So the only reason they can build this and not have to conform to pollution laws is because they’re using remanned Cummins 12v engines. There’s a limited number of those in any case. As soon as they have to conform with new engines, they’re going to get a lot more expensive.
Caterpiller stopped providing truck engines for a decade rather than R&D a compliant motor. That was the second largest truck engine manufacturer in the world, decided it was too expensive to bother, which tells you how much these engines cost new.
I love the idea of this tractor, but it’s not going to survive the economy of scale intact.
NO2 emissions standards in US and Canada now pretty much require DEF systems, which is a huge added cost, as well as other design changes that are required to make DEF work. And yes, ag got an exception for a bunch of years, but the regulation is now catching up on new machines. Most equipment has doubled in price in the last 5 years or so from all manufacturers, in large part due to new engine requirements. A tractor you could have bought new for $200k is now north of $400k and don’t get me started on combines.
So the only reason they can build this and not have to conform to pollution laws is because they’re using remanned Cummins 12v engines. There’s a limited number of those in any case. As soon as they have to conform with new engines, they’re going to get a lot more expensive.
Caterpiller stopped providing truck engines for a decade rather than R&D a compliant motor. That was the second largest truck engine manufacturer in the world, decided it was too expensive to bother, which tells you how much these engines cost new.
I love the idea of this tractor, but it’s not going to survive the economy of scale intact.
What regulations must they conform to with newly-manufactured engines? Emmissions? Safety?
Are ag equipment regulations so strict that they can’t manufacture new “old-school” engines?
Serious question as I am not a farmer. Not anymore at least. Not since my horse died. RIP, Mr. Sugarhooves.
NO2 emissions standards in US and Canada now pretty much require DEF systems, which is a huge added cost, as well as other design changes that are required to make DEF work. And yes, ag got an exception for a bunch of years, but the regulation is now catching up on new machines. Most equipment has doubled in price in the last 5 years or so from all manufacturers, in large part due to new engine requirements. A tractor you could have bought new for $200k is now north of $400k and don’t get me started on combines.