Compact Power: The Benefits of a Smaller Engine with Greater Displacement

By Jenni Gritti Probst | Posted September 23, 2024

One of the most significant advantages of a smaller engine with greater displacement is the ability to fit more power into a smaller footprint. A compact design allows for more flexible integration into various types of equipment, from construction machinery to agricultural vehicles. The reduced size can lead to several key benefits:

• Space Efficiency: A smaller engine frees up valuable space within the equipment, allowing for additional components or features that can enhance overall functionality. This can be particularly beneficial in applications where space is at a premium.
• Weight Reduction: A more compact engine typically weighs less than its larger counterparts. This weight reduction can improve the equipment’s manoeuvrability and reduce the strain on other components, leading to longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs.
• Improved Balance and Stability: With a smaller engine, the centre of gravity of the equipment can be optimised, improving balance and stability. This is crucial for off-highway equipment that operates in challenging terrains and conditions.

While the compact size is a significant advantage, the increased displacement of these new engines is where the real magic happens. Displacement refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine, and greater displacement generally means more power. Here’s how increased displacement can enhance equipment performance:

• Higher Torque: Engines with greater displacement can produce higher torque, which is essential for heavy-duty applications. Higher torque means better pulling power and the ability to handle more demanding tasks with ease.
• Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Modern engines with increased displacement are designed to be more fuel-efficient. They can deliver more power without a proportional increase in fuel consumption, leading to cost savings and reduced carbon impact.
• Better Performance at Lower RPMs: Engines with larger displacement can perform better at lower RPMs, providing smoother and more efficient operation. This can reduce wear and tear on the engine and other components, extending the equipment’s lifespan.
• Adaptability to Various Applications: The combination of compact size and greater displacement makes these engines highly adaptable. They can be used in a wide range of off-highway equipment including harvesters, pumps, and excavators, providing consistent performance across different applications.

Perkins® 2600 Series Engines

The Perkins® 2600 Series engines exemplify the benefits of compact power with greater displacement. These engines are designed to offer high power density, making them ideal for machines requiring performance in a small package. Key features of the Perkins 2600 Series include:

• Advanced Technology: The Perkins 2600 Series engines are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including variable turbocharged, common rail direct injection. This not only improves fuel consumption but also lowers emissions, meeting stringent EU Stage V, U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, and China Nonroad Stage IV standards. This global compliance streamlines design, installation, and service processes, making it easier for manufacturers to adopt these engines worldwide.
• High Power Density: Despite their compact size, these engines pack a punch. The 12.9-litre engine delivers an impressive 40 kW/L (53.5 hp/L) and 0.45 kW/kg (0.27 hp/lb) based on testing undertaken at TC-L from 2017-2024 using a dynamometer. This high power-to-weight ratio makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, from agriculture and materials handling to construction, mining, and aircraft ground support.
• Optimised Fuel Consumption: Fuel efficiency is a key feature of the Perkins 2600 Series. Advanced control algorithms and optimised electronic architecture help achieve fuel consumption as low as 185 g/kW-hr based on testing undertaken at TC-L from 2017-2024 using a dynamometer, where fuel injection quantities and rates were measured digitally. Additionally, these engines are compatible with B20 biofuels and HVO – fuels must meet the specification and characteristics described in official Perkins fluids guideline documents found on perkins.com – reducing life cycle CO₂ emissions and lowering ownership costs.
• Simplified Maintenance: Maintenance has been made easier with features like hydraulic lash adjusters and service-free integrated open crankcase ventilation filtration. The engines also eliminate loose washers and offer extended service intervals, including 5,000-hour diesel particulate filter ash service and 1,000-hour oil and fuel change intervals. These innovations reduce downtime and maintenance costs, enhancing overall efficiency.

As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for engines that offer both compact size and greater displacement will only grow. The Perkins 2600 Series engines represent a significant leap forward in engineering, providing the power and efficiency needed to meet the challenges of modern off-highway equipment. By embracing this new technology, manufacturers can offer their customers equipment that is not only more powerful and efficient but also more versatile and reliable.

Jenni Gritti Probst

Contributor

Not one to walk away from the chance to tell a good tale, Jenni spends her days crafting and sharing stories of the people, products and services that make the world a better place. When she’s not working her dream job at Perkins, she’s usually outdoors hiking, exploring, and playing in the dirt.