“Where in the heck am I going to put the DPF?”
“The focus needs to be on the bene- fit to me, not on how it works. I do not need to know how to build the watch, just how to tell time.”
“There seems to be little information regarding durability of designs for the aftertreatment com- ponents in off-highway applications. The changes are too dra- matic, making it difficult to analyze the best aftertreatment strategy.”
“Some engine manufacturers seem to be ahead of the game (or at least on top of it) while others appear to be struggling.”
“In some instances, incorporating the aftertreatment components into pur- pose-built machines will pose huge
challenges. Weight and space are at a premium with specific-built machines as compared to say OTR trucks.”
“In most cases our machines were designed to reduce weight, cost and machine size. Therefore there is very little, if any, extra space avail- able for aftertreat- ment systems and cooling systems that are 40 to 50% larger than Tier 3.”
Heat transfer, which first became an issue at Tier 3, also remains a factor.
“Openinguptheenginecompartment to increase airflow causes the noise level to increase. It is a significant chal- lenge to package the aftertreatment components, manage the heat loads, and meet competitive and regulatory noise requirements in a cost- and size- effective package.”
“Using larger or more aggressive fans as well as remote-mounted charge-air coolers has led to increased noise levels, requiring even more work to maintain current noise levels.”
Vibration is also a concern.
“Our machine is in a severe vibration environment, so I am going to have to do a lot of work to ensure the af- tertreatment de- vices survive.”
It is also no secret that Tier 4 will cre- ate some very costly changes in engine design, rumored to, in some cases, double the cost of the engine.
“The cost has to offset somewhere. Look for mega cost reductions else- where on the vehicle.”
“Other areas will have to be reduced.
“Some engine manu- facturers seem to be ahead of the game (or at least on top of it) while others appear to be struggling.”
“The cost has to offset somewhere. Look for mega cost reductions elsewhere on the vehicle.”
“Where in the heck am I going to put the DPF?”
TRAIL OF TIERS
We’ll have to squeeze costs out of other places.”
Features that were once standard on equipment may now become options, as one OEM noted.
“I’m sure there will be considerations on what is offered as ‘extra’ or ‘optional equipment’ to compensate for the added cost. As for the total machine design, greater considera- tion for driveline and component longevity must be a factor for getting a return on the higher initial cost of this engine technology. The struggle will be to find the balance between cost and life cycle.”
Finally, according to the survey, OEMs may also look to smaller en- gines, lower horsepower or alternative fuel or engine options.
“If engine prices are increased dra- matically, then we will be forced to look at alternatives for motive power.”
“Some new products envisioned will be put on hold and may never come to market as the product will no longer be economically viable.”
“New technologies such as hybrid drives, advanced hydraulic system designs and innovative electronics packages may offer cost- comparative alternatives to the more traditional diesel engine application.”
“I think, as a company, you have to look at all the options to come up with the best solutions for your customers.”
“We are absolutely re-evaluating our current engine supply base. With Tier 4, the doors are wide open to all engine suppliers.” dp
“Some new products envisioned will be put on hold and may never come to market as the product will no longer be economi- cally viable.”
