RM Online - What you need to know about Engines

Customers want power equipment that will do the job as quickly and efficiently as possible. So when rental centers buy power equipment, they look for features and capabilities that will satisfy those needs - but they also look for machines that are easy to maintain and rugged enough to handle the abuse of repeated rentals - machines that will retain their value.

For many years, diesel engines were restricted to larger equipment, but small diesel models now are available for a growing number of machines.

Customers expect an engine to be easy to start, to run smoothly and perform dependably. They want an engine to be fuel-efficient and easy to maintain.

All engines must meet federal emission standards and sometimes even more stringent state and local requirements. Emission regulations are here to stay, and they are sure to become even more strict in the future. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to produce engines that meet environmental standards. To ensure that engines perform within environmental guidelines, rental store maintenance personnel and customers must service them properly and not tamper with emission-control components.

Product support is just as important as product quality, so rental store owners want to be sure parts and service are readily available.

RM invited engine manufacturers to help rental store people understand engines better. Here's what they told us.

"The rental business depends on equipment with tough, reliable engines," says Kerry Johnson of Yanmar Diesel America Corp., Buffalo Grove, Ill. "No power, no rental. It's as simple as that."

"With basic maintenance, rental equipment buyers should expect trouble-free engine operation and long engine life," says Dave Haack, American Honda Motor Co., Duluth, Ga.

"Not only do rental stores need the proper equipment to carry out specific applications, but buyers must give strong consideration to equipment's power source - its engine," says Cameron Litt of Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis. "To satisfy user's expectations, the engine must be adequately sized. For applications that require frequent peak torque performance, you need a powerful engine that allows equipment to perform its best."

"Ultimately, the performance of equipment is dependent on the engine," says Roe East of Cummins Engine Co., Columbus, Ind. "Poor engine performance equates to poor equipment performance."

"Customer satisfaction with rented equipment may well hinge on engine performance," says Marsha Dutkowski of Deere Power Systems Group, Waterloo, Iowa.

Walter Krieger of Deutz Corp., Norcross, Ga., points out that long engine life contributes to higher resale value.

Parts and service

All of our expert sources agree on the importance of product support, especially for the demanding rental industry.

"Rental stores should expect superior service from their suppliers," says Dutkowski.

Rental stores need equipment with engines backed by strong warranties and effective factory and distributor support. Ready availability of parts and service can be as important as the overall quality of an engine.

Not surprisingly, manufacturers recommend using only genuine service parts. Use of "will-fit" parts voids warranties and these aftermarket substitutes may not be up to the original design specificiations of the manufacturer.

"Downtime means more than just idle inventory to a rental yard," says Johnson. "It means the particular piece of equipment can't be in a paying customer's hands at all. In considering power sources for equipment, rental stores must consider whether an engine manufacturer has the distributor network to provide parts and service in a timely manner."

"Buyers always should be aware of the terms and conditions stated in warranties," says Paul Scholten of Kohler. "Make sure that when repairs are made under warranty, you contact a small-engine dealer that is authorized by the engine manufacturer to perform warranty work."

"Adequate service support for engines is of prime importance for rental operations," says Dutkowski. "Rebuildability and resale value also may be considerations."

Gasoline or diesel

"Gasoline engines typically are less expensive than diesel engines," says Paul Blum of Kohler. "Gasoline engines start better in colder weather because gasoline does not gel as diesel fuel has a tendency to do. Gasoline engines run much quieter and cleaner. Not all service stations carry diesel fuel. And gasoline engines are lighter than diesel engines, a factor in [the] overall weight of equipment. "

"Diesel engines last longer, require less maintenance, are more fuel efficient, and in some cases, even approach the light weight typical of gasoline engines," says Krieger. "Because diesel engines rely on compression ignition, they are in most cases built with stronger components and have higher torque backup."

With the introduction of new, compact diesels, medium-sized and small machines with diesel power are becoming more popular.

"Being more durable and lasting longer, diesel engines can help improve ROI," says Johnson.

"A diesel engine usually has a higher original purchase price, but has longer life in the field and can survive under more rigorous conditions," says Dutkowski.

Emissions

Engine emissions standards are regulated by provisions of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and, in some cases, local ordinances.

"Every off-road engine manufacturer is required to obtain EPA emission certification, and each engine must have a special label stating that it meets emission requirements," says Dutkowski.

"Because engines are a component of equipment, there really isn't too much a buyer needs to know about emissions," says Litt. "But it is vital that end-users service and maintain engines properly so that they can continue to meet air-quality standards and perform at desired levels."

"Rental yards need to be aware that is it illegal to tamper with the fuel injection pump or other emission-control devices on the engine," says Dutkowski.

It also is important to know that local emission and noise regulations may be more stringent than EPA standards. Research into local regulations - particularly in highly populated areas - is a good idea before purchasing equipment.

"Emission regulations are here to stay," says Litt, "and it appears they will only get more stringent. Because of continued emission testing and development of components to make engines run cleaner, overall costs of engines have increased."

Tighter regulations will go into effect after the year 2000, covering hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, and very likely particulate emissions as well.