Sukut Construction, Inc.(SCI)repowered nine (9) heavy-duty diesel vehicles equipped with 1980's technology engines with state of the art, CARB Tier 1 diesel engines. The new engines utilize hydraulic electronic ignition systems and are controlled by the most current engine management system computers available from Caterpillar. A total of nine vehicles were repowered. Two of the vehicles use two engines; thus, 11 total heavy-duty engines were replaced. The vehicles include: Two (2) Track Type Dozers, Caterpillar D10N with Engine Model 3412; Two(2) Dual Engine Scrapers, Caterpillar 637E with Engine Models 3408 & 3306; Four (4) Single Engine Scrapers, Caterpillar 651E with Engine Model 3412; and One (1) Wheel Dozer, Caterpillar 824C with Engine Model 3406. SCI identified a select staff of qualified heavy equipment mechanics and supervisors to perform the vehicle repowers. SCI chose to self-install the new engines for the scrapers rather than use the network of Caterpillar dealers, resulting in reduced equipment down time. Shepard Machinery was selected to convert the D10N Dozers in order to keep pace with the scraper conversions. Although engines are overhauled and routinely replaced in the type of equipment included in this project, the latest generation computer systems, sensors, and wiring harnesses had never been retrofitted into the older model equipement. SCI, nor the participating Caterpillar dealers, had any prior experience in performing this type of retrofit. The electronic sensors required for reporting real time engine data to the on-board computer system had to be installed where none had previously existed. SCI purchased laptop computers and provided specialized training to allow the field mechanics to analyze and tune the new engines to achieve optimum efficiency and emissions levels.
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Sukut Construction, Inc. operates vehicles throughout the South Coast AQMD. Thus, all areas within the District have the potential to benefit from this project.
The annual emission reductions attributable to this project are as follows: Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx): 16.67 tons reduced per year; Particulate Matter (PM): 2.04 tons reduced per year
The Final Report includes an emissions analysis for each vehicle, as well as before and after photographs of vehicle exhaust. It is significant that the photos clearly illustrate that vehicles emitted large quantities of visible particulate matter prior to repowering, and almost no visible emissions following repowering, even when subjected to maximum load conditions.