With the advent of Tier IV emissions standards for diesel engines, OEMs and end users are scrambling for alternative power sources. Partly due to this, propane engines have moved to the forefront in many applications. One propane engine manufacturer, Zenith Power Products, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, has been steadily climbing and emerging as an industry leader.
Zenith manufactures a complete line of propane and natural gas engines. The size range includes 5.7-, 6.5-, 9.0-, and 12.0-liter displacements. One of the industry segments where Zenith has been most successful is in the agricultural irrigation markets of central and northern California. In conjunction with N&S Tractor, which has several locations throughout the region, Zenith has successfully placed irrigation engines in rice fields, vineyards, row crops, and orchards.
When asked about some of the factors that have made Zenith and N&S successful in this area, Mike Samoorian of Zenith said the introduction of the WPT Pilotless® mechanical power take off has really helped to make these sales easier. Aside from the fact that the Pilotless™ design has made fitment and installation a breeze, end users enjoy the ease of maintenance, elimination of wear points, and increased longevity that the Pilotless® PTO has to offer.
The WPT Pilotless® PTO eliminates a major wear point and takes any direct loading off the end of an engine’s crank with the absence of a pilot bearing. This decreases main bearing wear and ultimately increases the engine’s life span. This also aids in the ease of installation, since you no longer need to worry if the pilot bearing has been properly seated. You also don’t have to “unload” the bearing by striking the end of the shaft!
Inside the PTO housing, you’ll find that the engagement collar has been fitted with a sealed-for-life ball bearing, thereby eliminating grease hoses and the need for maintenance. Further down the shaft, you’ll see support from two large spherical main roller bearings. These bearings are directly fed by two grease zerks that conveniently rest atop the bearing carrier, making for easy access to service. This dual main bearing arrangement boasts side load capacities of 60% more than any of WPT’s competitors, putting the Pilotless® in a class by itself.
Zenith Power Products, in collaboration with WPT Power, has made significant strides in enhancing the way California farmers access water for their crops. Allow WPT to help you come up with a solution to your power transmission challenges. Give us a call or visit our website at www.wptpower.com
