Any update on which tractors are EPA OK?

[bluechip]

No, parts should not be a problem. I have ordered some cylinder sleeves and pistons, crankshafts bearings etc, but it will be some time before they are ever needed, if ever. This engine remains in production for chinese home market and others, it is doing well in the African continent especially. The 3 cylinder 454 engine was discontinued and block, cranks, and heads may become scarce, other parts are same as KM554. Again the odds of actually wearing out any of these parts I think are low. Valves, valve guides, rings sleeves etc are easy. The 454 was discontinued almost 2 years ago and I can still get parts. The Feidong engines are actually manufactured by Shandong Tractor Works so they will continue to use them wherever they can, the reason for the change is for US and European markets environmental controls.

 

[greg_g]

The 3 cylinder 454 engine was discontinued and block, cranks, and heads may become scarce, other parts are same as KM554.

That brings up an interesting question. Other than one cylinder and the extra overall length it contributes, the 454 and 554 aren't all that different. So let's say my 454 block cracked. Irrepairable, but the tractor was otherwise in good condition. What would prevent me from buying a complete 554 EPA engine and front drive shaft - maybe the cowl - and simply resurrect a once-dead 454 as a 554?

//greg//

 

[bluechip]

The EPA engine that will be used in the new KM554 is from a different company. I do not know what modifiications have had to be done to the tractor to accept this engine. The hood on the new KM554 is a few inches longer than the old KM554 because the new engine is a 4100 not a 495 as it was before. I suspect converting a KM454 to an EPA KM554 may or may not be possiblie but if possible, I'm thinking it would be a major task.

 

[psj12]

I did a search on Ebay and found a dealer in MO. is still selling the older KM554.

 

[bluechip]

I'm not sure they have any, it is an ebay store listing which stay up for a long time. I understand that one of the partners in that company was killed in an hiway accident several weeks (months?) ago. There was also a guy in Kentucky that had advertised some as 2006 models, but no way they were EPA legal. If I coulda got em (legally) I would have.

 

[3RRL]

Chip,
You're right about one brother being killed....it was a few days after the Crocodile Hunter was killed. He was the owner and his younger brother took over. They are the ones I bought my KM554 from if you remember. I don't know if they have any older ones left for sale? I think the eBay guy Parry is talking about is another, smaller seller. I saw an eBay add from him about the 554.

 

[jmf7112001]

Does anyone know the difference between EPA Tier one regulation and Tier two which I under stand is going in effect later this year? There is question wheither or not Jinma can meet tier two regulation. Please post any info.

 

[bluechip]

INformation on tractors that meet 2007 requirements (this can involve several different "tiers" depending on engine HP.) can be found at the following link

Engine Certification Data | Heavy Trucks, Buses, and Engines | US EPA