ForConstructionPros.com

Generators and compressors seldom see revolutionary technological breakthroughs, but there are advancements being made to the machines that provide power on the jobsite.

According to Marc Leupi, product manager utility with Wacker Neuson Corp., the biggest changes are related to emissions standards for diesel engines. "EPA Tier III and interim Tier IV regulations took effect this year for many popular size engines, which meant that many OEMs have spent the past year scrambling to fit up the latest version engines," he explains. "I think it's fair to say that the Tier workload over the past few years has limited other development opportunities for most OEMs in the generator and compressor business."

He adds, "Wacker Neuson has found time to expand its line up to 240kVA and add some additional options like Extended Run Fuel tanks (ERT) and fluid containment systems which are now standard on many of our models. The ERT, although a 'low-tech' solution, does have a couple of 'green' advantages such as cutting by up to one third the number of refuelings needed during continuous operation. And since the tanks are fluid-contained, ground contamination potential is greatly reduced."

According to Chuck Westhofen, product manager for compressors and generators at Atlas Copco Construction Equipment LLC, today's machines are becoming smaller and more powerful. "We're adapting to customer requests for smaller footprints while maintaining or decreasing the size." He adds, "Customers are asking for cleaner air and cleaner power."

Fuel economy is a continuing concern for customers and manufacturers as well. "Most of our equipment has 500-hour service intervals to reduce the amount of used oil required," Westhofen says.