New C9.3 ACERT(TM) engine features integrated design and provides improved fuel efficiency and productivity for next generation machines

PEORIA, Ill., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced today that the company's C9.3 ACERT engine has received the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4 emissions certification and European Union (EU) emissions type approval.  The C9.3 ACERT is the first Caterpillar non-road engine to receive emissions certification in the 130-560 kW power category.

"We started this process by listening to our customers and identifying what they want in a world-class machine," said Tana Utley, Caterpillar vice president and chief technology officer.  "Our legacy, over the past 85 years, has been to develop and deliver successful technology innovation, driven by our focus on meeting our customer needs and striving to make them successful."

Interim Tier 4/Stage IIIB emissions regulations begin January 1, 2011, for 130-560 kW engines and require a 90-percent reduction in diesel particulate matter (PM) and a 50-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) from previous Tier 3/Stage IIIA requirements.

ACERT is an advanced combustion technology that uses a building-block approach for reducing emissions that is based on the integration of key systems technologies.  The C9.3 ACERT engine family will power a number of Cat products including mid-range track-type tractors, motor graders and hydraulic excavators in a wide variety of customer applications.  Additionally, the C9.3 ACERT engine is being offered in several configurations and ratings for use by customers in the industrial, agriculture and petroleum markets.

"As the global industry leader in construction equipment and commercial engine businesses, our intent is to fully utilize our expertise to develop and deliver products that will be more productive and fuel efficient," said Gary Stroup, vice president of the company's Large Power Systems & Growth Markets Division.  "Feedback from customers operating our pilot machines and commercial products powered by Cat engines has been extremely positive.  They've expressed a preference for the Tier 4 machines in their fleet."

By the time Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB products reach customers, the Caterpillar Tier 4 validation program will have accumulated nearly one million hours of operation, making it the most extensive validation effort in Caterpillar history.

About Caterpillar:

For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent.  With 2009 sales and revenues of $32.396 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.  The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services.  More information is available at: http://www.cat.com/