The Cat® 3500 engine series is already one of the most proven engine systems in the world, and it’s getting better with the shift to U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. The 3516E model, specifically, is designed for marine operations and offers the best PM and NOx reduction technology, in the form of an improved SCR system. Along with SCR comes an impressive collection of features and options that can be tailored to any marine operation, as well as compliance with essential safety regulations.

The shift to Tier 4 Final

The EPA’s move to Tier 4 Final emission standards may not have garnered much attention among machine owners, as it’s strictly a change on the manufacturing side. However, it will have an impact on machine owners, so it bears explanation.

Tier 4 Final is the EPA’s next step in emissions reductions, and as of January 1, 2016, these standards apply to a number of Cat engine models. This includes the vaunted 3500 series of Cat engines. Under Tier 4 Final emission standards, both PM (particulate matter) and NOx (nitrogen oxides) are to be reduced greatly. There are a couple ways for manufacturers to achieve this, but SCR (selective catalytic reduction) stands out as the most effective.

And the Caterpillar version of SCR is the pinnacle of the technology. SCR was already preferred for the improved fuel economy it offers to owners – which can be up to 5 percent in some instances. Caterpillar has designed its version of the technology to be more reliable, easily serviced and more compact. All of these gains mean that total cost of ownership is less, even when accounting for the addition of the diesel exhaust fluid that makes SCR work.

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