Small engine hybrid technology from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi will be one of several engine producers showing off Tier 4/Stage IV engines, although in Mitsubishi's case it is for small engines less than 74 kW.

The company has developed two power units - the K38 and K39 - for Tier 4 compliance, featuring the company's Urea SCR (selective catalytic reduction) aftertreatment system. These can already be supplied at Tier 3 engines, but will be the same size as the Tier 4 versions, meaning that equipment manufacturers will not need to redesign their models.

Also on show will be the company's Japanese developed hybrid powered forklift truck. This 4.0-5.0 t rated truck is already available in Japan, but will be shown at Bauma not so much to promote the truck but to show manufacturers the hybrid power system.

By using a power train comprising a lithium ion battery, diesel engine, two induction motors and inverters, the company has been able to reduce by a third the size of diesel engine required.

Mitsubishi says it will market the hybrid power system to OEMs who will benefit from using smaller diesel engines and in some cases reduce the size of the engine such that expensive aftertreatment for emissions reduction is not required. Manufacturers of excavators and aerial platforms are among its target customers.