How Are Changing Emissions Standards Affecting Your Work Truck Fleet?

Reduce engine idling

Many industries are making it a priority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as national standards and public expectations continue to change. The work truck industry is among those most affected by this push.

According to 2016 data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector accounted for the largest portion (28%) of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, followed by electricity and industry.

Among the transportation sector, light-duty vehicles were the largest source of emissions at 60 percent. Medium- and heavy-duty trucks were the second-largest source of emissions in transportation at 23 percent. Most work trucks and service fleet vehicles fall into the light- and medium-duty categories.

As the work truck industry works to reduce emissions and meet changing regulations, new technologies and equipment can help save fuel and decrease emissions — resulting in a greener, more efficient fleet.

Changing emissions regulations

Vehicles that are more efficient and use less fuel produce fewer emissions and help contribute to cleaner air. As part of this movement, the EPA’s Tier 4 regulations are a significant reduction in the allowable levels of exhaust emissions from diesel engines. Any new diesel engines produced must meet these reduced emissions requirements. And Tier 4 is likely not the final chapter in emissions regulations, as more stringent standards could be on the horizon.

The EPA regulations address emissions at a national level. State and local bodies handle laws governing vehicle smog checks. Some states have no requirements for smog testing; other states require emissions testing at varying intervals depending on vehicle type.

Tier 4 impact on work trucks

Since the implementation of Tier 4 regulations, many truck fleets face increased downtime for engine regeneration and more time and money spent on maintenance.

Some fleets aren’t running Tier 4-compliant trucks yet and are still using model-year trucks made before the regulations were put in place. As older diesel trucks reach the end of their useful life, fleets will have to replace them with Tier 4-compliant vehicles.

So, what is driving the increased downtime and maintenance for Tier 4 trucks? These engines use a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to trap soot from engine exhaust gases. The DPF requires periodic cleaning through regeneration to maintain emissions reduction performance and fuel efficiency.

DPF regeneration

How frequently DPF regeneration must happen depends on several factors, including how much time a work truck spends idling. The more time a truck engine idles — such as to power air compressors, pumps, hydraulic cranes and other jobsite tools with a PTO-driven system — the more clogged the filter becomes and the more frequently it requires regeneration.

Driving at uninterrupted highway speed is one way to automatically regenerate the engine. Another option is to perform a parked regeneration with the engine running. This cleaning cycle can result in up to an hour of downtime for the truck.

The regeneration cycle heats and burns off much of the material blocking the filter. The remaining particulate matter not burned off through regeneration can lead to increased regen time, poor fuel economy, reduced power output and costly engine damage. This remaining material can be cleaned through a specialized process that requires removal of the DPF from the exhaust system and shipment to a servicing facility. Some companies will come to you to replace a DPF on-site, though this is a costly option. Each DPF can cost thousands of dollars, so efforts that prolong filter life can help reduce operating costs and downtime.

How idling increases truck downtime

Tier 4 engines are not designed to idle constantly. This presents a challenge for work trucks that must idle all day to power air compressors, pumps, hydraulic cranes and other jobsite tools.

As mentioned, a parked regeneration can result in up to an hour of truck downtime, but not performing regeneration frequently enough can lead to even longer and more costly downtime. If too much particulate builds up, it may reduce engine performance. The truck may even shut down if the regeneration warning is ignored or missed when the DPF is full. At this point, the operator cannot regenerate the DPF. The truck must be taken to an authorized dealer to have the DPF removed so it can be cleaned or replaced. This process can take several days.

Finding ways to reduce work truck engine idling can help reduce or eliminate many of these headaches.

Decrease engine idle time and emissions

Reducing truck engine idling also helps lower vehicle emissions and fuel use. With all-in-one solutions, technicians can turn off their trucks and still run the tools needed to get the job done efficiently. Truck engine idle time can be reduced by 75 percent — significantly reducing engine emissions, fuel costs and maintenance needs.

EnPak® A30GBW power systems provide compressed air, electrical power, battery charging and welding while also delivering power to support 12-volt DC needs. The units do all of this while the truck’s engine is turned off. Additional technologies ensure the unit’s engine runs at the appropriate speed when needed to meet demands, which results in fuel savings, lower emissions and decreased maintenance.

Technology to meet changing emissions standards

Changing emissions standards and the EPA’s Tier 4 regulations for diesel engines have changed the game for work truck fleets. But there are technologies and equipment available that help operations reduce emissions and save fuel, while improving productivity and efficiency.

As emissions regulations evolve, all-in-one systems can help fleets stay ahead of the curve. The systems can substantially decrease truck engine idle time, reduce maintenance needs, extend chassis life and save money.