FPP's engine control

An industrial engine performance module (EPM) from Ford Power Products (FPP) is available for the company's 2.5- and 4.2-L engines and will be available for future products. The EPM is housed in a thin, watertight case that allows freedom in mounting. It offers isochronous speed control with precise timing of the electronic throttle in applications that require the engine to run at constant speed under various loads. Its CAN bus interface allows the module to communicate with other electronic devices. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities include software that allows viewing of historical faults with on-demand diagnostics to reduce vehicle downtime, a recorder that provides data for what occurred eight seconds before and two seconds after a fault, and the ability to plot real-time engine data.

Dana drive axle

The Model SD75-12-1A/1B is the newest steer drive axle from Dana Corp.'s Spicer Specialty Axle Division. A wide overall ratio—from 4.53: to 15.82:1—allows the axle to be used for a variety of applications, including on-/off-highway commercial vehicles, military vehicles, fire crash tenders, municipal vehicles, and concrete mixers. Antilock braking system sensors and pole wheels are included, along with central tire inflation system seals and feed ports. Automatic drivetrain management (ADM) differential clutch teeth can be added to allow vehicle designers to use ADM systems. Additional improvements include unitized hub oil seals, in-board hub breathers to combat harsh operating conditions, and improved driveshaft bearings and sealing for increased axle life.

Cat's compact engines

Positioned at the lower end of the Caterpillar power range, the 3003C (shown) and 3024C engines use turbocharging to boost their outputs to 45 kW (60 hp). The three-and four-cylinder, five-model engine family, which range from 12 to 45 kW (16 to 60 hp) and are significantly smaller than their predecessors, feature a relocated air inlet to lower engine height and redesigned attachments to reduce their width. The addition of a closed-circuit breather eliminates oil carryover and crankcase fumes. The combined combustion and mechanical noise has been reduced by 3 dB(A) compared to their predecessors.

Mechanical brake system

Hayes Brake LLC modeled its new M30 WM after its M15 mechanical brake system. The brakes have the same package size, but the M30 has increased clamping force and torque capacity. The M15 is used on standard- to medium-sized lawn-care vehicles or small construction equipment with a 20-25 hp (15-19 kW) range, while the M30 WM can accommodate equipment up to 50 hp (37 kW) without modifying existing brake systems and wheel motor designs. The M30 WM was designed for hydraulic wheel motors with 8- and 10-in wheels. It features a single-piece caliper bridge design and offers a 2900 lb (13 kN) clamp force.

SwRI propane engine

Engineers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have developed a propane engine to replace a 60-kW (80-hp) diesel engine in a John Deere 5410 tractor that can be modified for other naturally aspirated agricultural, construction, and power generation applications. The prototype engine features a lean-burn combustion system and electronic controls that enable it to meet 2008 EPA Tier 3 emissions levels, including particulate matter levels of 0.05 g/kW•h and 3.95 g/kW•h of NOx+NMHC (nonmethane hydrocarbon). It delivers 55 kW (74 hp) and has a full-load thermal efficiency of 34.8%, compared to 35.4% for a diesel engine. SwRI used existing compressed natural gas and diesel engine hardware throughout the engine's design. The Propane Education and Research Council is sponsoring a project to gather real-time feedback on the tractor from operators in the Houston-Galveston area.

Yanmar engines

Yanmar Diesel America Corp. will be introducing its TNV series diesel engines throughout 2003. The range will cover 15 engines, including three indirect-injection models, spanning an output range of 12.2 to 100 hp (9 to 75 kW). All of the direct-injection engines use Yanmar's re-entrant-type combustion chamber that provides high-swirl atomization from the injector nozzles for improved combustion. Cold starting has been improved from 14 to about 3 sec. Noise levels have been reduced via stiffer engine blocks and thicker fuel-injection-pump housings. Gear meshing has been improved and unbalanced moments reduced by 17%. The TNV engines are virtually the same size and weight of their predecessor, the TNE series.