Diesel Progress North American

INDUSTRY NEWS

BY MIKE OSENGA John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) has been very consis- tent in its approach to these later stages of diesel exhaust emis- sions regulations. From the debut of the first of its current technology plat- forms for Tier 3, the Waterloo, Iowa, manufacturer has said that cooled EGR was its chosen path, all the way through to Tier 4 final. JDPS intro- duced cooled EGR, as well as vari- able geometry turbocharging (VGT) and other technologies in 2005 with the start of Tier 3/Stage 3a regula- tions. All remain in play, albeit with upgraded or enhanced versions, as we near Tier 4 interim. “Our proven record with cooled EGR was a major driver in our deci- sion to continue using it for Tier 4 interim/Stage 3b,” said John Piasecki, director of worldwide marketing, sales and customer support for JDPS. “After much evaluation and testing, we found that adding an exhaust filter, coupled with our proven Tier 3/Stage 3a PowerTech Plus engine platform, is the best Tier 4/Stage 3b solution. It provides a Tier 4 interim solution which requires no second fluid, while main- taining our levels of performance and fuel economy,” said Piasecki. Now, on the cusp of Tier 4 interim and EU Stage 3b, John Deere is also talking extensively about integration and communication, including both the physical and technical integration required to make all the disparate ele- ments required for Tier 4 interim work together efficiently, and an extensive communication program explaining Tier 4 interim technology to JDPS’ internal customers — John Deere Agricultural and Construction and Forestry equipment divisions and their respective dealer networks, as well as external engine customers. To review, in the power range that Tier 4 interim impacts first, engines above 174 hp, the JDPS lineup starts with the Power Tech PVX 6. 8 L with ratings from 174 to 250 hp; the PowerTech PSX 6. 8 L from 225 to 250 hp; the Power Tech PVX 9.0 L at 250 to 300 hp; the 9.0 L PowerTech PSX with outputs from 325 to 425 hp;