Hatz’s new single-cylinder engine control system is world first

First published at bauma - April 12, 2019

Stephan Gritsch, Richard Stegmann and Maximilan Eder from Hatz

Germany’s Hatz is introducing what the company says is the world’s first electronic control system for single-cylinder engines.

Electronic control systems are commonly used for multi-cylinder powerplants. However, they cannot easily be used on single-cylinder units that are deployed for tasks such as compaction equipment.

“There’s common-rail technology for multi-cylinder engines but for single-cylinder engines it’s not efficient,” said team leader, marketing, Stephan Gritsch.

There was no electronic control system for a single-cylinder, so Hatz developed it together with Bosch, said Gritsch. The system is likely to be in production in January 2020.

Previously, mechanical controls for single-cylinder units had to be set to handle a particular speed set. If another speed set was required for another application, effectively a customer had to buy another engine.

However, electronic control gives a manufacturer the ability to set the speed they need, for example, by using a CANbus.

Other capabilities conferred by using an electronic control unit include the ability to avoid damage to the starter motor in the event that the ignition key is turned to start the engine when the motor is already running. Another benefit is theft protection. The electronic system can prevent the engine from being started if it moves outside a defined geographical area.

Stand A4 449