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LM Reports: Engines
1 Apr, 2008 By: Michael Seuffert Landscape ManagementAs equipment manufacturers must stay focused on developing more powerful, productive equipment, engine manufacturers must focus on achieving a balance between increasing horsepower and increasing fuel efficiency.
Ten years ago, a typical commercial zero-turn mower had a 25-hp engine. Since then, the incentive for increased productivity has led contractors to larger mowers with wider, heavier cutting decks, which combined with faster cutting speeds, fuels demand for larger, more powerful engines. Now, more commercial zero-turn mowers are sold with 30- to 36-hp powerplants.
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As fuel prices continue climbing, contractors pay closer attention to fuel efficiency. One practical technology Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power offers as an option on its Vanguard BIG BLOCK V-twin engines is called low speed operation. Increased fuel efficiency is just one of the system's benefits.
"When we looked at the strengths of our BIG BLOCK engines, we discovered the torque produced allowed us to slow them down without compromising power," said Dan Roche, marketing manager of Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power.
Low speed operation leverages the generous torque curve produced by the Vanguard BIG BLOCK powerplant, and reduces engine speed from the standard 3,600 RPM to 3,200 RPM. This increases fuel efficiency, while also reducing noise and vibration.
Tim Buszkiewicz, the Briggs & Stratton engineer that led the development of low speed operation, said the system acts much like an overdrive gear in a passenger vehicle. Power remains in reserve for situations that require full-throttle application, while in the majority of situations, low speed increases fuel efficiency by up to 10%, decreases noise by up to 40%, and lowers engine vibration by 20%.
"The low speed system is easy for equipment manufacturers to engineer into their equipment," Buszkiewicz said. "It's a great example of thinking outside the box to create a practical solution that enhances customer value."
The benefits of low speed operation are compelling enough that Ferris has installed the system on its 30-hp Vanguard BIG BLOCK-powered IS2000Z and IS3100Z zero-turn mowers.
"We immediately recognized the value of the low speed system to fuel efficiency and reduced noise," said Bob Laurin, director of research and development for Ferris. "Unlike many fuel efficiency technologies, which add significant cost to the product, low speed operation adds virtually no cost, but continues to add to the bottom line throughout the life of the machine. Plus, the benefits of a quieter, smoother running machine enhances the customer experience."
— Matt Gersib, Public Relations Counsel, Swanson Russell Associates
Kubota
Kubota's Super Mini Series engine models D902 and Z602 meet EPA Tier II requirements with increased power and low noise and vibration. These models share basic configurations with their predecessors and have increased bore and stroke. Water pump capacity is increased to enhance temperature regulation around the pistons and both models feature a new cooling water channel between the bores.
Contact Kubota Engine America at www.kubotaengine.com
Honda
The GX35 mini 4-stroke engine is Honda's most powerful engine for handheld applications. The 35.8-cc GX35's oil-immersed timing belt and overhead-cam architecture incorporate the valve train into the oil reservoir. This reduces the size and weight, making it comparable to a competitive two-stroke engine in those areas. The GX35 delivers powerful output across a wide range of operating speeds with ample low-speed torque. This reduces noise and operator fatigue, while increasing fuel economy and decreasing emissions.
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Contact Honda at 770/497-6400 or www.honda-engines.com
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