When it comes to heavy machinery, internal combustion engines dominate in the construction industry. Considerably powerful with highly durable properties, these engines are optimal for fast-paced construction work where maximum productivity is required. However, with a more environmentally conscious society, what will become of the future of internal combustion engines?

This article explores the possibilities of the hybridisation and electrification of internal combustion engines in heavy machinery.

What are internal combustion engines?

Internal combustion engines are engines that create energy within themselves, where the ignition and combustion of the fuel both occur in the engine. This differs to external combustion engines, where the fuel combustion happens outside of the cylinder. Internal combustion engines prove to be highly popular in heavy machinery, providing a multitude of benefits (see below).

Why are internal combustion engines useful for heavy machinery?

Some key benefits of internal combustion engines in heavy machinery include:

1. High power/torque – machinery with internal combustion engines have a high-power output, particularly in diesel engines, generating high torque. Consequently, these engines are able to withstand and work with the pressure of a higher weight load.

1. Durability – internal combustion engines provide a high degree of durability; they can withstand heavy loads and difficult terrain.

1. Productivity – diesel-powered heavy machinery will not require the downtime of recharging, allowing for maximum productivity. The machinery can be refuelled at your disposal. Diesel engines also possess a lower fuel consumption.

1. Portability – heavy machinery with an internal combustion engine is able to operate in more remote areas, without the requirement for electrical infrastructure to provide charge.

1. Reliability – internal combustion engines are notoriously reliable, in all types of machinery. In heavy machinery, it is important for many businesses that they have reliable machinery with minimal need for repair to mitigate financial losses. (See our article on 7 Ways to Reduce Heavy Machinery Costs in 2024).

What are the disadvantages of internal combustion engines?  

Whilst internal combustion engines boast a multitude of advantages for heavy machinery, they are not entirely without their drawbacks.

For larger construction machinery, the volume of diesel required to power the engine can be costly, in addition to the initial cost of the machinery production itself.

Furthermore, when taking into consideration the environmental impact of heavy machinery and internal combustion engines, carbon emission output can be significantly high. The combustion of diesel fuel releases CO2 gases into the atmosphere, rendering these engines a substantial source of air pollution.

Will there be a push towards the electrification and hybridisation of heavy machinery?

The world is already seeing a large increase in the production of electric and hybrid vehicles, such as buses, lorries and cars. Within the heavy machinery industry, there are a limited number of electric-powered machines. This is perhaps as a result of the large initial manufacture cost of electric or hybrid heavy machinery, and the belief that battery-powered machinery is inherently less reliable.

However, with society becoming increasingly conscious of our carbon-footprint and impact of carbon emissions on the environment, it is somewhat likely that heavy machinery will follow suit, and shift towards electrification and hybridisation. The movement is gaining momentum, with multiple pull-factors offering an attractive alternative to internal combustion engines:

• Zero carbon emissions
• Energy efficient
• Reduced lifelong costs

Internal combustion engines will always be a dependable choice for heavy machinery. Their proven reliability, power and portability means that they will meet the needs for most heavy machinery requirements for years to come.

Here at Jaytrac, we provide replacement parts for your diesel machinery, from a variety of industry leading brands such as Caterpillar, Volvo and Perkins. If you would like a particular part to be sourced, or require more information on what we can offer your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Give us a call on +441604491133, email us at sales@jaytrac.co.uk, or fill out our contact form, and one of our sales team will be in touch shortly.