Cummins to expand heavy duty engine line-up by announcing introduction of selective catalytic reduction for its flagship ISX/Signature engine range
By Matt Wood | November 28, 2012
Cummins is set to expand its heavy duty engine line-up by taking the dramatic step of announcing the introduction of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment in its flagship ISX/Signature heavy duty engine range.
The 15-litre engine has to date made use of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to meet ADR80/03 emissions requirements.
The ISX engine, the biggest selling heavy duty truck engine in Australia, has been the only engine choice for local manufacturer Kenworth in recent years as well as appearing on the option lists of Western Star, Freightliner and Iveco.
However, issues associated with the elevated engine temperatures of the EGR system have continued to plague the ISX in some applications.
The introduction of SCR technology into the heavy duty Cummins will be big news for Australian operators running North American drivelines across their fleets, in particular Kenworth buyers who to date have only had one engine option for high horsepower applications.
Expected to be available in Australia in 2013, the new ISXe5 will be available in the same horsepower and torque ratings as the ISX EGR – 450 to 600hp and 2,234 to 2,776Nm.
The ISXe5 shares the same basic engine architecture with its EGR stable mate. However, the engine uses a single overhead camshaft, a waste-gated turbocharger and a new XPI high-pressure common rail fuel system.
The XPI system uses injection pressures in excess of 30,000 psi, regardless of engine speed, in an effort to maximise fuel economy and performance.
“The ISXe5 is joining our 15-litre product line to provide a further technology choice backed by Cummins’ industry-leading service support network,” Cummins South Pacific General Manager Sean McLean says.
Extensive field testing has been conducted in Australia over the last year using 10 ISXe5 engines across a variety of applications. There are now 20 of the new engines on trial around the country.
