Perkins’ customers have played a significant role in the development of the latest range of engine models. Before designing the new 1200 Series engines, the company performed an extensive “voice of the customer” research program with a wide range of OEMs. As part of the process customers were questioned on the relative importance of each of their different requirements – e.g. durability vs. cost vs. fuel economy. It also provided an opportunity for direct input into future engine design concepts. One request, for example, was for more space for larger hydraulic pumps as engines become more powerful and are fitted into ever larger machines.

 As a result Perkins developed an understanding of what to design in terms of engine concepts, and was ready to optimise the offering for installation in customers’ machines. To take the process forward, Perkins created a new way of working with customers, called ‘Tier 4 Integration Workshops’. A new team of design engineers was put together to work not on engine design, but on how engines could be installed into customer machines.

An intense initial phase of collaboration with some of Perkins’ closest customer partners made it possible to concurrently develop both engine and installation design.

The result is the recognition that the 1200 Series can be successfully installed in a wide range of different machines and the process is being successfully replicated with other customers. Typically OEM customers visit the Peterborough Engine Centre, where they are given detailed information so they can understand the challenges ahead.

Design engineers from Perkins and the customer work closely together exploring the best way of integrating an engine and machine systems. As this process evolves, Perkins designers are gaining vital experience and getting better and better at optimising machine design and helping customers find ways of integrating the new power systems.

Confidence is high that Perkins’ new product offering is sufficiently flexible to fit into pretty much any of the different machine architectures that exist in the industrial engine market, whilst maintaining a level of variety that is manageable.

Importantly feedback from customers has been excellent. They believe this process is saving them many months of engineering effort, and offering a service that is far above that offered by other engine manufacturers. It is possible that some competitors are telling their customers “don’t worry, it’s only a minor change”, whereas Perkins invited open discussion about the level of challenge ahead, and this openness is certainly being appreciated.

By collaborating closely with Perkins now, machine manufacturers are able to understand and resolve installation challenges in good time to meet the legislation. Solutions identified early are the least expensive, and result in more productive, more fuel efficient and more reliable machines.

About Perkins

For more than 75 years Perkins Engines Company Limited has manufactured diesel engines and power solutions with the highest levels of performance and reliability.

Perkins has grown to become the leading supplier of diesel engines and gas engines in the 4-2000 kW (5-2600 hp) market. More than 1,000 leading equipment manufacturers trust Perkins diesel engine power solutions.

Whatever your requirement for emissions and performance, Perkins has the right diesel engine solution for industrial, construction, agricultural, materials handling, marine and electrical power generation applications.

The Perkins distributor network provides worldwide service support, technical expertise, and genuine Perkins parts.