Green Fleets
By Seth Skydel
The Challenge of Decarbonization
Green regulations come with costs and opportunities
In recent years, the crane industry in the United States has felt increasing pressure from environmental regulations designed to curb emissions of greenhouse gases. Today, crane design and operation are still shaped by air quality laws and by an evolving market for cleaner, more efficient lifting machines. For manufacturers and crane operators, these changes bring real costs but also new opportunities.
At the center of the story are U. S. diesel engine regulations, namely EPA Tier 4 Final standards that require substantial cuts in nitrogen oxides( NOx) and particulate matter( PM) for new nonroad models. With crane engines included in that regulatory initiative, manufacturers have responded with exhaust aftertreatment systems and controls necessary to meet the standard.
Unlike earlier standards, there is not an easy bolt-on solution as a path to Tier 4 Final compliance. Typically, the changes have included a focus on engine architecture and packaging, and weight distribution, including:
• Adding SCR( Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems and DEF( Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tanks, plus sensors and software controls
• Reworking cooling systems and layouts to make room for aftertreatment technology
• Rebalancing counterweights or changing chassis and frame geometry to meet axle and load limits
The Tadano EVOLT eGR-1000XLL-1 is an allelectric 100-ton rough terrain model that offers up to seven hours of lifting or up to five hours of lifting plus 5.5 miles of jobsite travel with its on-board battery pack.
Manufacturer Approaches
Crane manufacturers have adopted Tier-4-compliant engine packages in different ways. For example, Link-Belt’ s new RT models ship with Cummins Tier 4-F engines. In addition, Manitowoc’ s product line includes Tier 4 compliant engines.
Using an“ SCR only” concept to comply with Tier 4 Final emissions regulations, Liebherr developed its own diesel engines. Rather than relying on a mix of Diesel Oxidation Catalyst( DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter( DPF) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation( EGR) systems, according to the manufacturer, the design pairs SCR with DEF.
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January 2026 • www. cranehotline. com