Caterpillar announce Tier 4 Interim migration strategy

Migration solutions help ensure customers maintain operability and resale value of used equipment

CATERPILLAR have announced their strategy for meeting the needs of customers selling and purchasing used Tier 4 Interim products for operation in lesser regulated countries, where prevailing fuel quality and fuel sulfur content vary widely. This will enable the migration of machines from the US to South America and other regions to continue.

Based on extensive testing, analysis and field validation, Caterpillar have determined their Tier 4 Interim engine systems between 130kW and 895kW (7-32-litre engines) will not require any modification to operate in lesser regulated countries.

For Cat Tier 4 Interim engines less than 130kW, Caterpillar will offer authorized modification processes that remove after-treatment from machine and commercial engine configurations to allow operation in lesser regulated countries. Modification processes, which include decertification, will be made available to customers in lesser-regulated countries exclusively through their local Cat dealer beginning in 2014.

Caterpillar anticipate both the modified 130kW engine systems and unmodified 130-895kW engine systems will meet used equipment customer expectations for operation in the vast majority of potential lesser regulated export destinations.

‘Tier 4 used equipment migration is a complex issue,’ said Ramin Younessi, vice president, industrial power systems division. ‘Because Caterpillar serve customers in all markets, we develop products to meet the needs of customers in all types of regulatory environments.

‘For example, all non-road equipment operated in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan must operate on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. When equipment developed for certain markets, including our Tier 4 equipment, moves to different markets, it adds challenges for Caterpillar, our dealers and customers.

‘Challenges arise due to diverse emissions regulations, the need for dealer readiness training and the need to help customers understand how to operate and maintain these next-generation products. Most importantly, customers contemplating the purchase or modification of used Cat Tier 4 products need to understand and comply with their local regulatory requirements.’

Since Caterpillar began introducing Tier 4 products in February 2011, the field population has grown rapidly to over 82,000 products operating in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia. These products have amassed almost 42 million operating hours, with excellent reliability and fuel efficiency results—creating interest among used equipment purchasers.

According to Mr Younessi, a key consideration for Caterpillar in developing their strategy for Tier 4 migration was to help ensure customers maintain the resale value of their used equipment. This gives them options to sell in new markets, including less regulated countries.

Mr Younessi explained: ‘With the migration strategy, we’re looking forward ahead of the Tier 4 Interim products that are already finding their way overseas to lesser regulated countries. Tier 4 Final products won’t be far behind the Interim products, which is why the strategy we’ve developed focuses on a solution for today’s customers and for future customers.’

The company is preparing dealers to support the migration of used Tier 4 equipment to lesser-regulated countries. These dealers will have access to service training, parts stock, service tooling and product information, including detailed information on specific product availability.