Yellow Cat power for ERR EC
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Brian Weatherley • ERF's first EC-range Caterpillar engine is the 12-litre C12 straight-six. It joins engines from Cummins, Perkins and Detroit Diesel on the EC options list.
The Sandbach truck manufacturer is taking orders for the big Cat now, with C12 volume production beginning in May. Three versions of the electroni
rally controlled in-line six will be available between 335 and 410hp, with either an Eaton S. Series or Twin Splitter, or a ZE Ecosplit transmission.
Cat-powered models will be badged EC12 "Cat"; ERE boss John Bryant says: "We believe the Cat brand is a worthwhile feature."
The first trial installation has already been completed on the Sun Works assembly line: the 6x2 pilot tractor is destined for a major ERF customer in the North-East of England.
Launched at the Scottish IRTE last October, the air-to-air charge-cooled yellow diesel has four valves per cylinder and an allelectronic fuel injection control and engine management system. Like the Cummins Mll it can be specified with a Jake Brake and, at 940kg, is just 2kg heavier than the smaller capacity M11.
ERE also plans to offer Cat's 7.2-litre 3126 engine—a twovalves-per-cylinder version has been installed in an EC 17-tonner supplied to a Scottish milk tanker operator. However, final availability of the 3126 in the Autumn will be based on the forthcoming three-valve-percylinder version. ERF will also offer the 14litre 3406E engine with ratings up to 550hp, CI ERE has collaborated with Hendrickson to develop a lightweight, two-bag non-reactive drive axle air suspension for the EC range.
It carries a price premium but is 45kg lighter than the previous four-bag design.
C 1 2 CAT FACTS Model: Caterpillar C12 charge-cooled in-line six. Displacement: 11.95 litres.
Bore/stroke: 130x 1 50mm.
Weight: 940kg.
Construction: Cast-iron block and heads; twin cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, two-piece articulating pistons with forged steel crowns and cast alloy skirts. Fuelling via Cat Electronic Control Module and mechanically actuated unit injectors.
ERF EC Power ratings: 335hp (360hpl, 380hp (395hp') and 410hp (425hp*).
'True maximum power at lower revs than rated power
Torque ratings: 1,830Nm (1,3501bft), 1,904Nm (1,4041bft) and 2,100Nm (1,550Ib1t).