ForConstructionPros.com

A lot of apprehension filled the air as the deadline for EPA ‘07 emissions-compliant truck engines drew near. New technology in the form of catalyzed diesel particulate filters (DPFs) would be required to meet these stringent requirements, adding a layer of complexity and cost. Rumors surfaced about heat rejection issues, fuel economy and the level of maintenance and service that would be required. Then there were the cost projections indicating you could expect up to a $7,500 premium for the additional components.

Luckily, most of the concerns were unfounded. We contacted owners experienced with the ‘07 EPA-compliant engines to get the real scoop.

Performance gains

Lancaster, PA-based, Thomas Trucking hauls bulk cement, mulch, topsoil, crushed limestone, sand, wall stone and winter products. Its fleet includes bulk cement trailers, dump trailers, tri-axle dump trucks and single-axle dump trucks. This includes eight 2008 model Peterbilt trucks equipped with ‘07 Caterpillar C15 engines. These trucks had between 20,000 and 70,000 miles accumulated when we interviewed John Thomas.

According to Thomas, the trucks have proven reliable, especially when you consider it is a totally new design. “What you have to realize is that you have a whole new truck,” he states. “They not only changed the engines, but I think the biggest fear was all of the configuration differences they had to make... Everything is totally different.

“We have had one or two issues where the pipe coming out from the motor and into the regen cracked,” he continues. But this was very minor considering the changes in the overall design. “You can test and test, but until you get it on the road you don’t know what you have,” he says.