Engine Insights with Aaron Engels, Engineering Manager for Power Solutions at Yanmar America

Today’s off-highway diesel engines are highly engineered power plants. From high-pressure common-rail fuel systems and diesel particulate filters to fixed geometry turbochargers and electronic control units, the diesel engines going into skid steers and compact excavators are cool and complex. Let’s learn more from Aaron Engels with Yanmar.

CE: Aaron, can you quickly summarize your latest and greatest diesel engine offerings for compact equipment?

Engels: That would be our new high power TN Engine Series, which is intercooled for higher horsepower, utilizing a closed-deck block design for robustness. The 3TN86CHT [1.57 L] is rated at 53.7 hp at 2,600 rpm and the 4TN86CHT [2.09 L] is rated at 74.2 hp at 2,600 rpm.

How important is digital connectivity with a machine and an engine these days? Have you released any interesting technologies that help the owner or dealer of the engine interact more with their diesel power plant?

Yanmar’s diagnostic tool recently became available as wireless and is easier to use than previous versions. Further, we offer our SA-R system for remote monitoring. Digital connectivity is the way of the future for Yanmar and off-highway equipment.

How has aftertreatment changed over the last few years?

Yanmar has been an industry leader in DPF [diesel particulate filter] equipped engines, with over 10 years of production experience in the under-75-hp category. Yanmar offers multiple configurations to fit any piece of equipment. We feel Yanmar engines equipped with a DPF are far superior in reducing particulate matter versus non-DPF solutions. With our unique regeneration strategy, we are proud to offer one of the best user experiences in the industry. The big trend toward improved diagnostic systems is something we are seeing due to the necessity to meet emission regulations, like Stage V in Europe [which requires a DPF; U.S. regs currently do not].

How important is it for the diesel engine to integrate with the host machine’s hydraulic system?

Correctly matching a diesel engine to the equipment’s hydraulic system is a primary function for Yanmar Application Engineers. Hydraulic system demands are analyzed by our team to ensure that the diesel engine is not continuously overloaded and that there is sufficient torque-rise for operator feeling and efficient equipment work. This is also weighed against the most fuel-efficient operation speeds for typical work. Advancements in feedback loops made possible by CAN (Controller Area Network) bus control systems have driven more construction equipment to use engines with electronic throttle control. Yanmar’s 3TNV80FT engine has been very popular among construction equipment OEMs for this reason.

What hybrid projects is your brand working on in the compact realm?

Yanmar is always working to develop new technologies that the market demands. Check out our recent first electric mini excavator prototype, the new SV17e. The hybrid technology the off-highway construction industry will embrace is very dependent on regulatory factors and fuel costs. Likely possible future solutions include alternative fuels, downsizing with motor generator additions, completely electric, etc. Another major factor in determining the best power solution depends on where a piece of equipment is to be used.

What maintenance advice can you give an off-highway diesel engine owner? For folks who run and maintain skid steers, track loaders, excavators, tractors, etc., what types of best practices and routines should they implement to get the most out of their engine?

High pressure common-rail diesel engines use very advanced injectors that can be costly to replace. Just like any injector, they are susceptible to fuel contamination and water intrusion if the complete fuel system is not properly maintained. It is strongly recommended to replace filters and drain water from separators at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals and to do so with the recommended filters.

What exciting products or services should our readers know about coming from your brand in 2022?

Yanmar has always been a brand to rely on for a quality engine. Now, Yanmar offers even larger displacement engine models in the 3.8- and 4.6-L categories. These are some of our most advanced engines in our history, and we are excited to see them make their way into the market.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

Engine Checks Before Starting the Day

by Perkins Engines

It’s important to note that the checks and services either relate to calendar time or the hours your engine has been running. Both should take place far more often on an engine in almost constant use than for one used occasionally.

Daily checks are just as important as regular servicing. Some things that should be checked every day and serviced as necessary before starting your engine include:

• Cooling system coolant level
• The engine air cleaner and pre-cleaner
• Engine oil level
• Fuel system primary filter/water separator
• V-belts
• A walk-around inspection
• Every 50 hours of operation, or at least once a week, you also should check the fuel tank for water and sediment and drain it if necessary.