Case IH Announces Solutions To Meet Tier 4A Standards

To provide producers with superior operating cost efficiency and performance, Case IH will use a two-fold solution to meet the 2011 Tier 4A emission standards for off-road equipment. This approach includes:

1. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system for medium- and heavy-duty engines (greater than 100 horsepower)
2. Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR) for light-duty engines (less than 100 horsepower)

"SCR technology represents the best approach for high-horsepower agricultural equipment, especially when you consider how important fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are to large producers," says Duane Nelson, Case IH director, global brand management. "SCR is a cool running, quiet system that’s separate from main engine function. It does not interfere with engine performance, but actually improves it."

Why SCR?
For engines less than 100 horsepower, Case IH will be utilizing CEGR technology like all manufacturers because of the low-horsepower market concentration in consumer and rural lifestyle segments and the less intensive use in comparison to high-horsepower agricultural equipment. However, consensus among the industry’s leading engineers is that all manufacturers will need to use SCR to meet the even more stringent Tier 4B standards beginning in 2014. While there are other interim solutions, Case IH believes SCR is the most efficient way to meet EPA standards for agricultural applications.

"Any other approach would be a short-term solution," says Nelson. "SCR is the best guarantee that customers will have reliable, cost-effective, state-of-the-art agricultural equipment. By possessing the SCR technology in 2011, Case IH is able to keep research investments focused on developing the next generation of equipment that will redefine the power, comfort and performance that our customers demand."

FPT Powertrain Technologies, a Case IH engine supplier, is a global leader in diesel engines and already has a successful track record meeting Tier 4 regulations with over-the-road trucks. Their pioneering leadership will ensure efficient, reliable engines in Case IH equipment.

How it works
In an SCR system, engine exhaust passes through the catalytic chamber where it is sprayed with a non-toxic, colorless, odorless mixture of chemical urea and purified water. When the mixture combines with hot exhaust in the catalytic chamber, it is broken down into water vapor and nitrogen.

"Case IH dealers will help ensure customers have the infrastructure necessary for the transition to SCR systems," says Nelson. "Filling the urea tank is easy, and it’s designed to last at least as long as two tanks of fuel. You won’t have to make extra stops."