Cummins Warns Texas Equipment Owners: Don’t Use Waiver Fuel in Tier 4 Engines
The temporary waiver allows diesel with up to 500 ppm sulfur, but Cummins says using it in Tier 4 equipment can damage engines...
machineryasia Cummins is urging equipment operators to follow engine fuel specifications after a temporary Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emergency waiver was issued for Texas this week, warning that using incorrect fuel will void warranties and is likely to cause damage.
The EPA issued the temporary fuel waiver Oct. 5, responding to a request from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. EPA lifted State Implementation Plan TX-Low Emissions Diesel (TXLED) standards and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) requirements for 20 days, allowing the production and sale of higher sulfur diesel containing up to 500 parts per million of sulfur to mitigate severe supply shortages.
"Cummins is aware of the temporary EPA waiver and continues to recommend that customers follow the fuel specifications outlined for their engines and equipment," the company said in a statement to Equipment World. "Failure to use the approved fuel (maximum 15ppm sulfur diesel fuel for Tier 4 and 2007 and newer engines) can damage the engine and aftertreatment system."
The waiver's application to off-road equipment is strictly limited to engines certified to Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 standards. Nonroad equipment featuring modern Tier 4 engines equipped with diesel particulate filters or catalytic emission control systems are barred from using the higher-sulfur fuel and must continue utilizing standard 15 ppm ULSD to prevent severe damage.
Cummins noted that failures attributable to the use of incorrect fuel will be denied warranty coverage, adding the company "will continue to provide guidance to customers as appropriate."
The EPA waiver remains effective through October 24, 2026, marking the maximum 20-day limit permitted under the Clean Air Act, but federal officials indicated they stand ready to extend the measure if market conditions require.
