10-year period for replacement engines proposed

A proposal to allow the installation of replacement engines in non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) for a period of up to 10 years from the end of the original emissions stage is being welcomed by CECE (the Committee for European Construction Equipment), although it is calling for a longer timescale.

In the current Directive, the European Commission proposal for the next stage of exhaust emission regulations for off-highway engines does not include a provision for replacement engines.

CECE said that such a provision was essential because it allowed the manufacture of new engines to comply with the original limit values of the engine which is to be replaced.

CECE – together with associations such as CEMA (the European agricultural machinery association), FEM (the European manufacturers association of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment) and Euromot (the European Association of Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers) – has raised this issue with the European Commission, Council and Parliament, arguing that, as for the on-road sector, the supply of replacement engines should not be restricted.

Amendment

In March, the EU Council Working Group on Technical Harmonisation proposed an amendment whereby it would be possible to offer replacement engines for installation in NRMM for a period of up to 10 years from the end of the original emissions stage.

CECE is welcoming the introduction of a replacement engines provision but said it considered the time limitation to be insufficient – in particular for the large scale machines that have high operating hours, a substantial operational life and which represent high-value capital investments.

A response is being prepared by CECE before the next meeting at the end of this month. This is again being co-ordinated with its relevant sister associations with the aim of organising joint advocacy actions in the near future.

The new EU emissions regulations for engines installed in NRMM will be Stage V. CECE pointed out that the new requirements would result in the EU having the most stringent overall emission limit values for construction equipment in the world, with an unprecedented rate of introduction across the entire power range of equipment, irrespective of combustion cycle and fuel.

CECE is asking for an extension of the transition period by six months, as well as the inclusion of the replacement engine provision.