Perkins Engines is set to embrace Interim and Tier 4 Final legislative requirements with the launch of a new range of cleaner, compact diesel engines. The range will radically change Perkins’ product line-up, building on its strength and ability to tailor power solutions for individual customer needs. Significantly the new models will allow Perkins to offer customers greater power density and compactness to suit their precise requirements, whatever the application.

The line-up will be spearheaded by the all-new 1200 Series, which will extend Perkins Interim Tier 4 product offering up to 243 kW. The first engines to be introduced in 2010 will be a 7 litre offering, followed in 2011 by 6.6 litre and 4.4 litre products.

“Building on our Voice of the Customer approach for Tier 3, we are continuing to develop collaborative design programmes with customers to make sure this new range provides the optimum engine solution to meet Interim and Tier 4 Final requirements.   Extensive technology expertise, collaborative design processes and system integration experience alongside an unequalled global product support network will give Perkins the power to exceed customer expectations,” says Hans Haefeli president, Perkins Engines Company Limited.

“As the industry takes a huge step forward towards a ‘low or no’ emissions era the engine manufacturer must become the solutions provider,” adds Hans. “Reducing particulate matter (PM) by 90% and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by up to 50% beyond current EPA Tier 3/EU IIIA standards is a challenge.   To achieve this, the most significant changes will include the additional use of after treatment systems.   It is widely expected that these will be a combination of diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters.”

Tier 4 will demand significant changes to the architecture of the engine system and Perkins is working to provide OEM’s with a tailored emissions solution through a combination of technologies which will change depending on power band.

 “We already have some of the most compact engines on the market in terms of installation space. We will be leveraging this heritage and expertise to ensure that at Tier 4 we have created a compact product range that will deliver increased power density, improved flexibility, better fuel efficiency and, through our collaborative work, offer our customers class leading package installation solutions,” continues Hans.

Meeting Tier 4 needs does not stop at the tailpipe. “The regulations will also extend into the field with requirements such as in-field testing and on-board diagnostics. The more complex the product becomes, the more important it is for you to have a sophisticated and technically competent aftermarket support network, which is why at Perkins we continue to work with our dealers to develop the strongest aftermarket distributor network in the world,” he concludes