What engine is in the VD125-04FT4?

The Volvo Penta TAD582VE — a 5.13-liter inline-four turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 218 HP (160 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the higher-output variant of the TAD581VE used in the VD100-04FT4, sharing the same block, bore (4.33 in), stroke (5.31 in), and 17.2:1 compression ratio. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.

How does the VD125-04FT4 compare to the legacy VD125-02FT4?

The VD125-04FT4 is the current-production Tier 4 Final replacement for the legacy VD125-02FT4. The '-04FT4' suffix indicates the fourth generation of the platform. The VD125-04FT4 uses a newer Volvo Penta engine variant with improved aftertreatment and EU Stage 5 certification. The VD125-02FT4 is no longer in active production.

Does the VD125-04FT4 require DEF?

Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 5.9% of fuel consumption — slightly higher than the VD100-04FT4's 5.1%. The 18.5-gallon integrated DEF tank provides over 35 hours of full-load operation between refills.

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

Both use the same 5.13L Volvo Penta block with identical dimensions (110 x 60 x 78 in) and weight (4,250 lbs). The TAD582VE produces 218 HP versus 175 HP for the TAD581VE, delivering 25 kW more at the cost of higher fuel consumption (8.61 vs 6.99 gph) and DEF usage (5.9% vs 5.1%). Choose the VD125 when the load study shows peak demand between 100-125 kW.

What engine is in the VD125-04FT4?

The Volvo Penta TAD582VE — a 5.13-liter inline-four turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 218 HP (160 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the higher-output variant of the TAD581VE used in the VD100-04FT4, sharing the same block, bore (4.33 in), stroke (5.31 in), and 17.2:1 compression ratio. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.

How does the VD125-04FT4 compare to the legacy VD125-02FT4?

The VD125-04FT4 is the current-production Tier 4 Final replacement for the legacy VD125-02FT4. The '-04FT4' suffix indicates the fourth generation of the platform. The VD125-04FT4 uses a newer Volvo Penta engine variant with improved aftertreatment and EU Stage 5 certification. The VD125-02FT4 is no longer in active production.

Does the VD125-04FT4 require DEF?

Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 5.9% of fuel consumption — slightly higher than the VD100-04FT4's 5.1%. The 18.5-gallon integrated DEF tank provides over 35 hours of full-load operation between refills.

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

Both use the same 5.13L Volvo Penta block with identical dimensions (110 x 60 x 78 in) and weight (4,250 lbs). The TAD582VE produces 218 HP versus 175 HP for the TAD581VE, delivering 25 kW more at the cost of higher fuel consumption (8.61 vs 6.99 gph) and DEF usage (5.9% vs 5.1%). Choose the VD125 when the load study shows peak demand between 100-125 kW.

Blue Star Power Systems · Diesel Product Line (Volvo Penta, 125 kW, Tier 4 Final)

New

Blue Star VD125-04FT4

Name: Blue Star VD125-04FT4
Brand: Blue Star Power Systems
Availability: PreOrder

125 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

125 kW Tier 4 Final diesel standby/prime generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD582VE 5.13L inline-four with SCR/DPF/DOC, DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V.

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Standby power: 125 kW / 125 kW prime
Voltage options: 120/240V, 120/208V, 277/480V, 347/600V
Frequency / Phase: 60 Hz · 1/3-phase
Engine: Volvo Penta TAD582VE · 5.13L
EPA / Emissions: Tier 4 Final
Alternator: Stamford UCI274E

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Overview#

The Blue Star VD125-04FT4 is a 125-kilowatt EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage 5 diesel standby/prime generator built around the Volvo Penta TAD582VE — the higher-output variant of the 5.13L inline-four used in the VD100-04FT4. This is a current-production active model that replaces the legacy VD125-02FT4.

The VD125-04FT4 shares its physical footprint and weight with the VD100-04FT4, making it a drop-in upgrade when 100 kW is marginal for the load study.

The Volvo Penta TAD582VE platform#

The TAD582VE is the higher-output variant of the 5.13L Tier 4 Final engine family:

Same 5.13L inline-four as the TAD581VE (VD100-04FT4) — identical bore (4.33 in), stroke (5.31 in), and 17.2:1 compression ratio
Higher output tuning — 218 HP (160 kWm) versus 175 HP (131 kWm) for the TAD581VE
SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment with 18.5-gallon DEF tank
5.9% DEF consumption — slightly higher than the VD100's 5.1% due to the higher output
4,921 ft altitude ceiling — same as the VD100-04FT4

Variant selection guide#

The VD125-04FT4 is the top of the 5.13L Tier 4 Final range:

VD100-04FT4 (100 kW, Volvo TAD581VE 5.13L I-4, Tier 4 Final) — same footprint, lower fuel and DEF consumption. Choose this if 100 kW meets the load study.
VD150-04FT4 (150 kW, Volvo Penta, Tier 4 Final) — next step up, likely a larger engine platform, for loads above 125 kW.
VD125-02FT4 (125 kW, legacy) — the predecessor model, no longer in active production. The VD125-04FT4 is the current replacement.

When to spec the VD125-04FT4#

100-125 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, school campuses
Sites at any elevation up to 4,921 ft

Our service experience#

The TAD582VE shares all service procedures, fluid capacities (4.23 gal oil, 12.4 gal coolant), and filter cross-references with the TAD581VE (VD100-04FT4). The higher DEF consumption rate (5.9% vs 5.1%) means the 18.5-gallon DEF tank depletes somewhat faster — plan for DEF checks at every quarterly exercise visit for standby applications. The DSE DCP7310 controller provides DEF level monitoring, aftertreatment status, and DPF regeneration alerts. Parts and service are accessible through Volvo Penta's industrial dealer channel.#

Engineering specifications

Physical

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

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load: 81 dBA
Enclosure: Open

Fuel system & runtime

Fuel use @ full load: 8.61 GPH
Fuel use @ 75% load: 6.58 GPH
Fuel use @ 50% load: 4.82 GPH
DEF tank: 18.5 gal

Thermal & ventilation

Heat to coolant: 277,080 BTU/hr
Heat radiated: 154,800 BTU/hr
Exhaust flow: 851 CFM
Exhaust temp: 903 °F
Combustion air: 364 CFM

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Spec sheet (datasheet)

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Estimate runtime for the Blue Star VD125-04FT4

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

30.1 hours(1.3 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 6.64 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 VD125-04FT4 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 VD125-04FT4?: The Volvo Penta TAD582VE — a 5.13-liter inline-four turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 218 HP (160 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the higher-output variant of the TAD581VE used in the VD100-04FT4, sharing the same block, bore (4.33 in), stroke (5.31 in), and 17.2:1 compression ratio. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage 5 certified with SCR/DPF/DOC triple aftertreatment.
How does the VD125-04FT4 compare to the legacy VD125-02FT4?: The VD125-04FT4 is the current-production Tier 4 Final replacement for the legacy VD125-02FT4. The '-04FT4' suffix indicates the fourth generation of the platform. The VD125-04FT4 uses a newer Volvo Penta engine variant with improved aftertreatment and EU Stage 5 certification. The VD125-02FT4 is no longer in active production.
Does the VD125-04FT4 require DEF?: Yes. DEF consumption is approximately 5.9% of fuel consumption — slightly higher than the VD100-04FT4's 5.1%. The 18.5-gallon integrated DEF tank provides over 35 hours of full-load operation between refills.
How does the VD125-04FT4 compare to the VD100-04FT4?: Both use the same 5.13L Volvo Penta block with identical dimensions (110 x 60 x 78 in) and weight (4,250 lbs). The TAD582VE produces 218 HP versus 175 HP for the TAD581VE, delivering 25 kW more at the cost of higher fuel consumption (8.61 vs 6.99 gph) and DEF usage (5.9% vs 5.1%). Choose the VD125 when the load study shows peak demand between 100-125 kW.

Compatible equipment

Transfer switches

Tier 33-phaselight-commercialcommercial

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