Seemingly everything at the ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 is big – from the show’s footprint to the seemingly endless number of construction machines on the grounds. But FPT Industrial (Bronze Lot – B7700) decided to go small in Las Vegas by showcasing its newest off-road diesel engine for North America – the F28 – and revealing a hybrid variant. The compact four-cylinder becomes the smallest in FPT Industrial’s portfolio for the North American market. 

Delivering maximum power of 74 hp (55 kW) at 2,300 rpm, the inline four-cylinder F28 boasts the performance of a 3.4-L engine but in a package size closer to a typical 2.2-L engine, said Braden Cammauf, head of FPT Industrial Brand North America. Maximum torque is 277 lb-ft (375 Nm) @ 1,400 rpm. The F28 is suitable for specialized and small agriculture equipment and for light construction equipment. Cammauf said the company is “attacking the rental market” with this power unit, which has all servicing points on one side of the engine – an important factor for rental. Applications could include material-handling equipment such as telehandlers, aerial lifts, scissor and boom lifts; stationary operations, including air compressors, welders and pumps, as well as chippers, grinders and trenchers.

The F28 diesel was unveiled in conjunction with a natural-gas (NG) counterpart, taking advantage of a modular approach. According to FPT Industrial, “The interfaces are the same and the gas version is about to be tested on some demos in agriculture. We only have to implement a few functions on the machine, such as the tanks.” The NG version has the same displacement and interface as the diesel unit, with common base components and a 3-way catalyst in the aftertreatment system.

The F28 is compliant with Stage V and Tier 4 Final emission standards, using a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) aftertreatment solution for the European market, and a DOC-only for North America, with the same design for both regions. “Light EGR [exhaust gas recirculation]” and other design measures help keep the F28’s package size compact, said Cammauf.

The F28 Hybrid pairs a SuperGen e-flywheel with the diesel engine. The electric motor adds 27 hp (20 kW) of continuous power and 40 hp (30 kW) of peak power. Light construction machines such as skid steer loaders, drum rollers and backhoe loaders will at certain times benefit from the additional peak power. Integration of the engine’s hybrid architecture and optimized stop-start system is based on FPT Industrial’s proprietary control software, said Cammauf, reinforcing the brand’s role as a full-system integrator.

Start of production is expected in fourth quarter 2021 for all variants. Key customers currently are testing samples in the field. While the engine is rated at 74 hp, Cammauf said the product team is considering a 100-hp (75-kW) node to allow the F28 to further compete with larger engines.

The F28 engine was recently awarded “Diesel of the Year 2020” by Diesel magazine. The European magazine has bestowed the award on industrial engines since 2006. The main parameters considered by the jury are innovation, as well as compactness, specific power, specific torque and aftertreatment systems.