Ecology and economy: understanding the upside of engine downsizing in the material handling industry

Manufacturers of machine handling equipment are increasingly integrating downsized engines to cut emissions and costs. But what’s behind this trend for reducing engine capacity — and what benefits does it bring to those investing in next-generation machines? 

This global mission to reduce emissions has made it imperative for manufacturers of diesel engines, like Perkins, and the equipment manufacturers who integrate them, to significantly reduce the environmental impact of exhaust emissions. It has an impact on businesses looking to invest in new machines, too. Rather than simply sourcing machines that provide a competitive advantage, they also need to ensure they meet complex environmental standards. 

In the current economic conditions, it may seem counter-intuitive to invest in greener equipment for your warehouse. But with many online operations distributing from huge, mega-warehouses – where every cost and environmental benefit is dramatically multiplied – this will be a growing market.  

Consequently, many global businesses, are modernising their forklift fleets to improve environmental sustainability. Moreover, by adopting advanced technologies, they’re cutting their operating costs, improving supply management and accelerating delivery times.

The need to stay ahead of the curve on emissions is backed up by market analysis carried out by OEM Off-Highway². They said: “Surviving the current situation and emerging stronger than before this crisis will require new thinking and strategies. The speed and flexibility in adopting new standards and operations differentiate winners from losers.” Therefore, making logistics fleets more sustainable could provide just the competitive advantage businesses need.

One trend that has risen from fast-moving environmental and economic conditions is a growth in popularity for downsized engines. This is the practice of using lower displacement volume engines, without sacrificing on power. 

Leading engine manufacturers, in collaboration with equipment manufacturers, have been continually driving downsizing forward; seeing it not only as a way to reduce emissions, but to keep customers’ logistics costs down by reducing spend on fuelling, operating, servicing and maintenance.

When engineered meticulously, downsized engines give machine manufacturers improved performance and fuel economy, while meeting the latest emissions standards. 

The work that engine manufacturers like Perkins have done to improve engine power, while reducing capacity, enables machine manufacturers to select smaller engines. 

Benefits for the machine manufacturer include a lower initial acquisition cost and reduction in the overall package size, which allows greater freedom of machine design. For the end customer, they acquire machines that are more compact, quiet and in many cases more powerful – and which drive productivity and savings on the job.

Some engine manufacturers, like Perkins, extend their focus beyond power, striving to ensure downsized engines deliver on start-up, torque, ambient conditions such as altitude and temperature, and response — so even if customers downsize, they can be confident their machines will be fully responsive. 

The hybridisation and electrification of equipment appears likely to further the trend for downsizing. In fact, hybridisation technology offers more opportunities for machine manufacturers to use downsized engines, because electrification and other advanced technologies can supplement power requirements. This presents opportunities to further optimise engine performance and increase the efficiency of material handling machines.

1. Study: Sustainable scheduling of material handling in labor-intensive warehouses, Raffaele Carli et al (mdpi.com)
2. OEM Off-Highway