Pgl's Multifuel Engine Range Expanded - Brief Article

Diesel Progress North American Edition, Dec, 1999 by Mike Osenga

New line includes gasoline, LP, NC, CNG and dual-fuel versions for mobile and stationary use; new lift truck engine/foot throttle package launched

Long a supplier of gaseous-fueled engines for a variety of off-highway applications, Power Great Lakes, Inc., through its associated company Power Solutions, Inc. (PSI), has now introduced a complete range of engine packages.

The new PSI line includes five engine packages from 30 hp to 292 hp available as gasoline, natural gas, LPG or CNG engines. Various individual engines in this range had been offered previously, but now PSI feels a complete line has been established that covers most of the gasoline and gaseous-fueled industrial engine markets.

"PSI is now able to provide complete power solutions for targeted applications," said Gary Winemaster, president of the Wood Dale, Ill., packager.

Applications for the PSI engines are seen primarily in the material handling, crane/aerial lift, aviation ground support and industrial sweeper/ scrubber markets, as well as stationary uses such as welders, wood chippers, power generation units and irrigation sets. PSI's scope is global and the company provides engine systems for a number of European lift truck manufacturers including JCB, Juagheinrich, and Boss.

Winemaster uses the phrase engine "integrator" in describing the process that has resulted in the new PSI engine line. And indeed, the engines that carry the PSI logo draw on products and technologies from a number of sources.

The base gasoline engines are supplied by GM Powertrain. From that point, PSI draws from a variety of industry suppliers to package a complete "drop-in" engine system for mobile use, or complete engine drive packages for the power generation and irrigation markets.

One advantage of this type of integration, Winemaster said, is that it allows PSI to develop specific packages for specific applications and customers. This is especially true, he said, within the growing gaseous-fueled markets where individual markets and applications generally have a fuel (and fuel system) preference, whether it be LP, NG or CNG, as well as gasoline. All with an eye on meeting future emission certification requirements.

"The big advantage to this type of package in these days of lean procurement," Winemaster said, "is we can draw from a variety of global supply sources, taking a lot of administration out of the equipment manufacturers' hands, and deliver one part number from one supplier to the assembly line, JIT."

While the features packaged into an engine depend on the application, PSI typically packages the base engine with an electronic control module that is designed to optimize fuel and spark requirements. Also offered is electronic governing and carbureted or electronic fuel injection gasoline systems with either throttle body injection or multiport injection.

Further, LP, NG or CNG fuel systems are available, as well as dual-fuel systems; a variety of cooling packages including radiators and fans; KTR hydraulic pump mount housings, SAE flywheels and flywheel housings; KTR hydraulic pump adapters; wiring harnesses and instrumentation; as well as a PTO clutch sourced from Auto Clutch, another PGL company (see related story).

The PSI gaseous packages also include a knock sensor to adjust the fuel system to the differing gaseous fuels found throughout the world. An oxygen sensor and three-way catalyst control that can be run via the ECM is also available. Other options include instrumentation panels, air cleaners, mufflers and sheet metal enclosures, as well as automatic transmissions that include the Chrysler 727 hydraulic three-speed package and the GM 4L80E electronic four-speed transmission.

Expanding this even further, PGL has signed an agreement with Williams Controls, Inc., Portland, Ore., to manufacture electronic throttle controls (ETC). Williams has been a longtime supplier of ETCs to the heavy-duty truck market and the agreement with PGL is the company's first foray into the industrial and lift truck markets. The Williams/PSI pedal is a through-the-floor assembly designed specifically for applications requiring a low profile. Production was scheduled to begin in October.

Winemaster said the agreement gives PGL a cost effective, drive-by-wire electronic foot pedal designed specifically for material handling and lift truck use and allows the company to offer nearly a complete and integrated power and control package to these markets.

The new PSI engine line begins with the newest model in the line, a GM 2.0 L, four-cylinder engine. Available in carbureted or EFI gasoline, or EFI carbureted natural gas/LP versions, the engine is rated from 20.5 to 69.4 hp as a gasoline engine and 16.9 to 48.6 hp as a gaseous engine.

Next is the GM 3.0 L, in-line four-cylinder engine rated 80 hp at 3000 rpm as a gasoline engine and available as an LPG, NG or CNG power plant at 74 hp. Above that is a GM 4.3 L, V-6 engine rated 119 hp at 3000 rpm as a gasoline engine (152 hp with fuel injection) and 104 hp at 3000 rpm as an LP or NG engine.