Caterpillar’s diesel engine company, Perkins Engines, has forged a partnership with Fiat’s drive-train division for the first time to source a new engine for light to mid-range agricultural, industrial and construction equipment applications.

The 3.4-liter, 4-cylinder 854 series engine completes the Perkins range for Tier 4 Interim/Euro Stage IIIB emissions compliance. The in-house developed 1200-series successor to the 1100-series was unveiled earlier this year and the smaller volume 400-series before that.

The new series has been developed within a new partnership with Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), the specialist unit of the Fiat group that develops automotive and industrial engines, as well as light automotive transmissions.

Product lines include the 4.5-liter and 6.7-liter diesels used in Case IH, Landini, McCormick and New Holland tractors and by several construction equipment makers. Last year, FPT dissolved its North American and European joint-venture partnerships with Cummins.

“Our strategic partnership with Fiat ensures that Perkins customers benefit from a class-leading product, delivered through complementary abilities in engine design,” says Perkins marketing director Nigel Baseley. “With more power and torque developed from a smaller package, OEMs will have a complete choice of engine solutions, with the 845E covering the 60-115 horsepower sector.”

State-of-the-art emissions control include common rail fuel injection, waste-gated turbocharger and after-cooler, all regulated by full electronic 
controls.