John Deere’s New 4.5L Marine Diesel

John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) has introduced the new model 4045SFM85 marine propulsion diesel. The new 4.5L, four-cylinder engine offers high power-to-weight ratio for repowering and new boat construction and is targeted for planing and semi-displacement hulls.

The new PowerTech 4045SFM85 has two ratings for light-duty commercial vessels, high-speed governmental applications and high-speed pleasure craft, which includes an M4 rating of 275 hp (205 kW) at 2600 rpm and an M5 rating with of 315 hp (235 kW) at 2800 rpm.

The 4045SFM85 ratings meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Marine Tier 3 and Recreational Craft Directive II emissions regulations, as well as International Maritime Organization Tier II standards for commercial and recreational applications. The engine is pending approval by American Bureau of Shipping, DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas and will be the only ABS-certified, 315 hp, 4-cylinder in-board diesel engine, Deere said.

“We’re excited to offer type approvals for this power range in the near future,” said Heather Balk, marine market planner for John Deere Power Systems.  “Type approvals offer piece of mind to boat owners that this new engine from John Deere will pass marine authority safety tests and design reviews.”

Sea trials for the 4045SFM85 were conducted with a team of John Deere marine application engineers, engine distributors and marine dealers. “The sea trials offered us the opportunity to evaluate the installation and performance of the 4045S in varied boating applications with an M4 or M5 rating,” said Mike Van Donsel, senior marine application engineer. John Deere partnered with end-users to gather data from a bow picker, crabber, dive boat and recreational vessel.