MHarryE, since you seem to be well in the know on this EPA emissions tiering, is there a date at which all these emissions requirements will apply to under 26 hp engines? Sure hope not. I already feel that any future trade ups will be limited to 26 hp or less to avoid both the added cost and complexity. Thank you EPA.[/
Actually the EU his developing additional standards tentatively referred to as Tier 5. Test results one that Tier 4 final (and I am referring to them under US terminology, not EU terminology) have allowed very fine particles to be emitted. Stage 5 is being discussed with the engine manufacturers as to how new targets can be met with tentative target date of 2019. Engine manufacturers are talking to the EPA about developing similar standard with similar implementation dates because they want to reduce the number of engine versions they need to build. It is very complicated and takes a lot if time. Before the regulations are introduced they need to determine what is feasible. Then the companies - they could always build an engine that meets the cleanest spec but fuels in different countries aren't always compatible. Price penalty - tractors are price sensitive. So there is no one type fits all, but the manufacturers would like to have all the most. The technologically advanced countries - USA, Western Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia, & New Zealand for example, use a common engine. The word in the industry is nothing until 2019 but then you might not see any size diesel without a DPF. Smaller engines may be effected more than larger engines. All subject to change.