Innovative Iron Awards: Hatz’s 3H50TIC Three-Cylinder Diesel Engine and Deutz’s Connect App
Most brands already make amazing machines. In fact, there’s so much parity of quality in the American off-highway equipment marketplace that differentiators are often hard to find in machine categories. That’s what makes our Innovative Iron Award winners so special. In the last 12 months, these manufacturers have changed the marketplace and even broken the mold in highly competitive markets that are already filled with excellence. Global manufacturers from Kubota and Caterpillar to JLG and JCB have released products — machines, engines, OEM tech and even apps — that have set new standards for power, versatility, efficiency and design. Our editors have traveled across the country to meet these manufacturers, operate their new products and give detailed reports both in print and online. With this article, we do a final salute to those companies that have changed the equipment market over the last year with their unique, interesting and innovative products.
Hatz’s 3H50TIC Three-Cylinder Diesel Engine Makes No Sacrifices
Diesel engines manufacturers continue to find ways to make smaller engines with bigger power. This year, Hatz set the benchmarks in three-cylinder variants with its H-Series 3H50TIC power range, extending from 24 to 56 hp (18.4 to 42 kW). The H-Series boasts some impressive features beyond size — higher power output, efficiency and torque, along with lower weight, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. The 3H50T in particular represents a special unit for Hatz. This three-cylinder engine has been specifically developed for machinery that can be powered by a very high torque engine with a power output of less than 25 hp, which means no aftertreatment needed in the United States. For instance, the super popular 3- to 4-metric ton mini excavator category is now embracing the downsizing diesel trend, utilizing under-25-hp engines to avoid the extra cost of aftertreatment. This is an ideal engine for that growing application. For more info, visit hatzusa.com.
Digital Power: Deutz Connect App
Easier owner and mechanic interaction with a diesel engine got impressively more streamlined this year with Deutz’s Connect service app. The free app allows operators of construction equipment, tractors and other machinery to access engine data and the fault memory in the field via Bluetooth and send this information to the appropriate dealer with a single click. This ensures that service procedures are fast and precisely targeted. Fleet operators can also use the intuitive app to manage their engines and to specify servicing windows. Developed in partnership with ]init[ AG, a leading provider of IT solutions, the app’s user interface sets another benchmark for mobile service offerings. For more info, visit deutzamericas.com.
