Future challenges with Tier 4 and Tier 5

1. Give a little background as to JDPS’s technology solution to accomplish Tier 4 Final goals.

John Deere will continue its planned building-block approach to meet Tier 4 Final and Stage IV emissions regulations. To achieve regulatory compliance, John Deere developed the Integrated Emissions Control system—a solution that optimizes engine performance, operating efficiency and long term durability.

For Tier 4 Final/Stage IV, John Deere will offer its familiar PowerTech displacements of 2.9L, 4.5L, 6.8L, 9.0L and 13.5L. Power ratings throughout the lineup will, in some cases, be higher than previous offerings.

For engines 56 kW (75 hp) and above, the Integrated Emissions Control system encompasses the combination of aftertreatment and emissions reduction components designed and integrated by John Deere engineering to meet the most demanding customer requirements. This optimized solution will deliver emissions compliance without sacrificing power, performance, ease of operation, fluid efficiency, reliability, durability or economical operating cost.

John Deere Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engine performance will meet or exceed that of the John Deere Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB engines. The Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines will continue to provide the same or higher levels of power density and torque along with transient response that meets or exceeds that offered with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB engines.

In addition, John Deere Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines will meet or improve upon the total fluid economy of Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB engine models. The Integrated Emissions Control system will enable John Deere engines to meet emissions requirements while utilizing less diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) than alternative Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB SCR solutions. DEF consumption with John Deere Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines will be 1 to 3% of diesel fuel consumption depending on the application. Lower DEF consumption means DEF tank size can be smaller—minimizing the impact on vehicle applications while extending DEF filter service intervals and reducing operator involvement. Increased pressures created by John Deere’s Tier 4 Final/Stage IV high-pressure fuel systems will reduce engine-out particulate matter (PM) and extend intervals between an active exhaust filter regeneration.

John Deere engines below 56 kW (75 hp) will meet Tier 4 Final/Stage IV regulations using an Integrated Emissions Control system consisting of an exhaust filter without cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

2. What is “Tier 5” going to be?

The complete implementation of Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations represents an enormous effort for all involved. It is difficult to predict what might happen after Tier 4 Final/Stage IV.

Reductions in PM on the basis of particle size and greenhouse gases (GHG), such as CO, are considered likely candidates for future emissions regulations. John Deere’s current technology strategy positions us well for the implementation of these potential regulations. Internationally, there are select countries that already employ particulate count emission strategies which our Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engine technologies are able to meet.

3. There have been concerns as to selling used equipment oversees that is Tier 4 compliant, considering many regions do not yet have an established ULSD infrastructure to use this technology. What is JDPS’s response to these concerns, and does it have a plan to accommodate this complication?

If export markets are a consideration for users of Tier 4 Final/Stage IV solutions, they must take into account varying levels of fuel quality and sulfur levels. John Deere has new equipment solutions designed specifically to meet customer’s requirements in markets where ULSD is not available. Similar to previous emissions tiers, John Deere will have recommended solutions for advanced emissions equipment that migrates to markets with lower quality fuel. As each situation is different and there is wide variance of fuel quality, the best solution is to utilize equipment specifically designed to operate with the fuels in the market. We require consulting a John Deere dealer prior to operating equipment with substandard fuel to identify the best fit solution for the given situation.