What engine is in the VD100-04FT4?

The Volvo Penta TAD581VE — a 5.13-liter inline-four turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 175 HP (131 kWm) at 1800 RPM. The TAD58xVE family shares its bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in) with the larger 7.7L TAD851-853GE inline-six used in Tier 3 models, but with four cylinders instead of six. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.

Does the VD100-04FT4 require DEF?

Yes. The VD100-04FT4 uses a full SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment system. DEF consumption is approximately 5.1% of fuel consumption, and the integrated DEF tank holds 18.5 gallons — significantly larger than the 3.8-gallon tank on the John Deere models (JD60/JD80). At full load, the 18.5-gallon tank provides over 50 hours of operation.

How does the VD100-04FT4 compare to the VD125-04FT4?

Both use the same 5.13L Volvo Penta inline-four block and share identical physical dimensions (110 x 60 x 78 in) and weight (4,250 lbs). The TAD582VE (VD125) produces 218 HP versus 175 HP for the TAD581VE (VD100). The VD125 consumes more fuel (8.61 vs 6.99 gph) and has a slightly higher DEF consumption rate (5.9% vs 5.1%). Choose the VD100 if 100 kW meets the load study — the lower fuel and DEF consumption provide meaningful operating cost savings.

What emissions certifications does the VD100-04FT4 hold?

Both EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 — the most stringent diesel emissions standards currently in force. The dual certification makes this model suitable for global deployments and the most restrictive US jurisdictions, including California CARB requirements for non-emergency applications.

Blue Star Power Systems · Volvo Penta Diesel Standby

Blue Star VD100-04FT4

Name: Blue Star VD100-04FT4
Brand: Blue Star Power Systems
Availability: PreOrder

100 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

100 kW Tier 4 Final diesel standby/prime generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD581VE 5.13L inline-four with SCR/DPF/DOC, DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V.

Standby power: 100 kW / 100 kW prime
Voltage options: 120/240V, 120/208V, 277/480V, 347/600V
Frequency / Phase: 60 Hz · 1/3-phase
Engine: Volvo Penta TAD581VE · 5.13L
EPA / Emissions: Tier 4 Final
Alternator: Stamford UCI274D

Commercialsmall-commercialGovernment Healthcareresidential-high-end

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Overview#

The Blue Star VD100-04FT4 is a 100-kilowatt EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 diesel standby/prime generator built around the Volvo Penta TAD581VE — a 5.13-liter inline-four with full SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment. This is a current-production active model and the entry point to Blue Star's Volvo Penta Tier 4 Final lineup.

The TAD581VE shares its bore and stroke dimensions with the larger 7.7L TAD851-853GE inline-six, reflecting Volvo Penta's modular engine architecture — the same combustion chamber design scaled from four to six cylinders.

The Volvo Penta TAD581VE platform#

The TAD581VE introduces Volvo Penta's Tier 4 Final engine family to the Blue Star lineup:

5.13L inline-four — shares bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in) with the 7.7L TAD851-853GE I-6, with 17.2:1 compression ratio
SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment — the full emissions reduction system: diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction
18.5-gallon integrated DEF tank — significantly larger than the 3.8-gallon tank on the John Deere T4F models, providing 50+ hours at full load
EPA Tier 4 Final + EU Stage 5 — the most stringent diesel emissions certification available
4,921 ft altitude ceiling — adequate for most Northern California installations

Variant selection guide#

The VD100-04FT4 bridges the John Deere T4F range and the larger Volvo Penta T4F models:

JD80-03FT4 (80 kW, John Deere 4045HFG04 4.5L I-4, Tier 4 Final) — 20 kW less, different engine OEM, smaller DEF tank (3.8 gal). Choose this if 80 kW meets the load study.
VD125-04FT4 (125 kW, Volvo TAD582VE 5.13L I-4, Tier 4 Final) — same engine block, same footprint, 25 kW more. Choose this if 100 kW is marginal for the load study.

When to spec the VD100-04FT4#

80-100 kW emergency standby or continuous prime loads on diesel fuel
Jurisdictions requiring Tier 4 Final or EU Stage 5 emissions compliance
Mid-size commercial facilities: retail centers, offices, schools, small medical facilities
Sites at any elevation up to 4,921 ft
Applications where the generous 18.5-gallon DEF tank reduces maintenance frequency

Our service experience#

The Volvo Penta TAD581VE is serviced through Volvo Penta's industrial dealer channel. The SCR/DPF/DOC system requires periodic DPF ash cleaning (typically every 4,000-5,000 hours) and regular DEF replenishment. The 18.5-gallon DEF tank is a significant advantage over the John Deere models' 3.8-gallon tank — at typical emergency standby usage, DEF replenishment may only be needed annually rather than at each exercise visit. The DSE DCP7310 controller provides DEF level monitoring and aftertreatment status via the standard CAN J1939 interface.#

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length: 110 in
Width: 60 in
Height: 78 in
Dry weight: 4,250 lb

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load: 80 dBA
Enclosure: Open

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load: 6.99 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load: 5.51 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load: 4.05 GPH
DEF tank: 18.5 gal

Thermal & ventilation

Heat to coolant: 223,860 BTU/hr
Heat radiated: 125,700 BTU/hr
Exhaust flow: 742 CFM
Exhaust temp: 831 °F
Combustion air: 325 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Spec sheet (datasheet)

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Estimate runtime for the Blue Star VD100-04FT4

Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.

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Generator size

Fuel

Fuel tank capacity

gal

Load

Override full-load GPH (optional)

GPH

Estimated runtime

37.1 hours(1.5 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 5.39 GPH at 75% load. Estimate based on industry-typical 1800 RPM standby curves (≈0.07 GPH/kW at full load). Actual consumption varies by engine, ambient temperature, fuel quality, and tuning.

Service intervals

Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Blue Star VD100-04FT4 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.

Oil & filter: Every 500 hours or 12 months
Coolant change: Every 6000 hours
Air filter: Every 1000 hours
Fuel filter: Every 500 hours
Major overhaul: ≈ 20,000 hours
Load bank test: Every 12 months

Common failure modes

What we've seen fail on this platform. Use as a service-planning reference, not a diagnostic — actual failure modes depend heavily on duty cycle and maintenance history.

Component	Symptom	Typical hours	Severity
DEF system (SCR catalyst)	Derate warning, NOx fault, DEF quality alert	4,380+	moderate
Fuel quality	Injector fouling, hard starting	4,380+	moderate
Battery	Failed to start, slow crank	8,760+	minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine is in the VD100-04FT4?: The Volvo Penta TAD581VE — a 5.13-liter inline-four turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 175 HP (131 kWm) at 1800 RPM. The TAD58xVE family shares its bore (4.33 in) and stroke (5.31 in) with the larger 7.7L TAD851-853GE inline-six used in Tier 3 models, but with four cylinders instead of six. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.
Does the VD100-04FT4 require DEF?: Yes. The VD100-04FT4 uses a full SCR/DPF/DOC aftertreatment system. DEF consumption is approximately 5.1% of fuel consumption, and the integrated DEF tank holds 18.5 gallons — significantly larger than the 3.8-gallon tank on the John Deere models (JD60/JD80). At full load, the 18.5-gallon tank provides over 50 hours of operation.
How does the VD100-04FT4 compare to the VD125-04FT4?: Both use the same 5.13L Volvo Penta inline-four block and share identical physical dimensions (110 x 60 x 78 in) and weight (4,250 lbs). The TAD582VE (VD125) produces 218 HP versus 175 HP for the TAD581VE (VD100). The VD125 consumes more fuel (8.61 vs 6.99 gph) and has a slightly higher DEF consumption rate (5.9% vs 5.1%). Choose the VD100 if 100 kW meets the load study — the lower fuel and DEF consumption provide meaningful operating cost savings.
What emissions certifications does the VD100-04FT4 hold?: Both EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 — the most stringent diesel emissions standards currently in force. The dual certification makes this model suitable for global deployments and the most restrictive US jurisdictions, including California CARB requirements for non-emergency applications.

Compatible equipment

Engine

Volvo Penta TAD581VEEngines

Transfer switches

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