MOSSVILLE, Ill. — Caterpillar says its post-emissions-deadline, on-highway engines will include improvements of interest truck anyone concerned by possible maintenance costs after Oct. 1.

The company’s post-deadline power plants will offer the same maintenance schedules as those existing today.

There is no dilution in oil change intervals, and engines are compatible with CH-4 and CI-4 lube oils. Truck owners don’t have to use new, more expensive oils, required by engines equipped with cooled EGR.

Cat says its offerings will utilize the Caterpillar Diesel Oxidation Catalyst to optimize emission levels. This catalyst is incorporated into each truck OEM’s chassis and is maintenance-free.

“Based on Caterpillar research and EPA data, reliability, durability and maintenance costs will be substantially better than engines with cooled EGR,” says Steve Brown, marketing manager of Cat’s On-Highway Division. “In short, this will be the best engine value available to customers during this period.”

According to the EPA, cooled EGR engines could cost customers US$15,000 in extra operating and purchase costs.