140 hp, and the PowerTech E 6.8-L engine features a power range of 140 hp to 200 hp. These engines come with a two-valve cylinder head and incorporate a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, full-authority electronic controls, a multiple injection strategy, fixed geometry turbocharger and all the performance of Tier 2/Stage II engines.

In addition to the PowerTech Plus and PowerTech E engine lines, JDPS also will offer PowerTech M engines. The main difference among these three engine lines is the level of emissions-control technology employed.

“There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to the Tier 3/Stage III A challenge,” said Doug Laudick, product manager at JDPS. “As we reviewed market needs with many of our OEM customers, we realized we could better serve them by offering not one solution but three.”

The PowerTech E 4.5L and 6.8L engines went into full production and began shipping to OEMs in July 2006. Tier 3 regulations for 175-hp to 750-hp engines, which encompass the PowerTech E 6.8L engine, took effect in January 2006 and are aimed specifically at reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in non-road applications. Tier 3 rules for 100-hp to 175-hp engines, which encompass the PowerTech E 4.5L engine, will take effect in January 2007.

John Deere Power Systems manufactures 40-hp to 600-hp engines for use in a variety of non-road applications. JDPS also manufactures and markets natural gas on-road engines and drivetrain components.