By Tom Amundsen, Senior Product Manager
Necessity is the mother of invention. Over the last few decades, we’ve seen a shift in the engine manufacturing industry as increasingly stringent emission regulations have necessitated reimagining of certain design principles.
At first, the brief from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) was to simply meet the standards to keep assembly lines moving. However, as the industry adjusted to a new normal, these manufacturers began to ask more from engine makers. The big, bulky engines that satisfied initial needs had become a pain point for further innovation. It was time to start exploring new solutions for new industry demands, and for that, OEMs needed compact engines that delivered exceptional power density while adhering to the strictest emissions standards.
Kubota was ready with the 210hp, 4-cylinder, 5-liter V5009 engine.
A High-Output Solution
So, how to deliver the power of a 6-cylinder engine with only 4 cylinders? Engine power is a function of displacement. A 6-cylinder engine has more interior room for combustion and, therefore, a higher displacement than a 4-cylinder engine. However, by increasing the efficiency of each combustion event, it is possible to achieve the same high output from a smaller engine.
To achieve better power density, the V5009 combines optimized piston mechanics and physics along with an innovative high-pressure fuel system. This technology is extremely efficient at atomizing fuel for more effective combustion. The VGT turbocharger and charge air cooler deliver dense air-charge to the system to further optimize combustion with limited emissions. In this way, the V5009 can deliver 210.9 HP at 2200 RPM, providing ideal power and torque “personality” for the most demanding applications.
Beyond Power
These elements are not new to the 09 Series and EPA Tier 4 / EU Stage V controls but rather can be viewed as the next evolution from a dependable Kubota team. It’s in our DNA, so to speak…it’s the way Kubota puts it all together. And as the industry continues to push the limits of what power density can deliver, Kubota will continue to lead the way with innovative solutions.