Cleaner, but also meaner: the benefits of Stage V diesel power
Cummins Marketing Communications Director for the Global Off-Highway business, Steve Nendick, explores the benefits of the Stage V diesel for forestry applications
F
or the introduction of Stage V emissions regulations in 2019 and early-2020, engine manufacturers have met the challenge of redefining what can be achieved using diesel technology. Advancements in engine design, fuel injection and exhaust aftertreatment technology have all contributed towards a total reduction in NOx of 96% and particulate matter (PM) of 97% since regulations began. In short, the diesel engine has never been cleaner. But do improved emissions come at the cost of performance or reliability? Not at all. Instead, engine manufacturers have now pushed the diesel engine onto the next rung of its evolutionary ladder, with clear benefits for the forestry industry.
No loss of performance
The latest generation of Stage V powered equipment can result in more compact, harder working machines
To date, Cummins has completed over 360 installations for applications across construction, agriculture and forestry, with our new Stage V Performance Series engines being chosen to power everything in the forestry industry from chippers to bulldozers. This latest generation of Stage V engines isn’t just designed to meet some of the strictest emissions regulations in the world. Speaking from experience, Cummins‘ Stage V Performance Series engines deliver on average 10% more power and 20% more torque across the 75-321 kW range, compared to their Stage IV counterparts. For example, top rated power for the B6.7 Stage V engine moves up to 243 kW (326
hp), while peak torque increases by 30% to 1,375 Nm. This higher performance leads to increased engine power density facilitating engine downsizing, a trend that we’re seeing across all sectors to which we provide engines. Fundamentally, this means OEM engineers and operators can do more with less. A smaller engine is easier to install within equipment, and it weighs less, allowing for lighter chassis and helping to further improve fuel efficiency. One forestry equipment manufacturer in the US taking advantage of our Stage V technology is Bandit Industries. Its new Intimidator 20XP typifies the trend for greater power density, with it designed with the capability of a whole tree chipper, in a smaller package that’s easier to tow and manoeuvre. Previously, a machine of these specifications would have benefitted with a 9 litre engine, however with increased performance of Stage V they have downsized to a Cummins 6.7 litre engine.
Simpler engine design facilitating reliability You would be forgiven for thinking that these advancements in performance and emissions would lead to over-engineered and complicated engines. Whilst most manufacturers have adopted a ‘same as’ strategy from Stage IV to Stage V with little change, Cummins‘ advances in technology has enabled us to deliver improved
ENGINES products with reduced complexity for our customers. Our Performance Series engines are fitted with the revolutionary Cummins Single Module aftertreatment system, which is not only 40% smaller and 20% lighter than previous systems, but significantly, its higher NOx conversion capability has supported the removal of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system from our 3.8 to 9 litre Performance Series engines. This simpler EGR-free engine design, coupled with the latest generation of Cummins turbochargers, results in engines with less complex parts, extended service intervals and more reliability – a delight for operators and technicians. For operators out in the forest, the latest generation of Stage V powered equipment can result in more compact, harder working machines, that have improved fuel efficiency, increased reliability and lower running costs for operators. Recently, Komatsu upgraded its XT-5 family of tracked feller bunchers with Cummins Stage V Performance Series engines, adding performance and operator improvements compared to previous models, as well as covering the machines with a special 2-year/5,000-Hour warranty program. Similarly, in the US, Fecon, has introduced its latest addition to its line-up of forestry mulchers, the Stage-V compliant FTX300 Mulching Tractor. So, the benefit of this new generation of ultra-clean and ultraefficient engines is already being felt in the forest and woods across the world.
Bandit Intimidator 20XP powered by Cummins B6.7 International Forest Industries | DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021 31
