Two John Deere Engines Receive Tier 3 Certification
October 3, 2006 • John Deere Power Systems (JDPS),
“Now that we have certified not only our PowerTech Plus engines but also two of our PowerTech E engines, we're well prepared to offer a wide variety of environmentally friendly engine options for John Deere and OEM applications that don't compromise on performance,” said Mike Weinert, director of engine engineering for JDPS.
The PowerTech E 4.5L engine features a power range of 115 to 140 hp, and the PowerTech E 6.8L engine features a power range of 140 to 200 hp. These engines come with a two-valve cylinder head and incorporate a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, full-authority electronic controls, a multiple injection strategy, and fixed geometry turbocharger, as well as all the performance of Tier 2/Stage II engines. These technologies enabled John Deere to achieve their goals for this line of Tier 3/Stage III A engines, including maintained or improved peak torque, more low-speed torque and better transient-response time.
The PowerTech E engines' full-authority electronic controls also enable them to offer improved cold-start performance, precise engine-speed control, and torque-curve shaping. Electronic controls increase productivity, improve fuel economy, lower total installed costs, and reduce ownership costs.
The PowerTech E 4.5L and 6.8L engines went into full production and began shipping to OEMs in July. Tier 3 regulations for 175- to 750-hp engines, which encompass the PowerTech E 6.8L engine, took effect in January 2006 and are aimed specifically at reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in non-road applications. Tier 3 rules for 100- to 175-hp engines, which encompass the PowerTech E 4.5L engine, will take effect in January 2007.
In addition to the PowerTech Plus and PowerTech E engine lines, JDPS also will offer PowerTech M engines to better serve its customers Tier 3/Stage III needs. The main difference among these three engine lines is the level of emissions-control technology employed. For instance, PowerTech Plus engines feature cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a variable geometry turbocharger, a state-of-the-art engine control unit, and an electronic unit injector fuel system (13.5L) or a high-pressure common-rail fuel system (4.5L, 6.8L, 9.0L). PowerTech E engines feature a fixed geometry turbocharger, full-authority electronic controls, and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system (4.5L and 6.8L) or an electronic unit pump fuel system (2.4L, 3.0L). PowerTech M engines feature economy of design, a fixed geometry or wastegated turbocharger, mechanical controls, a mechanical unit pump fuel system (2.4L), or a mechanical rotary pump fuel system (4.5L), plus all the performance of Tier 2/Stage II.
Doug Laudick, product manager at JDPS, noted that the PowerTech family of engines is the foundation John Deere will build on for future EPA regulations. “Our Tier 3 engine platforms will be the basis for meeting Tier 4 emission levels beginning in January 2008,” he said. “We have already begun exploring a number of technologies, including additional in-cylinder and after-treatment solutions that will be applied to the existing Tier 3 platforms.”
