John Deere gears up for Marine Tier 3

Beginning on 1 January 2013, new emissions regulations will apply to John Deere PoweTech 4.5L and 6.8L marine diesel engines in North America. John Deere Power Systems will meet these new EPA Marine Tier 3 regulations with a complete line of PowerTech 4.5L and 6.8L engines for newly constructed vessels as well as repowered boats. These new emissions regulations will be applicable in Europe in 2016.

“John Deere integrated features into its Tier 2 marine engines with Tier 3 emission regulations in mind. As a result, we are able to meet Tier 3 emission regulations with most of our previous John Deere engine models by recalibrating our engine software and making minor hardware changes”, said Dave Flaherty of John Deere Power Systems.

The 6.8L Tier 3 engines will feature high pressure common rail fuel systems, 4-valve per cylinder heads, and low temperature aftercoolers.

“As a result, there are minor changes to the engine hardware, no additional parts. The engines will have the same look, performance and size, only a greater reduction in NOx and hydrocarbons”, Dave Flaherty added.

The John Deere engine models for Tier 3 emissions include the PowerTech 6068AFM85, and the PowerTech 6068SFM85. John Deere also adds two new marine models to the lineup of Tier 3 marine engines. Making their debut are the PowerTech 4045AFM85 propulsion and gen-drive engine, and the PowerTech 4045TFM85 gen-drive engine.

The PowerTech 4045AFM85 is the most powerful 4.5L marine engine ever launched by John Deere. With ratings of up to 168 kW (225 hp), the PowerTech 4045AFM85 serves as a more powerful and compact replacement of the Tier 2 PowerTech 6068TFM75 and PowerTech 6068TFM76 gen-drive engines.

The PowerTech 4045AFM85 offers more power in a smaller displacement engine and is well suited for propulsion of small utility boats, workboats, and commercial fishing boats. The gen-drive version will be a good engine for commercial and recreational generators.