With the diesel engine market projected to hit $266.3 billion by 2027, it is no surprise that many heavy-duty vehicles are opting for this type of engine.

There are many types of engine fuels on the market, but diesel engines have unique advantages that make them the preferred choice for heavy machinery.

But first, how does a diesel engine work?

This engine type gets its name from Rudolf Diesel, its German inventor. Diesel engines are compression-ignition engines. That means they rely on the high temperature created during compression to ignite the engine's air-fuel mixture. This contrasts with gasoline engines, which use a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture.

Today we will discuss why diesel engines are so popular in the construction and transportation industries.

Fuel Efficiency

Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines. This is because diesel is a more energy-dense fuel than gasoline. Consequently, more energy is available in each gallon of diesel than in each gallon of gasoline.

Diesel engines are also more efficient because they don't need a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture. This means that there is no wasted energy in the form of sparks. Perhaps most importantly, diesel engines are more thermally efficient than gasoline engines. This means that they convert more of the fuel's energy into useful work.

High Power Production

The power demands of construction and transportation can be immense. Fortunately, diesel engines are up to the task. Diesel engines produce more torque than gasoline engines.

This is because they are designed to operate at higher compression ratios. The result is an engine that can generate immense power while still fuel-efficient.

Consequently, diesel engines are preferred for heavy machineries such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes. On the contrary, gasoline engines are not well-suited for these applications because they cannot produce the same amount of torque.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Diesel engines also have lower maintenance costs than gasoline engines. This is because diesel engines have fewer moving parts than gasoline engines.

With fewer parts, there's typically less that can go wrong with a diesel engine. And when something does go wrong, it is typically easier and less expensive to repair a diesel engine than a gasoline engine.

The lower maintenance costs of diesel engines can add up over time. For example, if an engine is serviced every 500 hours rather than every 1000 hours, the cost savings would be around $500 per year.

Durability

Looking at the wear and tear on a construction site, it's no surprise that durability is an important factor in choosing the right engine for heavy machinery. Projects need vehicles that can stand up to the rugged conditions, and diesel engines are built to do just that.

Diesel engines are designed for heavy-duty use. They can withstand higher compression ratios than gasoline engines, making them less susceptible to damage from debris. They also have thicker block walls, which helps to prevent cracking and leaking.

In addition, diesel engines typically have a longer lifespan than gasoline engines. This makes diesel engines the clear choice for machinery that needs to be up and running for long periods.

Fewer Greenhouse Pollutants

Greenhouse emissions are a concern for many industries, and diesel engines are more environmentally-friendly than gasoline engines.

Diesel engines produce less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons than gasoline engines. They also produce fewer particulates, which can cause respiratory problems in humans. This is due to diesel's higher combustion temperature, which leads to complete combustion of the fuel.

Diesel engines also tend to be more efficient than gasoline engines per every unit of power generated. This means that they produce fewer emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced. In addition, modern diesel engines are equipped with many technologies that help reduce emissions.

Diesel Has Low Volatility Levels

One major consideration when it comes to fuel is volatility. Volatility refers to the propensity of fuel to evaporate. The higher the volatility level, the more likely the fuel will ignite prematurely, leading to engine damage or fire.

Diesel has low volatility levels, meaning that it is less likely to ignite prematurely than gasoline. This makes diesel safer for heavy machineries like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators.

It also means large volumes of diesel can be transported without the risk of an explosion. This is an advantage for companies that need to transport fuel to construction sites or other locations.

Custom Engine Builds Increase Possibilities

Another reason to choose diesel engines for heavy machinery is that they can be custom-built to meet the specific needs of a project. With the kind of diverse projects that construction companies undertake, it's important to have engines that can be customized to meet the specific needs of each job.

Diesel engines offer several options that can be tailored to the specific application. For example, engines can be built with low-emission packages or with after-treatment devices that help to reduce emissions.

They can also be designed to run on multiple fuel types, including biodiesel and natural gas. They can also be equipped with several aftermarket parts and accessories, allowing for greater flexibility in power and performance.

Protect Your Diesel Engine with Quality Parts

If you're going to invest in a diesel engine for your heavy machinery, it's important to protect that investment with quality parts.

Diesel engines are built to last, but they need regular maintenance and care to stay in top condition. That's why it's important to find a reputable supplier of diesel engine parts.

At Air Filter Blaster, we stock quality patented air filters and air filter cleaners designed specifically for diesel engines. We also carry many other parts and accessories, including fuel filters, oil filters, and rotor heads. We can help you keep your diesel engine running like new for years to come. Get in touch today to learn more about our products.