Engines are among the unsung heroes of quarrying and aggregates operations. Manufacturers have announced a series of major improvements across the global sector.
For many years, Cummins has stood as a manufacturer that is synonymous with high-quality engines in off-highway sectors.
The renowned manufacturer has now celebrated the 60th anniversary of its manufacturing plant in Darlington, England, which first opened in July 1965. Over the years, the technology and solutions developed there have powered equipment in critical industries around the world.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate the heritage of Cummins in Darlington. We take great pride in what has been achieved over the last 60 years and the global impact we continue to make from this site every day,” Cummins Darlington plant manager Steve Morley said.
“As with all large employers, we wouldn’t be celebrating any milestones without our people, so we say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the collective success of the business.”
Today, Cummins’ products can be seen in 50 countries, including quarrying and aggregates, construction, material handling, and more. It continues to be a major player in research and development, including the creation of hydrogen combustion engines in Darlington. Cummins has received funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre to develop hydrogen technologies, furthering its work in this area. The company employs more than 1750 people and 250 apprenticeship positions at the site, underlining its importance not only to the company but also to the wider local community.
While Darlington stands as a testament to Cummins’ longevity as an engine manufacturer, the company continues to invest in the site to ensure it remains at the cutting edge.
Cummins last year unveiled its new powertrain test facility at Darlington, funded by a £13m investment. The new facility comprises a 738m2, two-storey building that includes fully robotic driving capabilities, manual or automatic transmission, road grade and load simulation, wheel-slip simulation, and engine duty cycle recreation.
Morley said the site is one of the most advanced of its kind in Europe.
“[While] it’s important to take stock of our past achievements, we’re very much focused on continuing to innovate and lead the future of manufacturing power solutions,” Morley said.
“No matter what the technology, we’re committed to providing the right power solutions that can continue to power industries we depend on as a society for many more years to come.”
Power and durability
Caterpillar has launched its new C32B engine, which builds on the foundations established by the C32 model.
The C32B diesel engine is designed for large off-highway machines and equipment, which can benefit from its high-power density and improved durability.
Caterpillar has made the C32B diesel engine available from Cat dealers worldwide. The 32.1L, 12-cylinder engine can deliver power up to 895 kilowatts (kW) or 1200 horsepower (hp) and 5861 newton-metres (Nm) for US EPA Tier 4 Final and 839kW (1125hp) and 5499Nm for EU Stage V. A version for less regulated territories offers a peak rating of 1007kW (1350hp) and 6166Nm.
In a quarrying and aggregates application, the C32B diesel engine can be paired with large wheeled loaders and hauling equipment. Caterpillar also expects the engine to excel in applications involving cranes, dredgers, hydraulic power units, paving, surface hauling equipment, trenchers, pumps, and more.
“For nearly 20 years, the Cat C32 engine platform has set the standard for premium power and endurance in construction, mining and other industrial applications,” Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems senior vice president Steve Ferguson said.
“The new Cat C32B builds on this field-proven reputation with a series of upgrades and new technologies that will drive the superior performance of off-highway equipment for years to come.”
Caterpillar described the design process as a “bottom-up” approach, which prioritised power density and durability. The C32B is made from a strong cast-iron alloy and features a hardened crankshaft with larger journal diameters and increased bearing area to handle higher loads. An improved lubrication system features a higher-capacity oil pump, an oil cooler with enhanced performance, and higher-flow piston cooling jets, ensuring optimal wear performance and improved durability.
The cylinder head has been upgraded to incorporate design features that include external fuel lines and an optimised water jacket geometry to enhance heat transfer.
In addition, the cylinder head components have updated valve geometry and oil metering stem seals to minimise wear and prolong the cylinder head’s lifespan. Its new dual sensor coolant protection feature is designed to detect potential cooling system leaks earlier to prevent costly downtime.
For sustainability-focused operations, the Cat 32B can work with renewable liquid fuels such as 100 per cent hydrotreated vegetable oil. Caterpillar has announced that industrial power units, equipped with engine-mounted after-treatment and cooling packs, will be available directly from the factory.
This aims to lower installation and validation costs for original equipment manufacturers.
Smarter solution
Volvo Penta debuted its co-pilot platform as part of its showcase at Agritechnica 2025.
The Volvo Penta Co-Pilot is designed for off-highway industries that want to use real-time tools and information to make informed decisions across their daily operations.
This latest innovation from Volvo Penta is designed for use by fleet managers and operators as part of an integrated machine. Its features, including a perception camera and enhanced operating features such as high-precision positioning, on-board weighing and vehicle stability control, can aid in operator coaching.
“In line with our collaborative partnership approach at Volvo Penta, we will work with customers to tailor the solution to meet their specific needs,” Volvo Penta product planning specialist Emil Andersson said.
“This means they can customise the platform and add to it and adapt it as their requirements change, making it a future-proof solution.” AB
