BLOG: On The Level

[#1]

With the beginning of 2012, we entered into the latest phase of the EPA regulations governing the diesel exhaust emissions of off-road machines. Most of you have probably heard of Tier 4. Basically, it’s a regulation that governs diesel particulate and NOx emissions. This latest regulation, referred to as Tier 4 Interim or simply Tier 4i, governs the emissions of off-road machines with engine horsepower ranges from 56 kW/75 HP  to 130 kW/175 HP. To meet these regulations, advanced technologies have been incorporated into the engines, and many machine systems and components have been redesigned. We have introduced new Cat machines that meet or exceed these emissions regulations. In addition, these machines include enhancements and improvements in areas such as operation and controls, fuel efficiency, productivity, sound levels and operator comfort.

We understand that these regulations can sound a little intimidating, but you shouldn’t be worried. At Caterpillar we worked hard to make sure that your experience of purchasing, servicing, supporting, owning and operating a new machine is seamless.

If you want to learn more about Tier 4i and the Tier 4i machines, Cat.com features a page dedicated to educating our customers about Tier 4i regulations. (Click here to visit the page.) It includes information about the systems and components we’ve added to our machines. It also features links to other websites with helpful information and a contact page to allow you to get in touch with our Tier 4i experts. Cat dealers are ready to help, too.

We want to know what your experiences with Tier 4i have been so far. Have you purchased a new Tier 4i machine? Are you planning to buy a Tier 4i machine? Have you worked on any projects that mandated Tier 4i requirements on contractors? Have you avoided bidding on a project because you couldn’t meet or couldn’t understand how to meet the Tier 4i requirements?

Let us know about your Tier 4i story. We’re here to help in any way we can.

[#2]

There needs to be more said about how Tier 4 affects the maintenance schedule of the machine.  Please comment

[#3]

Tier 4 by itself does not automatically have an impact on the maintenance schedule of the machine.  For example, new machines that meet the Tier 4i regulations may require special engine oil but most of these machines have the same recommended oil change interval.

The Tier 4 solution designed into the machine can have an impact.  The diesel particulate filters may require special operator actions to initiate a cleaning cycle.  On many of the recently introduced Caterpillar machines, this cleaning process is done passively and does not require any special actions or activities by the operator. 

Since the requirements vary from machine to machine, use the experts at the dealership to help you understand if there are any changes to the maintenance schedule.  The operation and maintenance manual for the machine is also a great place to find this information. 

If you have any questions about a specific machine, let me know.  Thanks for your comment.

[#4]

I work with used generators, is it likely that Tier 4i requirements will change the order of my business in renting/selling old machines?

[#5]

Used equipment is going to be allover the place.  The best thing is to look for emissions upgrade kits and see if your local state agencies will allow you permit the applications. Stationary and offroad will have different rules as well.  It really is quite situational state by state.  I would check with your local dealers that you usually do business with and work on the upgrade kits and go from there for the machine side.  Stationary applications will most likely need aftertreatment but again, it really depends on the end users location and usage of the application.

[#6]

Hi!  Not sure if this is the right area to ask this or not... Am doing some research prior to getting quotes on a loader backhoe and was curious about PRODUCTLINK - does that include the service agreement also??  some other guys look to include everything in the price, but others charge separately for the monthly coverage - not sure if Cat does or not.  if price includes the service agreement, how long does it last?

Thanks.

Chris