New EPA Regulations Will Require Machine Reconfiguring, Add Cost

The engine compartment of the Ditch Witch HT300. Final Tier 4 engines will likely be larger, requiring redesign.

Vermeer Corporation, Ed Savage, trenchless segment manager: “Many equipment owners operate globally today, making it important to understand the different certification requirements by region and equipping their fleet appropriately is important. Fuel standard will also play an increasingly significant role region by region. For example, only low-sulfur diesel is compatible with Tier 4-certified engines, but is not available in all areas. Equipment owners should stay in tune with project-based emission certification requirements that may restrict them from bidding on a project based on their fleet.

“We expect the Tier 4 engine and after-treatment packages to be considerably larger in size. Our challenge as an OEM is redesigning around the physically larger engines while retaining the existing footprint of similarly powered, non-Tier 4 equipment.

“We expect final Tier 4 engines to cause an increase in the cost of equipment. The percentage increase will vary by horsepower class.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
John Deere Power Systems, (800) 533-6446, www.deere.com/en_US/rg/index.html
Case Construction, (262) 636-6772, www.casece.com
Charles Machine Works, (800) 654-6481, www.ditchwitch.com
Vermeer Corp., (888) 837-6337, www.vermeer.com