PERKINS: Growing Its Engine Portfolio

In a recent development, engine manufacturer Perkins has added an electronic diesel engine for India that will be made at its Aurangabad facility, reports Huned Contractor

Perkins, one of the world’s leading suppliers of off-highway diesel engines in the 4-2000 kW (5-2800 hp) market, has launched the first electronically controlled diesel engine, utilising technology specifically designed for the 4000 Series range. The electronic engine will be made at the company’s Aurangabad facility, meeting India’s Central Pollution Control Board – II norms, and is a significant investment by Perkins to serve the Indian market. This new product, an electronic diesel engine designed specifically for the Indian market, delivers 750 kVA prime electric power. “The 4006 electronic engine delivers performance in a 6-cylinder, 23-litre configuration and gives users a number of significant advantages over competitive alternatives at 750 kVA prime node,” said Pankaj Jha, General Sales Manager (South Asia), Perkins.

He added, “Other than being a more power dense engine with respect to competitive offerings due to Perkins’ unique electronic fuel system, the engine also provides a superior block or first load capability which creates value to customer segments in manufacturing, mining, hospitals, and other applications. Additionally, outstanding derate capability comes as standard with our electronic offering. The 4006 electronic engine is another demonstration of our continued commitment to serving customers in India. In fact, the feedback from Indian customers was the primary driver of investment in this program.”

The new 4006 electronic engine also offers simplified service requirements and the ability to operate over a broad range of ambient temperatures and altitudes, making it an ideal choice for the Indian power generation market. It is built on the core of the current 4000 Series engine manufactured at Aurangabad with substantial enhancements to many of that engine’s features. Electronic monitoring and control of the 4006 electronic engine is a key reason for the product’s outstanding load acceptance and ability to operate efficiently in Indian ambient conditions. The 4006 electronic engine’s control system is compatible with the Perkins EST diagnostic tool used to improve the speed and accuracy with which engine issues are resolved and opens the possibility of integrating the 4006 electronic engine with other monitoring and control systems that may be implemented by end users.

“The steady evolution of the powerful 4000 Series has taken place over a number of years, thanks to significant investment from Perkins. We are very excited to present the new 4006 electronic engine to our customers in India,” said Abhinav Gupta, South Asia Marketing Manager, Perkins. Tommy Quan, Asia Sales Director, Perkins, added, “The 4006 electronic engine is a significant advancement in the Indian-built 4000 Series and offers a very competitive total cost of ownership. It delivers the benefits of electronic control in a highly power dense package that has been optimized for Indian power generation.” Completed in 2015, the Aurangabad plant, where the 4006 electronic engine is manufactured, has the capacity to produce up to 3,000 engines per year. Aurangabad is one of two Perkins plants in India. The other facility at Hosur produces the Perkins 1100 and 2000 Series engines.
There’s more news on the engine front. The turbocharger is an integral part of a Perkins engine. They are precision-engineered to strict regulations with a typical turbocharger manufactured with tolerances as fine as 1/1,000,000 of an inch. Some work at peak loads for long periods of time, operating at speeds of up to 180,000 revolutions per minute for hours at a time. They are designed to match the lifetime of an engine and go through a rigorous testing process to ensure they can perform in all kinds of strenuous operating conditions. For example, tests are undertaken at a simulated altitude of 4,500 metres – nearly the same the height of Mont Blanc – because turbocharger air systems are susceptible to damage at high altitudes.

“If your turbocharger fails, it’s probably not worth trying to repair the part and the easiest solution is to replace it with a new one,” said Helen Hagan, Perkins’ Aftermarket Product Manager. “Perkins has launched a ‘new for old’ exchange offering for turbochargers – and it’s proving to be very popular. The new unit comes with a full warranty and is an economical and practical way to ensure your turbocharger is always working correctly,” she added. Perkins offers three competitively priced turbocharger options: new, remanufactured and new-for-old. New turbochargers are manufactured to the exact specification as the turbocharger fitted to an original Perkins engine and come with a 12-month warranty. Remanufactured turbochargers are built from an existing turbocharger core to the original manufacturer’s specifications including any engineering updates.

Further, Perkins has expanded its industrial engine range with the launch of four new product platforms. The powerful 9-18 litre range enables construction equipment manufacturers to benefit from Perkins’ proven performance and engine durability up to 597 kW (800 hp). The addition of a 9-litre 1700 Series, a 13-litre 2200 Series, a 15-litre 2500 Series and an 18-litre 2800 Series more than doubles the power range previously offered by Perkins, extending it to 8.2-597 kW (11-800 hp). “From the compact 0.5 litre to the powerful 18 litre engines, equipment manufacturers can take advantage of Perkins’ comprehensive engine range, saving themselves time and money by using just one supplier for all their engine needs, across their global machine line-up,” said Andy Zuckerman, Americas Sales and Distribution Director.

“Our four new engine platforms are specifically designed to meet our customers’ strategic and commercial requirements. We have developed a modular engine architecture which delivers the right performance, while enabling customers to develop single machine designs adaptable to multiple emissions standards. We know what it takes to work alongside our customers as they continue to create differentiated and competitive machines, and we are confident this new 9-18 litre engine range, which offers flexibility for installation and servicing options, will provide them with the right platform for their business growth,” he added. “The 1700 Series offers excellent power density, allowing construction machine manufacturers to downsize and save money. Equipment manufacturers also benefit from a low cost of installation and ownership, coupled with a robust and reliable performance,” a press note states.

Packed with advanced engine technologies, the 1700 Series is a powerful, compact and robust family of industrial engines that will improve the performance and productivity of construction machines. It has been designed with simple and low-cost installation in mind. Low heat rejection in the engine allows for a small cooling pack, thereby simplifying installation, while features such as on-engine after-treatment mounting also contribute to reduced installation costs. “This reliable and robust engine has been manufactured to keep hard-working, productive machines running in the toughest conditions – and ensure they are as productive as possible,” the press release adds. Meanwhile, in a corporate development, Mark Stratton has been appointed General Manager of Perkins’ large engines, based in Seguin, Texas, with global responsibility for engines in the 7.2 to 18 litre range.