One trend obvious at the Farm Progress Show was that companies are finishing their efforts to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency standards that require reduced emission levels for engines. The deadline is approaching for the final phase – Tier IV. Some companies are releasing new tractors, combines and sprayers with Tier IV initial phase engines. Others are offering these same products with engines that now meet Tier IV final regulations.
Some of the 2014 Lexion combines will use Tier IV initial technology, and others meet Tier IV final standards. It depends upon which engine is in the machine. They use engines from different manufacturers.
Big Tier IV: Lexion combines now feature engines that are either Tier IV initial phase or Tier IV final phase compliant.
Several companies, including the engine makers that supply engines to Lexion for combines, used a commercial injection system and other methods to reduce emissions as much as possible before going to the final phases. To meet the final phase, most manufacturers to date, if not all, also add a small tank that contains solution that works with other parts to help clean the exhaust and bring emissions within allowable limits set by EPA. The standards were set several years ago, and the phase-in has occurred over time. Farmers are now seeing engines which must use the fluid to get to the final level allowed by EPA.
This trend was evident at the Farm Progress Show. Nearly everyone offering a large tractor, combine or sprayer would mention where the engine fell on the Tier emissions scale. Some reached Tier III without adding exhaust fluid component.
Before you buy a new combine, sprayer or tractor if you're looking for one, you might ask the dealer about where the engine is on compliance, and what you have to do as the owner/operator to keep it in compliance.
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