Cummins Inc. last week announced that its QSB3.3 engine received the title "Diesel of the Year 2007" from a leading European publication. The award recognizes the innovative technology that enables the 110-hp rated 3.3-liter engine to offer equivalent performance to that of larger 4.0- to 4.5-liter engines, but with a 30-percent smaller and lighter installation package.

The QSB3.3 has also been recognized for innovation in North America. It was named as one of the "Top 100 New Products of 2006" by Construction Equipment magazine in the December issue. This award list brings attention to the most significant new products of the year with the capability to enhance productivity in the construction industry.

Introduced in April 2006 to meet EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA emissions across the 80- to 110-hp power band, the QSB3.3 is the first industrial engine of its size to incorporate full-authority electronic controls and a High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) fuel system, the company says. Equipped with this advanced technology, the QSB3.3 is designed to bring premium performance characteristics previously associated with larger engines, such as the QSB4.5 and QSB6.7, to the compact engine sector.

"We are honored to receive these two awards by leading publications in both Europe and North America, reflecting how the QSB3.3 challenges conventional diesel industry thinking on compact engine performance,” said Chris Kete, director of Cummins Light Construction Business.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ind., Cummins is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.