Francis Arthur — named Frank — Perkins was a third-generation engineer. He originally worked with Charles Chapman for Aveling & Porter in Rochester on the development of a high-speed lightweight diesel engine. However, before completing the project, the company went bankrupt. Perkins and Chapman were convinced that the new engine would be profitable for the agricultural tractor market, and on June 7, 1932, they initially set up their own company, F. Perkins Limited, in a rented workshop with only four employees. Chapman was the technical director and Perkins the chairman. What began 85 years ago in the rented workshop is today, as part of Caterpillar, a global corporation and leading supplier of diesel and gas engines. At sites in the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, India and China, Perkins has since produced over 20 million engines and now has over 4,500 employees worldwide and more than 3,500 service locations. The name Perkins stands for engineering excellence at a global level and offers a comprehensive range of innovative and reliable engine solutions, which are individually tailored to the exact requirements of each customer. The strongest market — with one third of the production volume — remains Western Europe. Here Perkins supplies more OEMs than any competitor.
On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Perkins brand, the company invited selected guests to a special event. In this context, the wide range of Stage V capable Perkins engines were introduced. From 8.8 kW up to 470 kW, Perkins offers engines that comply with the EU Stage V directive. From the small 400 series engine, to the new, compact Perkins® Syncro engine, to the larger 1200, 1700 and 2000 series engines, the Stage V product portfolio is a complete product range that can fully meet customer needs. To ensure the highest level of product quality, all Perkins products — engines and spare parts — go through extensive testing and quality control. Complex endurance tests are performed in the R & D department to ensure compliance with exhaust emissions, component performance and performance even under extreme conditions, such as operation in the world’s most extreme climates, or extreme inclination angles in all directions.
At the same time, Perkins products undergo a steady improvement process. The latest innovation from Perkins is the Perkins® SmartCap — a “smart” oil cap that can be easily attached to new and existing Perkins engines by simply screwing it on. The Perkins® SmartCap is a low-cost connectivity solution that allows end users to connect their mobile device to their motor via the free Perkins® My Engine app on their smartphone. The Cap monitors the Perkins engine and sends data directly to the Perkins® My Engine app. In combination with the Perkins® My Engine app, the Perkins® SmartCap provides useful information such as: running hours, start / stop data, build list, series, type, model, Perkins Platinum Protection Indicator, parts book, OMM, consumables List, maintenance intervals and a completed service log.
“The cost-effective Perkins® SmartCap in conjunction with the Perkins® My Engine app will enable Perkins customers to easily track their engine and maintenance requirements, find their local Perkins dealer, see part information and receive service updates — and that from a location, “said Michael Wright, general manager aftermarket at Perkins.
The patent application for the Perkins® SmartCap is running. With a price around 50 euros and no further follow-up costs, the Perkins® SmartCap is currently the most cost-effective connectivity solution on the market. The free app can be downloaded in the Apple and Google shops.
All new products will be presented at Agritechnica. Visit Perkins and the German distributor BU Power Systems in Hall 16, Stand D 41.
