Industrial Engines: What To Know Before Buying Guide

Choosing an industrial engine can be a complex task, with the significant cost and technical considerations involved can make it a daunting process for any business owner.

However, we aim to simplify engine selection for your next industrial application.
The process of acquiring an industrial engine doesn’t have to be a recurring source of frustration.

This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision for your next purchase as we delve into the various engine types available, providing a clear breakdown of their functionalities.

Additionally, we’ll explore the most reputable brands in the industry, ensuring you invest in a reliable and well-supported product. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently navigate the industrial engine market.

Choosing The Right Industrial Engine

The selection of an industrial engine hinges entirely on the specific task it needs to perform. Across industries like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, a vast array of machinery and equipment relies on industrial engines to keep the wheels of progress turning.

These engines come in a multitude of configurations, each boasting unique strengths in terms of power output, fuel efficiency and fuel type compatibility.

Choosing the right engine requires careful consideration of all these factors to ensure optimal performance and adherence to any relevant regulations.

Some of the common sectors which often use industrial engines include:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Marine
• Power Generation
• Transportation

In the world of industrial engines, selecting the perfect engine depends on the specific demands and requirements of your industry.

Each sector has unique needs, and the engine that thrives on powering a massive cargo ship won’t be the same as the one driving a farm tractor. Marine engines, for example, must be built to withstand the constant threat of corrosion from saltwater, as well as also requiring specialised cooling systems to function optimally in aquatic environments.

To navigate this diverse landscape, there are two key factors every buyer should prioritise: size and fuel type. The size of the engine needs to match the power demands of the equipment it will operate.

A tiny generator won’t be able to handle the electrical needs of a large manufacturing facility, just as a monstrous engine would be overkill for a small irrigation pump.

Fuel type is another crucial consideration. Diesel engines offer exceptional torque and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications in construction and mining.

By carefully considering your industry’s specific needs, your equipment’s size requirements, and the most suitable fuel type, you can ensure you select the optimal industrial engine for the job.

Engine Size & Power Created

There’s a strong correlation between the size of an engine and the power it generates. Bigger engines typically produce more power than smaller ones, but choosing the most significant engine isn’t always the best solution. Here’s a more detailed approach to selecting the right engine for your needs:

1. Evaluate The Equipment’s Power Needs

First, identify the machinery the engine will be powering and carefully examine the equipment’s specifications, which should list its power requirements in units like watts, horsepower (HP), or kilowatts (kW). This will give you a baseline understanding of how much power the engine needs to deliver.

2. Consider Additional Factors

The equipment’s base power rating might not be the whole picture, so additional factors influencing power consumption should be considered.

For instance, if the machinery experiences fluctuating loads or high and low power demand periods, you might need to choose an engine with extra headroom to handle these peaks.

Similarly, if the environment where the engine operates is very hot or cold, it can affect engine efficiency. Factoring in these conditions will ensure your engine has the necessary capability.

3. Power Calculators and Expert Advice

If you’re unsure about the exact power requirements, there are online power calculators available that can help you estimate the necessary wattage or horsepower based on the specific equipment.

These calculators can be a useful starting point, but they may not account for all the factors in your situation. In such cases, consulting with an expert in engines or the machinery you’ll be using can be extremely beneficial.

Their experience can help you select the most suitable engine for your application, ensuring optimal performance and avoiding potential issues from underpowering or overpowering your equipment.

Engine Fuel Type

The type of fuel your heavy-duty vehicle uses plays a critical role in both your bottom line and the environment.

While diesel engines have reigned supreme for decades due to their power and efficiency, alternative fuel options like petrol, natural gas, and even electricity are emerging as contenders, each with unique advantages depending on your specific needs.

To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to weigh the availability and cost of each fuel type.

Availability: Consider how readily accessible each fuel source is within your typical operating range. Diesel has a well-established infrastructure, making it easy to find filling stations on most routes. However, natural petrol stations are less common, and electric charging stations are still under development, especially for larger industrial vehicles.

Cost: Fuel prices fluctuate, but it’s important to factor in not just the price per litre or kilowatt-hour, but also the fuel efficiency of each option. Diesel engines offer good fuel economy for heavy loads, but the fuel itself can be more expensive than petrol. Natural gas can be a cost-effective option, while electricity offers very low running costs, although the initial investment in the vehicle may be higher.

By assessing these factors, you can choose the fuel type that best meets your operational requirements and is within any possible budgetary constraints. Remember, the ideal choice may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

Buying New vs Used Engines

The decision between getting a new and used engine depends on several factors, with cost being the most upfront concern. Used engines offer significant savings compared to their brand-new counterparts, potentially saving your business a substantial amount of money.

However, new engines come with the advantage of a pristine performance history and the fact that you’re essentially getting a blank slate, free from the potential wear and tear of a previously used engine.

To evaluate reliability with a used engine, inquire extensively about its usage history. This information can help determine if the engine has experienced recurring problems and if it aligns with your specific needs.

Used engines often provide greater customisation potential as they can be modified to achieve different power outputs or sizes, allowing for a better fit with your exact requirements, whereas new engines typically arrive in a fixed configuration. Additionally, used engines tend to have a wider availability, eliminating the wait for a new unit to be manufactured.

For used engines, prioritise finding a dealer with a rigorous testing and quality assurance process. The sheer number of variables involved in purchasing a used industrial engine makes a reputable vendor invaluable. Their established record of supplying reliable machinery can significantly streamline the process and give you peace of mind.

When searching for an industrial engine, choosing a reputable brand is crucial for guaranteeing a high-quality product. These established manufacturers have a long history of producing dependable engines for diverse applications.

To find the perfect engine for your specific needs, consider these well-respected companies:

• Cat Engines
• Deutz Engines
• Kubota Engines
• Perkins Engines
• Cummins Engines
• Lister Petter Engines
• JCB Engines
• Isuzu Engines
• Yanmar Engines
• Mitsubishi Engines

If you are struggling to decide which engine is best suited to your industrial vehicle, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, and we will be more than happy to help!