Aiming to Achieve Global No.1 Status in the up to 200 HP Range
Large Industrial Diesel Engine Model V5009
As global consciousness related to environmental conservation increases, Exhaust Emissions Regulations are becoming increasingly more stringent. Currently, it is mandatory for engines – not only those for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, but also those for construction and industrial machinery used off-road – to be fully in compliance with the latest environmental regulations. Kubota – the manufacturer having the largest global share of the market for small industrial engines in the up to 100 HP range – has consistently held a leadership position in the development of products that fully meet the environmental conservation regulations promulgated in various countries and regions.
Expanding its diesel engine lineup above 100 HP for the first time, Kubota displayed the first Kubota Diesel Engine in the up to 200 HP class at CONEXPO 2017. The 5-liter model V5009 - the first of the compact, 4-cylinder Kubota 09 Series - has an output of 157.3 kW (210.9 HP), mounts such after treatment devices as a Diesel Particulate Filter*1 (DPF) and a Selective Catalytic Reduction System*2 (SCR), and features a variety of power take off options for such different accessories as the Hydraulic Pump. Notably, this outstanding Kubota product meets Tier 4 Final and impending Stage V Emissions Regulations.
This is a significant step for Kubota to achieve its goal of also becoming the world’s No.1 large industrial engine manufacturer in the up to 200 HP class range, and of successfully achieving the status of Global Major Brand (GMB) Kubota.
- *1.DPF is a form of post-treatment technology that captures particulate matter (PM) exhausted from a diesel engine to prevent it from being discharged into the atmosphere.
- *2.The SC Reduction System uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to dramatically reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
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As it advances into the up to 200 HP range of large industrial engines, the Kubota development site enters the final stage ahead of its market launch in 2020.
Kubota Engine Features (1) : Extensive Product Range
The first “Unique to Kubota Engines” feature – one that is widely recognized throughout the industry – is the extensive Kubota lineup designed to meet the exacting requirements of a wide range of applications. In fact, more than half of the engines Kubota has produced have been distributed to OEM manufacturers for products fulfilling the stringent requirements for construction and industrial machinery applications. The basic reason for this is that Kubota incorporates cutting-edge technology to make maximum use of its developmental capabilities in order to fulfill the exacting needs of its global customers.
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Mr. Yusuke Komemushi
Kubota Engine Engineering Dept. Research
Mr. Komemushi explains, “One of the strengths of Kubota Industrial Engines is that the extensive lineup includes not only diesel engines, but also gasoline and natural gas models. Fulfilling diverse customer requirements, all engines of equal rating – regardless of being diesel, gasoline, or natural gas models – are the same in size and reliability.
Previously, Kubota Diesel Engines have ranged from less than 19 kW (25.5 HP) to 129 kW (175 HP): from the Super Mini to the 03-Series, the 05-Series, the 07-Series, the V3-Series, and the 08-Series. Newly being added is the 09-Series model V5009 featuring 157.3 kW (210.9 HP).”
Kubota Engine Features (2) : Meeting the Minimal Emissions Challenge
A notable Kubota attribute is its focus on offering “The Ultimate Clean Emissions Engine”. For over two decades emissions regulations have evolved not only for passenger cars, but also for industrial diesel engines. Kubota specialists in such fields as machinery, electronic control, and analysis conduct ongoing research on efficient ways to solve difficult regulation problems that cannot be solved solely by mechanical technology. One result is that Kubota was the world’s first engine manufacturer to meet the requirements for earning CARB Certification when the state of California in the USA promulgated the “CARB ULG Exhaust Emissions Regulations” in 1995 for general use engines below 25 HP*3. Ever since, meticulous steps have been taken to clear emissions requirements set forth in various environmental regulations - including those from Japan and other Asian countries, Europe, and the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
- *3.At that time, the development of the E-TVCS Combustion Chamber – Kubota’s original combustion system – and improvements to the Fuel Injection System were recognized as “Environmental response technology remaining in the history of development and technology of diesel engines ”. In such a manner, Kubota has been responsible for new quality standards in the diesel engine market.
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Mr. Satoshi Watanabe
Kubota Engine Engineering Dept. Design
Mr. Watanabe reports, “The upcoming stage of European standards for engines mounted in new “Non-Road Mobile Machinery” (NRMM) is Stage V. This standard – proposed in 2014 and finalized in September 2016 – will be in effect from 2019 for engines below 56 kW and above 130 kW, and then from 2020 for engines of from 56 to 130 kW. Competing for the world's top market share not only in the up to 100 HP range but also in the up to 200 HP range, Kubota – building upon its extensive experience in the development of small industrial engines in the up to100 HP range – is currently focused on solving issues peculiar to large industrial engines – such as the V5009 – in order to accurately respond to ever stricter regulations as they are published.”
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Installing DPF in the V5009 as part of the process to conform to the European Stage V Emissions Standard.
Robust Operation along with Stage V Performance in the up to 200 HP Range
Based on the results of repeated trials during the development process, features of the new four-cylinder Kubota model V5009 Large Industrial Diesel Engine include superior horsepower delivering maximum output per unit of displacement, noteworthy fuel efficiency, compact design, and improved ease of maintenance.
Two of the persons involved – Mr. Satoshi Watanabe for design and Mr. Yusuke Komemushi for research – comment on the challenges and hardships.
For the development of the V5009,what factors required special attention?
Komemushi: The first challenge was to clarify market needs for a large industrial engine maintaining Kubota quality. To accurately ascertain the requirements of both the domestic and international markets, I visited major exhibitions of agricultural and construction machines in Japan and abroad.
Watanabe: As a relative newcomer in the up to 200 HP class, Kubota has dedicated itself to positively distinguishing itself from its rivals. Starting from the bottom up, it was necessary – through thoroughly evaluating calculations while conducting simulations and competitive measures to achieve the target high output – to consider each and every aspect of what was being sought. There were, of course, differences not only in the manner of thinking, but also in the overall concept that varied significantly from those for the development of small industrial engines. The greatest challenges were related to the strength of engine components and the degree of engine safety.
What were the considerations related to robustness and durability?
Komemushi: It all came down to accurately calculating engine strength to ensure “Kubota Durability” as the performance level was raised. Due to the significant importance to customers, there was no room for compromise when calculating the degree of durability required.
In the process of increasing the performance level, repeated testing of durability acted to improve the accuracy of input for strength calculations.
Another important consideration was accurately discerning what had to be changed and what had to remain unchanged.
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Kubota engineers concentrate on producing products featuring optimal total balance.
What were points for consideration in the development of the V5009?
Komemushi: If, for example, the Turbocharger fully operates to maximize engine power, it may be taken for granted that operational output and fuel efficiency are totally satisfactory. But, it is not that simple. Other points needing to be considered included how long it will run at maximum efficiency, whether or not it raises the temperature of the exhaust, and whether or not there is a significant increase in the amount of exhaust emissions so that they could be in conflict with the strict regulations.
If an engine is not in optimal operational condition, it may cease to function properly in an untimely manner. Therefore, it is the Kubota way to ensure dependable quality whether for small industrial engines of up to 100 HP or for newly developed industrial engines in the up to 200 HP range.
Current status of development and planned future introduction.
Watanabe: As I mentioned, Stage V will be enforced sequentially in European countries beginning in 2019. To make it compliant with the new regulation, the newly developed model V5009 is currently undergoing final confirmation of exhaust gas performance for mass production while being matched to appropriate OEM equipment in various countries around the world. Mass production will commence for the market launch in 2020.
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The new model V5009 exhibited at INTERMAT in Paris – the world's largest international construction machine trade fair.
As engine engineers, how will you continue to contribute to the realization of Global Major Brand (GMB) Kubota?
Watanabe: After fulfilling the entry of the V5009 engine into the up to 200 HP market, I plan to continue contributing to the realization of Global Major Brand (GMB) Kubota by taking part in the further development of reliable and durable cutting-edge industrial engines – particularly in the up to 200 HP range – making full use of exhaust emissions technology not only for equipment manufactured by Kubota, but also for OEM applications.
Komemushi: Towards realizing Global Major Brand (GMB) Kubota, I will actively work towards expanding market share for the up to 200 HP range. For the time being, that will require concentrating on mass production and marketing of the V5009. Along the way, it will be necessary to effectively communicate with the sales department and with OEM manufacturers to ensure a perfect match between the V5009 and the diverse machines offered by a wide range of customers. Further, the technology that has made the V5009 possible will be positively utilized to develop new models to further enhance the engine lineup.
Looking further into the future, I would like to take part in the development of models in the up to 300 HP range.
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Input received from INTERMAT visitors indicates growing confidence in the durability of model V5009.
- From Kubota Press (Japan)
- Kubota Press (Japan) is Kubota’s owned media that covers the fields of food, water, and the environment from the perspectives of people, technology, and communities to convey where Kubota is today and give a realistic picture of where we work.
