Operating Costs Reduced And Productivity Improved For Tier 4 Installations

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) today announced the result of a “Fuel Duel” test confirming a 5 percent fuel efficiency improvement for a Tier 4 Interim QSB6.7 installation compared to an identical machine powered by a Tier 3 engine. The fuel consumption evaluation was conducted under site conditions across a series of duty cycles representative of typical working operations.

The Fuel Duel was undertaken to fully validate previous test results from other Cummins concept installations that have also demonstrated impressive reductions in fuel consumption while meeting EPA Tier 4 Interim and EU Stage IIIB low-emissions standards taking effect in 2011.

Identical front-end loaders in the 190- to 200-horsepower (142 to 149 kW) class were used as host machines for the Fuel Duel, offering the high engine load factors typical of hardworking equipment. The various duty cycle tests included short and long cycle times with minimal idle time to represent real-world real operation. The machines undertook a sequence of pile breakout and bucket discharge testing, together with repeated sprints and braking.

The 6.7-liter QSB engines competing back-to-back in the Fuel Duel were specified with the same power output, peak torque and rated speed. The higher fuel efficiency of the Tier 4 Interim engine was achieved without compromising machine performance. In fact, the Tier 4 Interim QSB6.7-powered machine completed the Fuel Duel tests within shorter cycle times due to a faster engine response to load demands.

“The results from the Fuel Duel speak for themselves. OEMs can expect lower cost of operation and enhanced productivity from their Cummins-powered equipment while achieving Tier 4 Interim low-emissions standards,” said Hugh Foden, Cummins Executive Director Off-Highway Business.

“We have an inherent technology advantage to meet the 2011 emissions standards because we design and manufacture the complete engine system from air-in to exhaust-out aftertreatment. This means we can leverage our integration advantage to formulate a cleaner and more fuel-efficient combustion process,” added Foden.

Fuel Duel Test Measurement

The 5 percent higher fuel efficiency achieved by the Tier 4 Interim QSB6.7 installation factored in active regeneration of the self-cleaning Cummins Particulate Filter exhaust aftertreatment.