John Deere Power Systems has issued an advisory to equipment operators — especially those with Tier 4 engines — on a waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on ultra-low-sulfur diesel requirements in Texas.
The EPA renewed the waiver October 20 to extend until November 13 in response to a request from Gov. Greg Abbott to try to alleviate ongoing fuel supply disruptions in the state.
The waiver allows the distribution of diesel with higher sulfur content, which could damage Tier 4 Interim and Tier 4 Final engines, according to Deere. Those engines require sulfur content of no more than 15 parts per million.
“Operating Final Tier 4 or Interim Tier 4 engines on fuel exceeding the recommended 15 ppm limit presents operational risks,” the company says. “While higher sulfur levels will not necessarily cause immediate component failure, sustained exposure to non-compliant fuel can lead to system degradation and shorten the operational lifespan of aftertreatment systems, including Selective Catalytic Reduction systems requiring Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Diesel Particulate Filters.”
Using higher-sulfur diesel that does not meet standards specified in the equipment owner’s manual could also affect warranty coverage for engine components, John Deere says.
Powered byOlder, lower-tier engines — such as Tiers 1- 3 and legacy engines — can handle higher-sulfur diesel, up to 500 ppm in some cases. Deere recommends reviewing owner’s manuals to ensure the proper fuel is used.
Cummins has also warned equipment operators on the waiver, giving the same advice as Deere.
"Cummins is aware of the temporary EPA waiver and continues to recommend that customers follow the fuel specifications outlined for their engines and equipment," the company said in a statement to Equipment World. "Failure to use the approved fuel (maximum 15 ppm sulfur diesel fuel for Tier 4 and 2007 and newer engines) can damage the engine and aftertreatment system."
Deere recommends the following for its engines:
- Check directly with your fuel provider to verify the fuel meets the specific ppm sulfur requirements of your engine.
- Check the equipment owner’s manual for approved fuel types, filtration standards and required maintenance intervals.
- Ensure replacement fuel filters meet John Deere performance standards to protect fuel system components.
