Caterpillar Submits Engine for Approval

Caterpillar Inc. said Thursday that it has submitted an engine design to the Environmental Protection Agency for approval under new emissions guidelines that are set to take effect this fall.

An Oct. 1 deadline to have diesel engines that meet new, stricter emissions standards is looming for all engine makers and truck manufacturers. The deadline is the result of a court-approved consent decree signed in 1998 by a group of manufacturers of heavy-duty engines, including Caterpillar. All made a commitment to move up the January 2004 deadline.

The company press release said the new engines will use aftertreatment, which is accomplished through a proprietary Caterpillar technology called a diesel oxidation catalyst.

This system lowers emissions by converting carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon in the diesel exhaust to water vapor and carbon dioxide.

All engine ratings will use a Caterpillar diesel oxidation catalyst in a configuration determined by the truck manufacturer, Caterpillar said.

The trucking industry has petitioned the White House to cancel the EPA deadline, contending that the new engines cannot be properly tested before the October deadline and pose a threat to the economy (Click here for related coverage.).

In April, Cummins Inc. received EPA certification for its new diesel engine and, so far, is the only engine maker to get such certification.