KASSON, Minn.- Case IH's 2011 models of Magnum and Steiger tractors now at dealerships are the company's first models required to meet the latest emissions regulations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 4 regulations reduce the amount of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and non-methane hydrocarbon that may be emitted in new non-road diesel engines. The rule was created to improve air quality and reduce health risks for people and animals. Canada and European countries also have emissions regulations.
Case IH is using two types of technology to meet Tier 4 regulations.
Tractors with more than 100 horsepower will use selective catalytic reduction, or SCR. This system treats exhaust gases with a diesel exhaust fluid. The chemical reaction turns exhaust into nitrogen gas vapor and water.
Tractors under 100 horsepower will use exhaust gas recirculation, or EGR. This system puts exhaust back into the engine and uses a filter to capture particulates.
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Bill Whitworth, southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa sales manager for Case IH, said SCR will provide the best engine performance on their medium- to heavy-duty tractors.
Not recirculating exhaust back to the engine will allow it to run longer between maintenance stops and it improves fuel efficiency, said Whitworth.
It's estimated SCR provides a 10 percent boost in fuel efficiency compared to EGR, he said.
A drawback of SCR is it requires the user to purchase diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, which will be sold by Case IH dealers. DEF is approximately 33 percent synthetic urea and 67 percent deionized water.
DEF's price will vary by Case IH dealer. It's sold in 2.5 gallon containers, 55-gallon drums, 275- or 330-gallon totes or bulk size containers. Minnesota Ag Group in Kasson was recently selling 275-gallon totes for $3.89 per gallon.
The DEF tank will need to be filled every other time the diesel tank is filled. DEF tank sizes range from 15 gallons to 64 gallons, depending on the model.
It's non-toxic, but operators will want to wash it off if it gets on them, said Whitworth. It has a shelf-life of up to two years when stored at room temperature. The system is designed so that DEF doesn't freeze in the machines' lines.
Case IH says the technology has proven itself reliable through a partnership with Fiat Powertrain Technologies, an engine manufacturer that has made SCR engines for worldwide customers since 2006.
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Case IH's light- to medium-duty tractors will use EGR systems because those tractors use less fuel. The boost in fuel efficiency that an SCR system would provide won't make as big of an impact, said Whitworth.
Case IH sees itself as ahead of the curve by putting SCR technology in their larger tractors. According to company literature, some industry engineers say tractor engines will need SCR on medium- to heavy-duty engines to meet final Tier 4 regulations that will start to be phased in by 2014.
Both 2011 Steiger and Magnum models also feature new hoods and engines.
