Kubota wins diesel award, promotes Micro-Hybrid system

First published at bauma - April 11, 2019

Kubota is showing the prototype of its Micro-Hybrid system, a 48-volt motor generator using electric power only when intermittent overloads need to be handled.

A motor-assist function is used to supply 10 kW of electrical boost power when needed for intermittent ‘big’ loads, so a customer can select an engine with output to match its most frequently-used low-to-medium load range. The Micro-Hybrid prototype provides rapid responses in power and torque when needed.

“One key feature [is] the power take-off of the engine remaining compatible with existing Kubota engines, which will help make OEMs’ development easier,” said Yasukazu Kamada, general manager of the company’s engine division

Micro-Hybrid prototype is on show on the Kubota stand

Global demand for construction equipment and road building machinery remained at high levels throughout 2018 from markets such as China and India, but particularly the US and European markets, noted Kamada.

“Particularly relevant for 2019 in Europe and the start of EU Stage V, the environment has become more of a priority on the global equipment agenda, but it always been important to us at Kubota.

“Back in March 2017, at Conexpo, we introduced the early development of our new 5litre engine, the V5009. Since then, there have been several technical updates and product range enhancements, including the official introduction of the 4.3litre engine, the V4309 variant and dedicated models for the Chinese market.”

The V5009 was awarded the Diesel of the Year title at Bauma 2019. “The fact that we are the first Japanese winners is a welcome appreciation for all our product development engineers’ outstanding skill and effort.”

Kamada said that the industrial engine market is still experiencing a high level of growth, and Kubota sees this growth continuing in Europe.

Stand A4 239