|
        
|
|
Executive Report: “Engineering expertise” Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power has opened its new Engine Application Centre in Europe. EHN reports from Viernheim in Germany. To enable the company to better serve European construction equipment manufacturers, Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power has opened an Engine Application Centre (EAC) in Viernheim, Germany to complement its existing facility in Milwaukee in the United States. According to Robert Spletter, Sales Director - Commercial Power Europe, “this region is logistically excellent to serve Europe and we have been present in the area for 25 years. We are now close to the market and our partners in Europe. We have invested significant resources in order to develop and deliver the highest standards of engineering expertise available. “In partnership with our customers, the mission of the new EAC is to develop the next generation of commercial equipment precisely focused on the European market. For many OEM customers, a primary competitive advantage of working with Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power is the availability of application engineering, engine fit-up assistance, prototyping, performance and durability testing and fit-up assistance from our EAC. “The facility will also help streamline customers’ product development process. Instead of designing a piece of equipment first, then choosing an engine, product managers can now work in partnership with the EAC to precisely match equipment design requirements with the best engine options at the beginning of the product development process. This ensures that customers can increase equipment performance and reduce development costs.” The Japanese-built Vanguard range of industrial engines from Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power comprises petrol engines from 2.4-35hp and diesels from 18-34hp. Paul Bramhall, Product Category Manager – Commercial Power, states, “we offer the broadest range of industrial air-cooled petrol engines, made up of single and V-Twin cylinder models. We also offer a range of Vanguard 3-cylinder in-line liquid cooled engines from 18-34hp, available in diesel, petrol or LPG. “The 3-cylinder Vanguard engines are the flagship units in the range and offer manufacturers product development cost savings as they feature identical mounting and PTO dimensions, not only across the horsepower range, but also across the fuel range which enables the manufacturer to develop several products from one platform. This makes the engine ideal for manufacturers wishing to export products powered by engines with alternative fuels. Due to the fact that the engines also share extensive parts commonality, they are ideal for hirers as minimal parts inventory is required.” At SED later this month, Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power will highlight its Vanguard LPG engine, which is said to improve efficiency and productivity. Paul Bramhall believes, “with ever increasing prices of petrol and diesel, LPG offers a more cost effective alternative to other engines in applications like stand-by generators. Unlike other manufacturers, we offer a two year warranty on LPG conversions, as Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power does throughout the entire Vanguard range.” Another feature of the company’s SED stand will be selected single and twin cylinder models fitted with the Donaldson cyclonic air-cleaner as an option. According to Danny Raleigh, Commercial Engine Sales Manager with Briggs & Stratton UK, “dust or air-borne debris is one of the most common materials responsible for the premature failure of internal engine components. Without the correct air-cleaner, general maintenance and servicing, any engine working in a harsh environment could experience premature component failure such as worn piston rings, scored cylinder bore, bearing wear and worn valves caused by the ingestion of abrasives. “Increased service intervals” “For
this
reason
we
have
developed
an
intake
system
on
the
Vanguard
9hp
and
13hp
engines
to
work
with
a
4in
Donaldson
industrial
cyclonic
air-cleaner.
This
combination
offers
increased
Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power will use SED to further demonstrate its commitment to provide a total power solution to OEMs. Certainly the investment in the European EAC, together with the innovative features of the Vanguard engine range, is clear evidence of this. Robert Spletter concludes with the comment, “we will continue to deliver world class engineering expertise to reduce application issues like vibration, noise and emissions. This is the cornerstone upon which Briggs & Stratton was founded 99 years ago and, as we approach our centenary, we will further expand our product offering, particularly with larger engines.” • Executive Hire News › Archives › May 2006 › Executive Report › "Engineering expertise"
|
