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Summer 2008

Technology Update: Off-Road Engine Emissions

What You Need to Know About 2008 EPA Regulations

There’s a lot of talk these days about engine emission regulations in the United States and Canada. You might be wondering about what type of off-road engine your new piece of Bobcat equipment has. This article will give you an update on the latest requirements and where Bobcat machines fit in each category.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides engine emission requirements based on engine horsepower. In 2008, the new Tiers went into affect that have an impact on Bobcat equipment between 0 and 100 horsepower. These include equipment in Tier IV, Interim Tier IV and Tier III, depending on the horsepower rating.

Below is a brief explanation of each of the EPA Tiers. Please refer to the chart below to identify where Bobcat machines fall in each tier.

EPA Tier IV

Bobcat machines with engine gross power output of less than 25 hp will become EPA Tier IV compliant. No major impacts to the engine installations were made to meet these new requirements.

EPA Interim Tier IV

Machines with engine gross power output from 25 hp to < 75 hp will become EPA Interim Tier IV compliant. Significant changes were made to these engines, including:

  • Internal engine and fuel system — combustion
    optimization
  • Closed breather systems on turbocharged engines
  • Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) — specific
    to the Kubota V2607T

Note: Bobcat chose to be Interim Tier IV compliant in the category from 50 – 75 hp rather than Tier III. Other manufacturers may opt for Tier III compliance. They will be required to meet Tier IV regulations in 2012 instead of 2013.

EPA Tier III

Machines with engine gross power output from 75 hp to 100 hp will become 2008 Tier III compliant. Significant changes were made to meet these requirements.

  • Internal engine and fuel system — combustion
    optimization
  • Closed breather systems on turbocharged engines
Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel

Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel is approved for use in Bobcat equipment. A low sulfur fuel decal will be added near the fuel fill. Bobcat also approves up to 5 percent biodiesel content provided low sulfur requirements are met and the guidelines for biodiesel are used.