The Perkins’ 850 Series range, is the latest and newest addition to the company’s Tier 4 Interim / Stage IIIB compliant engines.

This new engines series really does open up immense possibilities for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Its compact size, its increased power density and improved torque and low running costs make it a very attractive option.

There are a whole host of applications in construction, materials handling and agriculture where this engine can really get to work.

Customers have a choice of two models – over 56kW (75 hp), the 854E is a turbocharged, charge cooled engine, and below 56kW (75 hp), the 854F is a turbocharged unit, giving a power range of between 45kW (60 hp) and86 kW (115 hp), all from a single engine platform.

Each engine has a different story to tell, largely because each sits either side of the important 56kW (75 hp) power node.

Why is this important? Well, because of the way the emissions legislation in North America is structured, the 854F is actually already Tier 4 Final compliant, which means it’s ahead of the game.

Though it might be compact the 850 Series is big in every sense of the word - big on performance, big on torque and big on usability. There’s been a huge 40% increase in power and up to 60% more torque available, giving great operating characteristics throughout the duty cycle. In the field or on site operators will appreciate the engine response and the ease at which it can get through the work.

The big opportunity, however, for OEMs is that this 3.4 litre unit can do the work of a 4.5 litre engine. With the trend for downsizing machines, the increased power density and fuel economy of the 850 Series allows equipment manufacturers to select this engine where previously they may have used an engine of higher cubic capacity. This frees up valuable space to package the after-treatment unit, which in the case of the 850 Series can be mounted in a variety of locations for additional flexibility.

Because of the break at 56kW (75 hp) in the emissions legislation, each engine runs a different type of after-treatment. Above 56kW (75 hp), the 854E uses a high temperature regeneration system that injects additional fuel to burn off soot in the particulate filter. Meanwhile, below 56kW (75 hp) the engine offers a low temperature system that is entirely service free. In each case both packages are optimised to the engine giving excellent fuel economy, and no interruption to the running of the machine.

Low life time costs come as standard for both engines. Service saving features have been designed in, including hydraulic tappets, multi-vee belts and service free closed circuit breathers.

All in all the 850 Series is an engine that gets to grips with the challenges facing equipment manufacturers. As they look to build small, high performance yet cost effective machines then the 850 Series is the new workhorse they are looking for.