Stanadyne launches EcoForce diesel fuel pump for below-50hp off-road engines in India

The US-based Stanadyne, a global leader in the design and manufacture of diesel and petrol fuel injection systems, today launched EcoForce, a next-generation diesel fuel pump developed for below-50hp engines.

EcoForce, whose USPs are improved fuel economy, increased engine performance and 50% reduced particulate emissions and lower total cost of ownership, is targeted at the farming, construction and industrial sectors in the country.

Unveiling the product today in Mumbai, Dr John Pinson, president and CTO, said, “EcoForce is based on an innovative design concept for the below-50hp market and offers superior engine performance and fuel economy with a lower total cost of ownership. This pump is designed to handle harsh off-road applications.”

He added, “The transfer of technology features from above-50hp pumps to a much smaller and cost-effective package like EcoForce called for a lot of innovation.”

Also read: Interview with Dr John Pinson, president and CTO, Stanadyne

Start of production of the EcoForce rotary diesel fuel pump is slated for 2016 at Stanadyne Amalgamations’ Chennai modern plant. The new product, which has a current high level of 90 percent localisation and offers upto 8% improvement in fuel economy and comparably lower service cost, will also be exported to Stanadyne plants globally.

EcoForce is first being launched in India with an initial production run of 85,000 units per annum, with a further ramp up to 230,000 units by 2017. This capacity expansion will involve an investment of Rs 100 crore.   

According to Sanjay Chadda, managing director, Stanadyne India, “EcoForce will address the dual concerns of high fuel costs and air quality emissions resulting in better quality of life in India. With investment plans in place, we are expanding our plant production capacity to accommodate the increasing demand.  As a result of strong market interest, we anticipate sales to more than double by 2018.”

Chadda added that typically below-50hp tractors are used for around 1,000 hours a year and EcoForce will enable a user to save around 15,000 per annum. He said that the new fuel pump has been priced at a similar level to rival products but will benefit the user from annual savings as well as better torque.

Chadda is optimistic that the company’s turnover, which was Rs 170 crore in 2014, will cross the Rs 400 crore mark by 2018. This confidence stems from considerable market interest in the EcoForce as well as firm orders in hand. The company is also engaged in talks with tractor manufacturers in China and Europe for supply of the new pump.

Stanadyne’s overall aim is to make the India operation a global hub for supply of EcoForce pumps. The Chennai plant will be the focal point for supply of parts to Stanadyne plants in the US, China and Europe.

Stanadyne India currently manufactures mechanical pumps, fuel injectors, integrated fuel systems and mono-block pumps. The company exports nearly 50 percent of its production to Europe, North America and to Italy (where it supplies to engine maker Kohler and Lamborghini Tractors). In India, it supplies to John Deere, Ashok Leyland, Kirloskar Engines and Cooper Engines, among others. Escorts Ltd is the first domestic player which is to use the EcoForce fuel pump. Stanadyne says it is also talking to other tractor manufacturers in the country for potential business.

Photograph: Priyank Chhapwale