EXCLUSIVE by Alan Bunting • Revised Caterpillar engines meeting Euro-1
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and 2 emissions laws will be powering Foden trucks early next year.
The return of the Cat engines will further strengthen Foden's UK tractor attack, which will be boosted by the arrival of new models before the end of this summer (CM 26 May-1 June).
When Etu-o-1 legislation arrived Foden dropped the previous jerk-pump-injected 10.5-litre 3306B and the 14-litre 3406B. Cat's latest generation 10.3-litre 3176 engine, launched in the US as an all-new design in 1989, is now undergoing European certi fication using Perkins facilities. The two companies already collaborate: some off-road Perkins engines carry Cat badges.
The 3176, equipped with Lucas electronic unit injectors made at Stroud, will Cat's 10.3-litre 3176 has the Lucas electronbe rated at ically controlled unit-injection system.
up to 380hp (283kW). This gives Caterpil-lar an advantage over its chief rival, Cummins, whose 350hp (261kW) 10-litre Celect engine is already offered in Foden chassis. But Cummins is likely to hit back—its newer 10.8-litre :1411 Euro-2 engine, due it for European launch later this year, will match the Cat's power.
Caterpillar's 14.6-litre electronically unit-injected 3406E diesel, with ratings up to 500hp (373kW), is also expected to be used in Fodens at some time. This engine is an OHC conversion of the pre-Euro-1 3406B engine which was previously fitted by Foden.
Though already certified to meet the tough US 1994 emission standards (tested under the transient cycle), the 3176 Cat diesel will need modifications to the fuel system electronics to meet the European 13mode test. More fundamental changes were made to the Cummins 10-litre Celect engine, including injector and combustion chamber mods.
The timing of Foden's adoption of the 3176 has been influenced by the need to get service and parts support in place. In particular Foden dealer personnel will have to be trained to use diagnostic tools for the Lucas electronic fuel system. Ironically, the fact that Cummins electronic Celect engine is already handled by Foden dealers could make the 3176 Cat's introduction easier.
Because of past problems arising from the different perceptions of downtime cost in the road transport and construction industries, Cat is likely to keep its reborn Foden-specific truck engine business separate from its UK earthmover activities, which are handled by distributors Leverton and Finning.