Taking another big step: MTU Detroit Diesel unveils new power units based on Series 900 engines; rail maintenance initial target market

Diesel Progress North American Edition, March, 2008 by Mike Brezonick

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When MTU Detroit Diesel first launched its diesel power unit program in North America, the company made no secret of its intentions to expand its position in the industrial drive markets. "Our plan is to have a complete product line," Scott Jenkins, vice president-construction and industrial sales at MTU Detroit Diesel said at the time. "But we will be doing it a step at a time."

Now, a little less than three years later, the company has determined that the time is right for another big step, as it is launching a new line of fully self-contained engine power units based on its Series 900 engine family.

The new units, which will span an output range of 101 to 322 hp, join MTU Detroit Diesel's existing 100 to 665 hp models, which are based on the company's Series 40 and Series 60 power units. Power units using remanufactured Series 50 and Series 60 engines are also available.

The initial model, based on the 906 engine, will be on display at MTU's exhibit at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas and will be available in the second quarter of this year, the company said. Power units based on the company's 904 and 926 engines will be offered later in 2008 for a wide variety of markets.

The new Series 900 power units in corporate the engine, cooling systems, intake and exhaust systems, electronic controls and all other essential elements onto a compact mounting base that can be specified with or without an enclosure. The units are designed to be drop-in packages that can be used to drive pump sets, hydraulic power units, directional drills, chipper/shredders, street sweepers and vacuums, water blasters and industrial washers, container loaders and de-icing equipment, etc.

"The Phase A release of the Series 900 power unit will focus on the rail maintenance market, ranging from 201 to 275 hp," said Mark Feldmann, program manager of power units at MTU Detroit Diesel. "By midyear we'll extend the range to 100 to 322 hp, featuring the full power range of the Series 900, which will be the real focus of this project."

"Rail maintenance is the hardest market to spec for," added Doug Berry, sales manager for rail with MTU Detroit Diesel. "Power units must be narrow and there are other unique considerations. That's why we decided to start designing these new power units for the rail market. If you can meet the needs of rail maintenance, the other markets are relatively easy."

The Series 900 packages are debuting in North America, where power units of this type are more typical than many other regions. Their distribution may be expanded to other areas in the future, the company indicated.

The three Series 900 engine models that form the backbone of the power units are inline four- and six-cylinder engines with displacements from 4.2 to 7.2 L (see related chart). All meet EPA Tier 3 emissions levels, the company said. "It helps that while the Series 900 engine is new to the rail maintenance market, it's a proven engine with a rich history," said Berry. "We're simply offering a familiar engine in a new package."

Both open and enclosed units incorporate radiator guards and pedestal mounting systems designed to allow the units to be bolted to existing frames or trailers are standard. Full skid base mounts are also available. The power units can be specified with a variety of component options, such as Murphy control panels, Donaldson heavy-duty air cleaners and Modine radiators.

Most of the new Series 900 power units are assembled and tested by Engines Plus, the Springfield, Mo., stationary power specialist.

Series 900 Power Units

Engine    Cylinders   Displ.   Hp         Torque
904       4           4.2 L    101-173    295-500 lb. ft.
906       6           6.4 L    174-275    555-810 lb. ft.
926       6           7.2 L    295-322    885-980 lb. ft.

Information provided by the manufacturer