Clean diesel technology is now the standard for all new equipment, everything from construction and industrial jobsites to farm fields around the country. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on the mission to reduce emissions from off-road diesel engines for many years, and as of 2014 all diesel engines must meet their new standards.
So what does this mean for farmers across the country?
Tractors
The EPA adopted a multiple tier system in order to successfully reduce emissions from diesel engines. We are now approaching the final stages of the last tier, Tier 4. Tier 4 refers to a generation of federal air emissions standards that apply to new diesel engines used off-road. These engines will reduce the levels of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to a level that is 50-96 percent lower than existing generations of diesel engines. Tier 4 was first introduced in 2011 and must be completely integrated by 2014 in all engines bigger than 25 hp.
Two Technologies
In order to meet these regulations tractor manufactures have two types of technologies they can use, Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
According to the Clean Energy Leader, CEGR technology requires an exhaust filter system to reduce particulate levels, where as, SCR technology uses an after treatment system that adds Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to achieve the required reduction in pollutants released by the engine.
Some manufacturers are using both technologies and some are just using one.
What Does This Mean for Farmers?
“With any new technology there a lot of unknowns, but once everyone gets used to it, it will be accepted,” said Bill Conley with Fiser Kubota in Russellville, Ark.
Farmers will likely see an increase in cost, “depending on the brand of tractor. Consumers purchasing a tractor that has 80-120 hp can expect an $8,000-$15,000 increase. For smaller tractors, consumers can expect a 15-20 percent increase. Consumers can expect this cost increase because of the cost of the electronic engines and diesel exhaust systems,” anticipated Eric Schnelle, president of S&H Farm Supply in Lockwood, Mo.
“As long as producers follow the warnings, the Tier 4 tractors should be easy to maintain,” explained Conley.
All tractors manufactured before the Tier 4 transition are exempt from the new regulations. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, manufactures will only be able to produce the Tier 4 engines after the deadline. Equipment dealers will be able to sell inventories of engines and equipment from the previous generations while supplies last.
Diesel Trucks
All 3/4 ton and bigger diesel trucks beginning in 2013 will also use the SCR technology, according to Kris Villines, service manager for Pinegar Chevrolet in Republic, Mo. This means diesel trucks will also use DEF.
“This technology shouldn’t add more maintenance but there are more components which have the increased potential for more problems,” said Villines.
A Look at DEF
DEF is required in all of the SCR engines. It is a non-flammable fluid comprised of 33 percent ammonia-based urea and 67 percent purified water, which is used with the exhaust system to reduce emissions.
DEF is added to the engine much like other fluids. For tractors, it is estimated that DEF will need to be refilled about every other fuel fill up. Consumers are advised to watch the expiration date of DEF or it will not work properly.
“The positive with SCR engines is it is recirculating a lot less gas giving you 10-15 percent better fuel economy. The engine will run cooler which equals a longer life,” said Schnelle. This increase in fuel economy will help balance the added cost of purchasing DEF.
For diesel truck owners DEF is used much the same way other fluids are and is filled under the hood. “On average a truck will use 1 gallon of DEF every 1,000 miles. This will vary depending on the brand of the truck and the usage,” explained Villines.
“It is estimated that DEF will need to be added to diesel trucks every two to three tanks of fuel and is estimated to cost about $70 to fill,” added Steve Tomlinson, sales consultant for Springdale Dodge in Springdale, Ark. “DEF can be purchased at dealerships, Walmart and at the pump at some truck stops. We’ll start seeing it at the pumps more and more as it becomes more common.”
