Clean Diesel Technologies Among the Highlights at bauma 2013

Several companies highlighted their newest clean diesel technologies at bauma 2013.

At the world’s largest construction equipment exposition - bauma 2013 in Munich - the most advanced innovations and achievements of clean diesel power for construction and mining equipment were at the forefront.

“Construction equipment and industrial earth moving machines are at first glance breathtaking in just sheer size and scope,” says Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Once you get beyond that, what is truly amazing is what’s at the heart of these amazing machines – the diesel engine which enables these machines to meet the increasing demands of both established and developing economies around the world.  

“What we’re seeing now is what sustainability for clean diesel power really means - meeting near-zero emissions requirements under U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and Stage IV European Union (EU) standards; using less fuel and having lower CO2 emissions; the addition of innovative strategies such as hybridization to achieve new levels of fuel savings; and greater possibilities for using renewable biodiesel fuels.  

“It’s no surprise that the leaders in clean diesel engines and equipment - companies like Caterpillar, Cummins, Deere, Volvo, Tognum/MTU Onsite Energy, AGCO and Yanmar – are at the forefront of innovation. They are producing technologies that meet the growing demands of their customers and increasingly diverse societal demands for environmental performance.

“Diesel Is the Lifeblood of the Global Economy”

“It’s long been said that diesel is the lifeblood of the global economy,” Schaeffer says.  “As countries look to access and harness new energy resources, generate electricity to power remote villages or enhance infrastructure, diesel engines have continuously evolved to meet these demands with products that use less fuel, do more work, and are increasingly sensitive to the environment.”

Schaeffer notes that as the global economy becomes more energy diverse, new efforts are emerging to expand the use of renewable biodiesel fuels for use in diesel engines that enhances the sustainability of diesel, which is among the key themes of the bauma 2013 global equipment gathering.

Clean Diesel Power Assists Global Climate Strategy: Global efforts to address climate change rely on fuel and technology solutions. Diesel engine efficiencies continue to improve and using less fuel results in fewer CO2 emissions. Incorporation of new hybrid technologies on excavators by companies like Caterpillar, Deere, Volvo and stop-start technologies of Volvo Penta further demonstrates the evolution of the diesel engine. Many of the new technologies are also capable of running on blends of high-quality renewable biodiesel fuels.

Meeting Global Clean Air Requirements: Achieving near-zero levels of emissions to meet EU requirements (Stage IV) or U.S. requirements (Tier 4 Final) is at the forefront of clean diesel technology. Meeting this challenge has been accomplished by innovation in emissions control and engine management with the use of strategies including combinations of particulate filters, catalytic systems, and/or selective catalytic reduction technologies, advanced fuel injection and turbocharging. Companies at the forefront of this new technology that are participating in the bauma 2013 expo include Caterpillar, Cummins, Deere, Volvo, Tognum/MTU Onsite Energy, AGCO and Yanmar.

Highlights of bauma 2013’s Advanced Diesel Technology Exhibits

Some of the major advanced diesel technology to be on display at bauma 2013 includes:

  • Caterpillar is proving that hybridization is not just for passenger cars, as it launched a new hydraulic hybrid excavator Cat 336E H with Tier 4 Final clean diesel engine technology that requires as much as 25% less fuel. A Cat 988K Wheel loader meeting EU Stage IV and U.S. Tier 4 Final emissions technology will also be on exhibit. (www.cat.com)
  • Cummins demonstrated scalability of diesel engines in a big way with 49 to 4,200 hp engines all meeting the most stringent emissions standards. It also introduced the QSF3.8 engine; a compact 3.8 liter engine with an SCR-only system, and announced a new engine for wheel loaders with partner Liu Gong and ZF. (www.cummins.com)
  • Deere demonstrated its entire EU Stage 4 and EPA Tier 4 Final emissions compliant technology; integrated emissions control system that optimizes engine performance, operating efficiency and reliability while offering broad application flexibility. (www.deere.com)
  • Volvo unveiled a new construction truck FMX as part of its “rock to road” Volvo City theme, along with new Tier 4/EU Stage IV compact excavators. Volvo Penta will display new start-stop technology to reduce idle time and save fuel. (www.volvoce.com )
  • AGCO Power demonstrated its new Citius Series common rail engines meeting the latest U.S. Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV. The new Genpowex diesel generators and pumps were also exhibited. (www.agcopower.com/)
  • Yanmar demonstrated its new Tier 4/EU Stage IV clean diesel engine technology with its new SV26 mini-excavator and larger wheel loaders (VF Venieri). New fuel-saving technology includes an optional automated engine speed to idle system.  (www.yanmar.com)

“As leaders in clean diesel technology, DTF member companies are at the forefront of demonstrating innovation, efficiency and environmental sustainability in all aspects of heavy-duty construction equipment,” Schaeffer says. “Members of the Diesel Technology Forum are leaders in not only in clean diesel technology but also in dual-fuel, natural gas and other advanced fuels and technologies and have solutions for different demands around the world.”

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