Agricultural / Off Road

Agricultural and off-road engines and vehicles see a heavy duty-cycle in a harsh environment nearly every day of their existence.   These engines must operate in temperature ranges from artic conditions to daily operating temperatures up to 120°F, depending upon their market.  Some markets require engines that are designed to both propel the vehicle and operate attachments like buckets, blades and shovels found on farming and construction equipment.  Agricultural and off-road engines also experience a tremendous range of exhaust gas temperatures, since most of them operate at low speeds.  In some markets diesel fuel is the fuel of choice.  Yet today, the diversity of fuels in the market is increasing, not decreasing.  Manufacturers must prepare products for these markets, as well.

We can help.  Powertrain design and development engineers must consider these environmental variables when they develop new concepts and when product modifications are considered.

For many years, this market was unregulated, allowing the manufacturer significant freedom to design and develop simple, robust designs that could continually fulfill their roles, independent of the harsh environments into which they were placed.

The last decade has brought regulations and new market drivers for emissions and noise reduction, in particular, which have changed the equation.  The new Tier 4 regulations will provide more than a 90 percent reduction in NOx and more than a 95 percent reduction in PM compared to uncontrolled levels.   Urban crowding has dramatically increased sensitivity to noise from construction, agricultural and other off-road equipment.  

In some cases, the technology that is necessary to achieve these goals introduces some complications.  For example, engineering the placement of the aftertreatment system is difficult due to the significant space restraints presented by the engine compartment size and packaging due to safety, visibility and functionality requirements.

The duty-cycles and environments have not changed, but agricultural and off-road powertrains are more sophisticated than they have ever been.  And along with sophistication, has come concerns about durability, reliability, maintenance and warranty claims.

FEV’s engineers are well-prepared to support our customers in addressing these needs.  We apply the latest tools to help our customers to develop world-class engines that meet all of their design targets for performance, emissions, and NVH.  We also understand the cost-sensitivity of this market and continually find innovative ways to reduce product cost and improve quality, reliability and durability.

Contact FEV to see how we can support your powertrain and vehicle design and development efforts.  Click on the “contact us” link to the right or select one of the related technology links for more information.