Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/139414
equipment matters | Sustainable Solutions With a Tier 4 engine, Kubota's 4-ton KX040-4 compact excavator includes an Eco Plus system that gives operators the option of an eco mode for up to 20 percent less fuel consumption compared to prior models. "Operators should notice cleaner exhaust and less soot, as well as a quieter and smoother-running engine," Major says. "They should also notice better, more consistent performance regardless of heat, humidity or other environmental conditions due to the advanced controls." Using a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) system, the basic engine technology will stay the same. "There is no additive required, and the system does not require any change in the way the machine is operated," Rohrbacker says. The DPF does require periodic regeneration that varies depending on the engine load, however. "The filter offers a long life – more than 1,000 hours – but requires replacement eventually," Rohrbacker says. WILL THERE BE A TIER 5? New Holland's L220 skid steer meets Tier 4 standards with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), instead of using a diesel particulate filter (DPF). emissions and increasing the purchase price, there are other changes and improvements landscapers can expect to see with Tier 4 engines. What's different? While landscape business owners will see a cut in operating costs, equipment operators will only notice small changes in the machine's performance. "A new set of indicators and switches associated with the emissions controls have been added," says Keith Rohrbacker, product manager, Kubota, "and operators should be sure to understand the manufacturer's procedures for using automatic regeneration." The use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and low-ash engine lubricating oil meeting API-4 CJ-4 specifications are essential for ensuring proper functionality of modern exhaust after-treatment components, Rohrbacker continues. 3 8 To ta l L a n d s cap eCare.c om TLC0713_EquipMatters3.indd 38 With many engines hitting Tier 4 this year and next, many wonder if the EPA will stop on that tier or create more regulations. TLC's sister publication, Equipment World, posed the question of a possible Tier 5 to Caterpillar's vice presidents during the Bauma trade show in Munich, Germany. "It seems as though we're going to have a bit of a break," says Paolo Fellin, vice president, global construction and infrastructure, Caterpillar. "After the emissions reduction drive during the past few years, it will be nice to concentrate our technology research on machine features." But while emissions have been on the forefront for many, "green" features are not always a main selling point for landscapers. "You would think Tier 4 would be the leading theme, but it's completely flipped around," says Mary Bell, vice president, building construction products division, Caterpillar. "It's a given that we will comply with the regulations, but we're also looking at providing the best value. Customers want something extra, not just clean air." J U LY 2 013 6/21/13 2:23 PM