Caterpillar’s new C9.3 ACERTTM engine features integrated design and provides improved fuel efficiency and productivity for next generation machines. It has received the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tier 4 emissions certification and European Union (EU) emissions type approval. The C9.3 ACERT is the first Caterpillar non-road engine to receive emissions certification in the 130-560 kW power category. “We started this process by listening to our customers and identifying what they want in a world class machine,” said Tana Utley, Caterpillar Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “Our legacy, over the past 85 years, has been to develop and deliver successful technology innovation, driven by our focus on meeting our customer needs and striving to make them successful.”
Interim Tier 4/Stage III B emissions regulations begin January 1, 2011 for 130-560 kW engines and require a 90% reduction in diesel particulate matter (DPM) and a 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) from previous Tier 3/Stage IIIA requirements.
ACERT is an advanced combustion technology that uses a building-block approach for reducing emissions that is based the integration of key systems technologies. The C9.3 ACERT engine family will power a number of Cat products including mid-range track type tractors, motor graders and hydraulic excavators in a wide variety of customer applications. Additionally, the C9.3 ACERT engine is being offered in several configurations and ratings for use by customers in the industrial, agriculture, and petroleum markets.
“Our intent is to fully utilise our expertise to develop and deliver products that will be more productive and fuel efficient, said Gary Stroup, Vice President of the company’s Large Power Systems & Growth Markets Division. “Feedback from customers operating our pilot machines and commercial products powered by Cat engines has been extremely positive. They’ve expressed a preference for the Tier 4 machines in their fleet.”
By the time Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB products reach customers, the Caterpillar Tier 4 validation program will have accumulated nearly one million hours of operation making it the most extensive validation effort in Caterpillar history.
