Automotive Machine Shop APM Heavy Duty Shares How Hybrid Technology Has Affected the Heavy Duty Automotive Industry

ATLANTA, GA, March 07, 2014 (Press-News.org) The Duetz diesel engine parts distributor, APM Heavy Duty, talks about the effects hybrid technology is having on businesses in the heavy duty machinery industry. Big-name companies like John Deere and Caterpillar have concentrated a lot of their efforts into developing fuel-efficient machines that operate more smoothly.

A Shift Towards Hybrid

Machinery companies have now begun introducing various models into the marketplace; John Deere's 644K Hybrid Wheel Loader was manufactured largely in response to Caterpillar's eco-friendly excavator last year. The realm of hybrid technology is quite diverse, so competitors are taking interestingly different approaches.

John Deere decided to stick with the traditional diesel-powered, supplemental electrical system setup. More specifically, it features an electrical generator and hydraulic pump that work independently from the engine's gearbox. The generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, which in turn powers the transmission.

These features, in addition to an integrated water-cooled brake resistor, allow the Wheel Loader to generate an optimal amount of electrical energy, which has helped it reduce fuel consumption up to 25 percent less than its predecessor. Since the hydraulic system is fed by a constant pressure source, the 644K runs a lot smoother as well. Engine noise is reduced and driver comfort is improved.

"John Deere, Caterpillar and Mack have all demonstrated that hybrid technology is the way of the future for this industry," says David DeBuc, Vice President of APM Heavy Duty. "It will greatly reduce our energy footprint and Mack Trucks Inc. estimates an annual fuel reduction of nearly 38 billion gallons, which significantly reduces operating costs for customers."

APM Heavy Duty is a top supplier of Perkins, John Deere and Duetz engine components. View their full inventory by visiting http://www.apmheavyduty.com/.

About APM Heavy Duty:

APM Heavy Duty is a division of APM Inc., a family-owned business operating in Metro Atlanta since 1961. We have a comprehensive selection of engine parts and offer a wide variety of services as well, including complete engine rebuilding, crankshaft grinding and restoration, and cylinder boring and honing.

For more information, visit http://www.apmheavyduty.com/.