DIESEL AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS CENTRAL FOR ENGINE MANUFACTURERS

New power options for off-highway equipment were everywhere at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. One trend was obvious across the board for engine manufacturers: diesel remains at the core of the heavy construction industry.

New Caterpillar Diesel Platform

The high-performance C13D is a ground-up engine design from Caterpillar that is intended to provide higher power density, torque, and fuel efficiency in a smaller package size with power ratings from 456 to 690 hp. Cat expects a 20 percent boost in power and up to 25 percent low-speed torque increase. The C13D will be able to run 100 percent HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and biodiesel, and the architecture allows for future development of natural gas and hydrogen fuel capabilities.

Kubota Explores Hydrogen And Hybrids

Kubota debuted a 3.8-litre hydrogen combustion engine at CONEXPO that offers spark ignition and generates 85 kW (114 hp) of power. Kubota is also focusing on hybrid technology including the D1803 P1 Hybrid. It features an integrated motor generator embedded within the flywheel housing. Kubota also displayed the D1105 P2 Hybrid. This engine generates a rated output of 28.4 hp (18.5 kW) and can transition between diesel and electric motor drive while in operation. Kubota has approved the use of HVO in its diesel engines for North America.

FPT INDUSTRIAL ADDS MULTI-FUEL CAPABILITY

The new F28 family of engines from FPT Industrial is designed to provide the performance of a 3.4-litre engine in a 2-litre package. The F28 is designed with a multi-fuel capability, sharing common base components for diesel, natural gas, and hybrid versions. The F28 PowerPack includes all aftertreatment components and is designed to simplify installation. It features maximum power of 55 kW (75 hp). FPT also showed a hybrid version of the F28, which features a renewable diesel compatible engine paired with an e-flywheel.

John Deere Engine Architecture Updated

John Deere Power Systems’ Next Generation JD4, JD14, and JD18 engines range from 48 to 908 hp. The JD4 is the latest addition, generating up to 161 hp and is designed with a new rear gear train that is quieter and provides high PTO power. As it builds out the new line of engines, JDPS is also focusing on its existing offerings, including a new 9.0L JD9 designed to be less complex and reduce installation costs, while maintaining quality and reliability. John Deere states that biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel will be the most promising options for off-highway equipment.

FUEL-AGNOSTIC RANGE EXPANDS FOR CUMMINS

Cummins showed a new 15-litre fuel-agnostic engine platform to help decarbonize heavy-duty off-highway applications. It uses a base engine that is then built upon with cylinder heads and fuel systems tailored for carbon-free hydrogen or biogas, resulting in up to 90 percent carbon reduction. The 15-litre hydrogen engine produces up to 530 hp, compared to 510 from the natural gas variant. An advanced diesel version, meanwhile, can use HVO or biodiesel and is designed for ratings up to 650 hp.

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