Perkins unveils 'de-tiering' strategy for Stage IIIB/Tier 4i engines

Perkins said its Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim engines above 130 kW will not require any de-tiering for use in countries where fuel quality and sulphur content can vary. For engines under 130 kW Perkins will provide “authorised modification processes” through distributors from 2014.

De-tiering is important because it would allow equipment owners in Europe and North America sell used machines to less-regulated markets in the rest of the world.

“We’ve undertaken extensive testing, analysis and field validation on our Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim engines. Above 130 kW (175 hp), our engine systems will not require any modification to operate in countries with higher sulphur fuel,” said Perkins product manager, Dave Entwistle.

“On our Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim engines under 130 kW (175 hp), we will offer authorised modification processes, including decertification, to remove the aftertreatment, enabling operation in countries with higher fuel sulphur. These modification processes will be made available to customers through their Perkins distributor in 2014.”

Perkins is owned by Caterpillar. Last month, Cat made a very similar announcement, saying that its dealers will provide ‘de-tiering’ services for Tier 4 Interim engines under 130 kW, with its engines in the 130 to 895 kW sizes not requiring any modifications for use in lesser regulated markets.

Perkins will provide distributors with access to service training, parts stock, service tooling and product information, including detailed information on specific modification processes.

“At Perkins we’re used to developing a wide range of engines for our customers, each of whom are operating in a variety of regulatory environments,” said Mr Entwistle.

“We’re very confident that our solutions for our product ranges above and below the 130 kW (175 hp) power rating, will meet customer expectations for use in the vast majority of potential lesser regulated export destinations.”