Cummins Inc. this week said it will double the production capacity of the 3.3-liter engine to meet a major growth in demand from manufacturers of 4-cylinder-powered compact equipment across the 55-hp to 120-hp power range. A new manufacturing operation for the 3.3-liter engine located in Chennai, India, is scheduled to begin production in July. The new facility was established in collaboration with Simpson & Co. Ltd.
The Chennai manufacturing operation will initially focus on producing the mechanically controlled B3.3 engine, spanning a 55-hp to 85- hp power range. Concurrent with the new build capacity in India, the Komatsu-Cummins joint venture plant at Oyama in Japan will also ramp up production of the electronically controlled QSB3.3 engine, extending across an 80-hp to 120-hp power range.
"By doubling our 3.3-liter production capacity, Cummins will be well positioned to realize new sales opportunities with compact equipment manufacturers worldwide, while also preparing us for sales growth with the introduction of Tier-4 engines and aftertreatment starting next year," said Hugh Foden, executive director - Cummins Off-Highway Business.
"We are delighted to be working with Simpson & Co. Ltd. to bring production of our B3.3 engine to India. Simpson has 50 years of experience in engine manufacturing in India and specializes in producing engines the size of the 3.3-liter. The new production line at Chennai is very impressive and will provide highly flexible manufacturing of the 3.3- liter engine aligned with the Oyama plant in Japan."
Early production engines are already running down the B3.3 line in Chennai for start-up testing purposes. By July, B3.3 manufacturing will be fully on-stream, with engines available for the Indian market and for export to customers worldwide. Over the next two years, the proportion of components sourced in India to build the B3.3 at Chennai will gradually increase to reach a high percentage of the total engine.
To meet the forthcoming Tier-4 low-emissions regulations, the B3.3 and QSB3.3 will utilize an exhaust aftertreatment system purpose- designed for each engine by Cummins Emission Solutions. For Tier-4 Interim in 2012, the QSB3.3 increases power output to a new high of 120 hp, made possible with Cummins Compact Catalyst. The aftertreatment system also offers the benefit of "fit and forget" installation simplicity.
The B3.3 moves forward to meet Tier-4 Final in 2013 without the need for any engine change by replacing the exhaust muffler with a Cummins Particulate Filter. The aftertreatment is specifically developed to retain the low operating cost, durability and simplicity of the current engine.
Simpson & Co. Ltd. manufactures high- performance diesel engines in 2-, 3- and 4-cylinder versions in the range of 20 to 120 hp for agricultural tractors, earthmoving and light construction equipment, material handling equipment, powergen, marine, pump sets and automotive applications.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., Cummins Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes and services engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
