Industrial equipment designers must make many decisions when building a product that meets customers’ needs. One critical decision is choosing the right engine. This includes selecting a quality, reliable brand and ensuring the engine best fits the equipment’s operational requirements without over- or under-powering it, as well as one that matches emissions regulations and guidelines for the states in which it will operate. The right engine size can save costs, improve productivity, and reduce downtime.
Here are the top five considerations for product designers when choosing the perfect diesel engine for their equipment:
- Power and Torque Requirements
The first step in right-sizing an engine is understanding the equipment’s power and torque requirements. Consider the operational load, peak load times, and how much torque is needed for lifting, digging, or cutting tasks. The engine should be able to handle these without being too large, leading to inefficiencies, or too small, which could cause performance issues or engine wear. Yanmar Tip: Calculate the load cycles and peak performance periods. This will ensure the engine size matches the average and maximum power needed. - Duty Cycle/Run-time
Some industrial equipment runs intermittently, while others may operate continuously for hours or even days. Equipment with a high-duty cycle, such as a generator or construction equipment, requires an engine built to handle prolonged periods of use without overheating or wearing down. Rightsizing for the duty cycle/run time can prevent unnecessary wear and improve long-term reliability and use for your customers. Yanmar tip: A heavy-duty application demands an engine that can withstand high usage rates and minimal downtime. Over-specifying an engine could increase fuel consumption unnecessarily and lead to added fuel costs for customers. - Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
With stricter emissions regulations and increasing fuel costs, product designers must consider fuel efficiency and exhaust particulate. Diesel engines now come in many emissions certifications (such as EPA Tier 4). Choosing an engine that balances performance and meets federal or state environmental standards is crucial. Furthermore, some U.S. states maintain separate regulations for diesel engines, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which can have more stringent regulations around emissions standards in comparison. Yanmar Tip: Evaluate the engine’s fuel consumption and emissions profile in relation to the equipment’s intended operating environment. - Space and Weight Constraints
Larger engines take up more room and add significant weight, which can affect the equipment’s balance, handling, and transportation. To rightsize, designers must find an engine that fits within space constraints while delivering the required performance. Yanmar Tip: Prioritize engine models that are compact but can meet power requirements, especially for mobile or compact equipment. - Maintenance and Durability
Industrial equipment often faces rugged environments, which require its diesel engines to be robust and durable. Choosing an engine that is reliable and easy to maintain can prevent costly downtime. Opting for an engine with a proven track record in similar applications and considering the availability of parts for quick repairs is essential. Yanmar Tip: Choose an engine with easily accessible service points and a good support network for parts and technical assistance.
Need help choosing Yanmar’s line of diesel engines, including engine customization services? Visit the industrial engines page to learn more: https://yanmarengines.com/