In another move to provide environmentally friendly truck engine solutions, Caterpillar has announced new electronic calibrations that will significantly reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Available on most 1993 to 1998 Caterpillar heavy-duty and mid-range truck engines, these calibrations will cut NOx levels by as much as 7 percent.

"The new calibrations will greatly reduce NOx emissions from current in-service engines, but will in no way affect performance, reliability or fuel economy," said David Semlow, marketing manager, Caterpillar Truck Engine Division.

Installation involves a simple recalibration process that can be performed at any Caterpillar authorized dealer. "It's just another example of the top value we've always been able to offer our customers. Our engines feature the best in emissions reduction technology, but still provide the lowest operating cost on the market," Semlow said.

Caterpillar leads the industry in the development of customer-driven emissions reduction technology. Environmental initiatives pioneered by Caterpillar include ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology), a cost-efficient emissions technology that offers significant advantages over other options for meeting emissions regulations through 2006 and beyond. Other initiatives include Dual-Fuel, an electronically controlled engine configuration that uses diesel fuel and natural gas and combines the best features of both; and the Cat Clean Power engine line, which features lower emissions levels from the same proven, top-performing Caterpillar truck engines for which truck owners are accustomed. In the past 10 years, Caterpillar technologies have reduced the NOx emissions for on-highway trucks by more than 70 percent, and particulate matter (PM) emissions by more than 90 percent. The Cat Clean Power 3126E engine NOx emissions are up to 12 percent cleaner than what is required by present EPA regulations.