What engine does the VD100-04FT4MP use?

The Volvo Penta TAD581VE — a 5.13-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and charge-air-cooled diesel. The TAD (Turbocharged, Air-cooled/intercooled Diesel) designation reflects Volvo Penta's industrial generator engine architecture. The TAD581VE is the base calibration of the 5.1-liter VP generator platform for the 100 kWe class, dual-certified to EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5. The 18.5-gallon DEF tank is a significant step up from the 3.8-gallon DEF tanks in the JD mobile series, providing longer DEF intervals on extended deployments. Rated power is available to 4,921 ft (1,500 m) at 122°F (50°C).

What controller does the VD100-04FT4MP use?

The DSE DCP7310 Digital Control Panel, with CAN Bus J1939 engine communication, digital metering, RS-485 interface, 8 programmable contact inputs, 10 contact outputs, and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatibility. The panel is cULus Listed and CE Approved with IP 65 ingress protection (with supplied gasket). The VD100-04FT4MP uses a 24V battery starting system — a transition from the 12V system used on the JD-series mobile models (JD40, JD60, JD80).

How does the VD100-04FT4MP compare to the JD80-03FT4MP below it and the VD125-04FT4MP above?

The JD80-03FT4MP (John Deere 4045, 4.51L, 8,850 lbs, 214.5 × 90 in, 12V, 250-gal) is the model below; the VD100-04FT4MP represents a platform change to Volvo Penta, a larger 230.5 × 90 in trailer, 24V starting, an 18.5-gal DEF tank (vs 3.8 gal), and 1,650 lbs more at 10,500 lbs — reflecting the engine platform change and larger DEF reservoir. The VD125-04FT4MP above uses the TAD582VE (next calibration of the same 5.1L VP block) on an identical 230.5 × 90 in footprint at 10,600 lbs. VD100 and VD125 are footprint-compatible: the step from 100 to 125 kWe adds only 100 lbs and 1.62 gph at full load.

What are the DEF capacity and runtime of the VD100-04FT4MP?

The 18.5-gallon DEF tank provides approximately 36–40 hours of DEF supply at full load (standard DEF consumption rates for Volvo Penta T4F/Stage 5 engines). At full load (6.99 gph diesel), the 250-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 36 hours of runtime — DEF and fuel intervals are reasonably aligned. Combustion air is 325 CFM; heat rejected to the coolant circuit is 223,860 BTU/hr; exhaust temperature is 831°F at 742 CFM.

Blue Star Power Systems · Volvo Penta Diesel Mobile

Blue Star VD100-04FT4MP

Name: Blue Star VD100-04FT4MP
Brand: Blue Star Power Systems
Availability: PreOrder

100 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

100 kW Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 mobile trailer diesel generator built by Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD581VE four-cylinder engine, Stamford UCI274D alternator, DSE DCP7310 controller, 250-gallon integrated fuel tank.

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

Commercialtemporary-powerGovernment Media & Telecompump-station

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Overview#

The Blue Star VD100-04FT4MP is a 100-kilowatt EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 mobile trailer diesel generator powered by the Volvo Penta TAD581VE — a 5.13-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and charge-air-cooled engine on Volvo Penta's dedicated generator platform for the 100 kWe class. It is the entry model in Blue Star's Volvo Penta mobile series and the first mobile model in the lineup to carry dual EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 emissions certification.

Blue Star Power Systems mounts the TAD581VE on an aluminum road trailer with a 250-gallon integral fuel tank, pairing it with a Stamford UCI274D alternator and DSE DCP7310 controller. The transition to the VD mobile series brings a 24V starting system (vs 12V on JD models), a substantially larger 18.5-gallon DEF tank, and the 230.5 × 90 in trailer platform shared through the VD150-04FT4MP. At 10,500 lbs, the VD100 requires a tractor or suitable commercial tow vehicle.

Platform Transition: JD to VD at 100 kW#

The VD100-04FT4MP is the platform boundary in Blue Star's Tier 4 Final mobile lineup — below it, John Deere 4-cylinder engines with small DEF tanks (3.8 gal); at and above, Volvo Penta engines with the 18.5-gallon DEF tank and 24V systems. The larger DEF tank at the VD100 reflects the VP engine's design for extended industrial deployments. For sites running 36+ hours continuously, the 18.5-gallon DEF reservoir significantly reduces the refill frequency compared to the JD series.

When to specify the VD100-04FT4MP#

90–100 kW temporary or standby power at commercial, construction, municipal, or utility sites
Sites up to 4,921 ft elevation at ambient temperatures to 122°F
Applications where EU Stage 5 certification is required in addition to EPA Tier 4 Final
Deployments requiring extended runtime with infrequent DEF refill (18.5 gal provides longer intervals than JD models)
Single-phase or three-phase loads at 120/240V, 120/208V, or 277/480V

Our service experience#

The TAD581VE is a well-proven generator engine in the 5.1-liter VP class. Service intervals align with Volvo Penta's T4F mobile generator schedule — oil, fuel filters, and aftertreatment system inspection. The 24V battery system is standard on all VD mobile models; verify battery condition at each PM. DEF quality management per ISO 22241-1 applies identically to all VD models. Exhaust temperature of 831°F is the coolest in the mobile Volvo Penta lineup, reflecting the lower specific output of the 100 kWe calibration relative to its displacement.

Engineering specifications

Physical

Length: 230.5 in
Width: 90 in
Height: 121.5 in
Dry weight: 10,500 lb

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load: 67 dBA
Enclosure: Open

Fuel system & runtime

Integral fuel tank: 250 gal
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
Ventilation air: 11,237 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Spec sheet (datasheet)

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Estimate runtime for the Blue Star VD100-04FT4MP

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

Estimate runtime on this tank

Generator size

Fuel

Fuel tank capacity

gal

Load

Override full-load GPH (optional)

GPH

Estimated runtime

46.4 hours(1.9 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 VD100-04FT4MP 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 does the VD100-04FT4MP use?: The Volvo Penta TAD581VE — a 5.13-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and charge-air-cooled diesel. The TAD (Turbocharged, Air-cooled/intercooled Diesel) designation reflects Volvo Penta's industrial generator engine architecture. The TAD581VE is the base calibration of the 5.1-liter VP generator platform for the 100 kWe class, dual-certified to EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5. The 18.5-gallon DEF tank is a significant step up from the 3.8-gallon DEF tanks in the JD mobile series, providing longer DEF intervals on extended deployments. Rated power is available to 4,921 ft (1,500 m) at 122°F (50°C).
What controller does the VD100-04FT4MP use?: The DSE DCP7310 Digital Control Panel, with CAN Bus J1939 engine communication, digital metering, RS-485 interface, 8 programmable contact inputs, 10 contact outputs, and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatibility. The panel is cULus Listed and CE Approved with IP 65 ingress protection (with supplied gasket). The VD100-04FT4MP uses a 24V battery starting system — a transition from the 12V system used on the JD-series mobile models (JD40, JD60, JD80).
How does the VD100-04FT4MP compare to the JD80-03FT4MP below it and the VD125-04FT4MP above?: The JD80-03FT4MP (John Deere 4045, 4.51L, 8,850 lbs, 214.5 × 90 in, 12V, 250-gal) is the model below; the VD100-04FT4MP represents a platform change to Volvo Penta, a larger 230.5 × 90 in trailer, 24V starting, an 18.5-gal DEF tank (vs 3.8 gal), and 1,650 lbs more at 10,500 lbs — reflecting the engine platform change and larger DEF reservoir. The VD125-04FT4MP above uses the TAD582VE (next calibration of the same 5.1L VP block) on an identical 230.5 × 90 in footprint at 10,600 lbs. VD100 and VD125 are footprint-compatible: the step from 100 to 125 kWe adds only 100 lbs and 1.62 gph at full load.
What are the DEF capacity and runtime of the VD100-04FT4MP?: The 18.5-gallon DEF tank provides approximately 36–40 hours of DEF supply at full load (standard DEF consumption rates for Volvo Penta T4F/Stage 5 engines). At full load (6.99 gph diesel), the 250-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 36 hours of runtime — DEF and fuel intervals are reasonably aligned. Combustion air is 325 CFM; heat rejected to the coolant circuit is 223,860 BTU/hr; exhaust temperature is 831°F at 742 CFM.

Compatible equipment

Transfer switches

More in the Volvo Penta Diesel Mobile

100–600 kW Tier 4 Final mobile trailer diesel generators on Volvo Penta platforms — all eight models EPA/EU Stage 5 certified.

View all 8models in this series →

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