Compliance with Tier IV Standards
In an ever-changing market, OEMs are forever searching for a competitive edge, that one advantage that they alone can offer. Whether it be automation, simplicity or ergonomics, one small feature can make all the difference for a discriminating end-user. While these manufacturers search for the next big innovation for their product line, changes in components seem to present unforeseen challenges and thwart creativity. One group of challenges for companies building equipment with diesel engines over the last several years has been the imposition of Tier IV emissions standards.
Over the years as emissions standards have become more stringent, diesel engine manufacturers have been forced to change their designs. Some of these changes have been subtle, while others have required total redesigns of older, tried and true formats. Chief among these major changes has been the elimination of auxiliary power pads. While some manufacturers have removed them for performance and emissions purposes, others have had to forego the pads due to lack of space. Regen systems, turbo chargers and enlarged exhaust components have caused an issue of overcrowding on the engine and resulted in increases of the size of the engine envelope, making it increasingly difficult for these engines to fit in OEM’s predefined spaces. Aside from the physical aspects of these design changes, there is the reality that they are losing valuable power sources that they have become accustomed to utilizing.
Cultivating An Advantage
When an OEM in the concrete pumping industry contacted WPT for help, they were faced with having to repower using the newer Tier IV engines. This meant a total redesign of their fleet. They saw this situation not as a hardship, but as an opportunity to figure how they could work some innovations into these new designs that would separate them from the competition. The one problem that occurred with each of their new concepts was the lack of auxiliary power pads to energize the new features. Enter, WPT. As we sat down with the OEM and discussed their vision, we were able to take on each challenge and provide them with options and ultimately, solutions. The WPT product that seemed to “bridge the gap” for most of their needs was our through power, Power Pump Drives.
The WPT Power Pump Drives are designed to mount between the engine bellhousing and the bellhousing of a PTO, marine gear, torque converter or any other drivetrain component with a bellhousing coupling. While the engine flywheel provides power to the Pump Drive, this power is transferred through the Pump Drive at a 1:1 ratio and drives the attached component. Simultaneously, a set of gears or belt inside the Pump Drive housing, depending on the model, are being driven and are transferring power to auxiliary pads that are mounted on the peripheral of the housing. These pads come in varying gear ratios and SAE mounting configurations. While the larger, higher horsepower two and four head Pump Drives come in stationary but flexible configurations, the smaller, single head designs are capable of being indexed in several positions to avoid interference with other engine components.
Our OEM was faced with having to provide power to three different components. An air pump to operate a gate on a chute, the main drive to power a mixer, and a hydraulic pump to power the feed pump. While the main drive powers the air pump and mixer using the main shaft for the mixer and a belt and pulleys for the air pump, the auxiliary pad on the Pump Drive hydraulically powers the feed pump. This design could only be achieved with the use of the through power set up. Once the application reviews were completed and the designs were finalized, the equipment was delivered, installed and tested. The results exceeded their expectations, and they now bring to market a product that offers unique features and gives them distinct advantages over their competitors.
OEM Opportunity
If you are an OEM and find yourself in a situation where you need auxiliary power while still maintaining the ability to use your main drive, WPT’s line of Power Pump Drives can help. A brief consultation with one of our qualified staff can have you well on your way to not only solving auxiliary power problems, but we can also help to open a world of new design opportunities that you may have never thought possible. Give us a call today. We can perform a comprehensive application review that can have you well on your way to your next big innovation. We can be reached @ (940) 761-1971, or by email www.wptpower.com . We look forward to hearing from you soon!