The engine for change Deutz

THE EnGInE FoR CHanGE

Deutz was the first engine maker in the world and today ranks as the world’s biggest independent manufacturer of diesel engines and engine components for agricultural machinery, marine propulsion, automobiles and construction equipment. Philip Yorke takes a closer look at a remarkable company that continues to expand and set new global standards in efficiency and environmental management.

Deutz AG was founded in 1864 by Nikolaus August Otto, the inventor of the four-stroke combustion engine, who set up a small workshop in the old city of Cologne. It was here that he developed the world’s first combustion engine to be produced in significant numbers – the atmospheric gas engine – and this was followed by another innovative ‘first’, a fully functioning four-stroke engine. Today Deutz is one of the world’s foremost independent manufacturers of diesel engines. Currently the company employs over 4000 people and operates production plants in Germany, Spain, China and Argentina. Deutz AG also has a significant presence in 130 countries worldwide.

Pioneering smarter engines

With the increasing pressure on automotive manufacturers to produce cleaner diesel engines, Deutz has been anticipating the new tougher legislation and developing a new generation of smarter, more environmentally friendly engines. The company’s new TCD 9.0 engine meets the EU stage V and US Tier 4 and EU Stage 111A emissions standards. This ground-breaking new engine had its world premier in Bauma, China in 2016, which is Asia’s biggest trade fair for construction equipment.

The company’s special four-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of nine litres is the first of a new generation of engines that Deutz is planning as part of its alliance with the Liebherr Group. As well as the TCD 9.0 Deutz has also developed a six-cylinder variant and this will be produced by Leibherr in cooperation with Deutz with the new engines bearing the Deutz AG brand logo.

The plan is for the company’s Chinese joint venture to manufacture the TCD 9.0 under license so it can more easily serve the local market in China. The new engine has a power rating of 300Kw and produces 1700 nM of torque. It also features a highly compact design that makes it easy to install in a wide range of applications and is particularly well suited for excavators and wheeled loaders.

Michael Wellenzohn, member of the Deutz AG management board, said, “By adding new engines from the alliance with Leibherr, we are enhancing our product portfolio and can now cover further output ranges and applications. Furthermore, having the TCD 9.0 manufactured in Dalian, it will give us the opportunity to be located in close proximity to the Chinese partners that we need. We see a great deal of growth potential in this market when it comes to developing advanced technology.”

Ideal fit

The key aspects of a significant strategic alliance between Deutz and Liebherr has been formalised concerning the supply of new engines from 200 to 700 kW. Under this agreement, Liebherr will grant Deutz worldwide sales and service rights for diesel engines rated at between 200kW and 700kW and for a broad variety of applications. These engines meet the statutory future requirements for exhaust emissions and will be available for series delivery from 2019.

These highly efficient low-emission engines provide an ideal fit with Deutz’s existing product portfolio. Deutz plans to sell them under its own brand to customers, as well as to its global network of dealers.

It is also planned that Deutz will receive exclusive rights to the production of a Liebherr nine litre engines in China. In addition, an expansion in the use of Deutz engines in Liebherr’s machines up to 150kW is also anticipated. The agreement between Deutz and Liebherr on the key points of their strategic alliance, strengthens their long-standing and successful trading partnership.

Stage V ready

Deutz recently concluded a long-term agreement with Putzmeister of Germany with ‘Stage V ready’ engines. The new long-term agreement with Putzmeuster is for advanced diesel engines of between 2.2 and 12 litres. This builds upon several years of close collaboration between the two companies. In order to meet the next emissions standard legislation, Putzmeister has opted to install ‘Deutz Stage V Ready’ engines in its floor screed and concrete pumps, which are to be launched progressively throughout 2017.

Wellenzohn added, “This supply agreement reinforces the enduring collaboration between Deutz and Putzmeister. We are delighted to be working together to achieve the conversion Stage V engines. Our product range is ideally prepared for this challenge.”

In another interesting development, the Deutz reconditioned engines known as Deutz Xchange have been the subject of a new agreement between Deutz and Terex, the multinational manufacturer of powered access equipment. “Terex was impressed with the three year transferable warranty that Deutz offers with its exchange engines,” explained Robert Mann, Deutz Corporation’s president and CEO.

“Also, our product quality and the fact that that our Xchange engines can be serviced by any Deutz distributor were critical factors in Terex selecting Deutz for the business.” n

For further details of Deutz AG’s innovative products and services visit: www.deutz.com