Ask any apparatus manufacturer what their most pressing problem is and they will almost certainly tell you it’s the new 2007 Diesel Engine Specs. Why is this problem? First of all, thanks to the EPA’s stringent new 2007 requirements, manufacturers had to take a totally different approach to engine emissions in order to be compliant with federal regulations. The 2007 specs are very aggressive, making this no easy task for engine and fire apparatus manufacturers.

Like many manufacturers, Cummins, one of the leaders in the emergency vehicle engine field, has been testing engines for the past several years to be ready for 2007.

To bring its engines up to snuff, Cummins is using its cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology with the addition of an exhaust after-treatment provided by a particulate filter and a crankcase ventilation system. Cummins already has more than 300,000 cooled EGR engines on the road.

The entire range of engine products that Cummins produces - the ISC, ISL, ISB, ISM and ISX line - will include a VG Turbo (Variable Geometry Turbocharger), which features an electric actuator with faster, more precise air flow to the engine, a particulate filter that reduces particulate matter by 90%, and a crankcase ventilation system that captures crankcase emissions and returns oil directly to the sump.

So technological changes aside, why should you, the apparatus buyer, be concerned about these 2007 federal regulations?

The primary concern is the cost. Getting engines ready to meet the 2007 specs will inevitably make them more expensive, bringing up the total price of a new piece of fire apparatus. Also, manufacturers may have to redesign some of the cabs to accommodate the new, larger engines. Specifically, cooling systems need to be larger and the doghouse (where the engine sits) might have to be enlarged to fit them.

Fans of the current Cummins designs need not fear; the manufacturer says the look of its products will not change significantly in 2007, even as it incorporates new technology that will help in cleaning up emissions and meeting EPA standards.

Cummins has been building engines for the fire apparatus industry for a great many years and has proven to be a reliable resource. I have personally driven emergency vehicles with Cummins engines installed and can attest to the fact that they consistently have enough power to enable reliable operation of pumpers, aerials and rescue vehicles alike.

Of course, Cummins isn’t alone in the effort it has put into getting ready for 2007. Across the board, a lot of research and testing has taken place over the past several years to mee the 2007 standards. On the plus side, the new engines will still provide the same reliability and performance as their older counterparts, and in some cases provide even better fuel economy and cleaner emissions.

If you are planning an apparatus purchase, investigate the type of engine you are planning to install, and plan for the added costs related to the 2007 specs that will raise the price of the apparatus.