APFC Fastcats - Power Equipment

47
JANUARY 2016
25
Power Equipment – Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific
MAGAZINE
25
powers 10
APFC Fastcats
in the Philippines
ANNIVERSARY ED
ATU
RE
NEW BUILD FOR
WAVELENGTH REEF CRUISES
FE
ATU
RE
WHITLANDS ENGINEERING
– LATEST YANMAR
POWERED CREATION
FE
ATU
RE
5 YEARS LATER & YANMAR
6AY IS STILL LIKE NEW
FE
ISSUE
25
3
5
6
2
8
3
3
6
Yanmar 4TNV98
pumps Water for
crop research
8
1
4
11
9
12
5
2
2
1
3
0
A new era
in sea transport
in the Phillipines
successfuly starts
with a combined
effort.
A PERFECT COMBINATION...
Yanmar's commercial and
passenger ferries
...the best decision
I ever made
12
Yanmar - The only engine
that lasts the distance
New - YANMAR
30 MHP Engine and
SD25 Saildrive
1
7
YANMAR TF
Series a winner
in the Outback
2
9
YANMAR
power keeps
beers cold
3
5
Power Equipment Appoints
National Parts Manager
Power Equipment and
Whitlands Engineering
forging
‘perfect partnership’
Yanmar TNV - compliant with
the latest emissions regulations
5 years later
& YANMAR 6AY
is still like NEW
YANMAR
powers all timber
Cruising Smack
Power Equipment
18
22
6
2
3
2
3
0
4
A snap shot of the history
of Power Equipment
1990-2015 Engines
appoints New
National Marine
Sales Manager
YANMAR re-power
reduces the
ECO - Footprint
Generator manufacturer sells
off-the-shelf Yanmar
YH series generators
Yanmar releases
Service Kits
for Sailing
BROOKSCO sign
on with Yanmar
and JCB
47 year old
Yanmar as strong
as ever
0
Marine diesel
engines at Royal
Geelong Yacht Club
YANMAR
THE ENGINE
OF CHOICE AT
STEBER
Powers Boutique
snorkling vessel
2
Power News is produced and distributed by Power Equipment Pty Ltd - Australia
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,
POWER EQUIPMENT,
APFC AND SEA TRANSPORT
SOLUTIONS COMBINE TO HERALD
A NEW ERA IN SEA
TRANSPORT IN THE
PHILIPPINES.
Power Equipment and Yanmar have played a pivotal role in powering a
fleet of 10 new ferries in the Philippines, a country of over 7,107 islands
with a very high reliance on sea transport.
A welcome sight for commuters in the Philippines.
superstructure with the design, machinery
and manufacturing processes certified and
classed by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping).
The length overall is 50.64m beam 17.5m and
the displacement is 540 tonnes fully loaded.
Manned by a crew of 12, each FastCat ferry
has the capacity to accommodate up to 275
passengers as well as eight light buses or light
trucks and a further 20 cars. A total of 260mtrs
of on board vehicle lanes are provided,
divided between trucks (100metres) and cars
(160metres) respectively.
APFC's ambitious re-fleeting program which
started in 2010 was an initiative in keeping
with Chairman Mr. Christopher Pastrana’s
resolve to raise the bar in maritime safety in
the Philippines and set an example to fellow
RoPax operators, improving not only the ferry
industry in general, but also enhancing the
comfort and convenience of passengers and
ensuring their safety in particular.
All vessels feature luxurious interiors with
three classes of passenger decks, much
like an airline - business class, premium
economy and sundeck/economy. In addition
passengers are treated to a wide selection
of onboard food, beverages & on board
entertainment. For disabled passenger
access, an on board elevator is also provided.
To achieve the ABS rating, the on-board
safety systems have been specified to world
class safety standards. These cover lifesaving,
firefighting and damage stability. Three life
rafts each with a capacity of 101 passengers
are installed on each vessel.
Designated as a RoPax ferry, the APFC
vessels have a steel hull and aluminum
All ten ferries were built in China, with four
separate shipyards used for the construction to
meet the ambitious delivery targets specified
by the owner and operator APFC. The first
ferry was completed in March 2013 with the
remaining nine following in quick succession.
To meet the low operating cost expectations
and high reliability performance targets,
designer Stuart Ballantyne had no hesitation
in specifying 4 ( four) of the continuously rated
Mr Christopher Pastrana
- Chairman Archipelago Philippine Ferry
Corporation pictured at vessel commissioning
in China and at the helm upon vessel arrival
in its home port.
3
The last of ten new ferries, each powered by
four Yanmar 6AY-WST engines driving through
Yanmar YX-181 transmissions, has just been
commissioned and makes for an exciting
chapter in the Philippines maritime history
as the proliferation of such a vessel type is
vital for the island nations bustling maritime
economy. The core objective of the FastCat
ferry project was to connect the Philippine
islands with safe, fast and convenient ferry
transport. To do so, Archipelago Philippine
Ferry Corporation (APFC) commissioned
Stuart Ballantyne of Sea Transport Solutions
in Australia to design a vessel specifically
to suit the weather and sea conditions in
the Philippines using one of his well proven
catamaran designs. Strong & seaworthy, the
Fast Cat series has done exactly as intended.
Yanmar powers fastcat ferry program continued.
Allan and Avril Foster at the Launch
of the inaugural Ferry in the Philippines.
Yanmar 6 cylinder 20.379 liter displacement
6AY-WST engines and transmission packages
in each ferry. In the event of one engine
requiring maintenance, the FastCat ferry can
successfully operate safely on three engines.
T h e Ya n m a r 6 AY- W S T e n g i n e s a re
commercially rated by Yanmar for 24 hour
operation and an annual cycle of up to 4000
hours. In the WST configuration, each engine
develops 659 mhp (485kW) at 1900 rpm.
Each engine drives through a Yanmar YX181-1 transmission to a five- bladed 1.2 meter
diameter conventional propeller.
260 metres of on board vehicle lanes on each vessel.
China and the Philippines was a challenge
easily met. Jim Kibblewhite, Senior Service
engineer and Training Manager at Power
Equipment was the designated FastCat
ferry project manager and established an
excellent rapport with APFC and the Chinese
shipyards. Jim has been expertly assisted
by numerous other Power Equipment staff
from both our Australia and NZ offices along
with representatives from Yanmar Singapore
This decision was based on Power
Equipment’s experience in powering ferries,
both new and repowers in Australia and New
Zealand. Power Equipment was also viewed
as a reliable and trusted supplier who could
be depended upon.
4
From the perspective of Power Equipment,
supporting such a significant contract in
“We have established an excellent rapport
with the APFC organisation and all the
ferries are operating to specification,” said
Jim Kibblewhite.
“The first ferry launched has over 6000 hours
logged in less than 2 years of operation. The
expectation is that each vessel will log about
3000 hours a year once all ten vessel are in
service.”
During sea trials of the FastCat ferries the
Yanmar 6AY-WST engines delivered a top
speed of 16.5 knots with the optimum
cruising speed achieved at 15.0 knots.
Winning the contract to supply the 40
Yanmar 6AY-WST engines and YX-181-1
transmissions proved to be a huge accolade
for Power Equipment. Notwithstanding the
fact the ferries were being built in China and
Power Equipment is located in Australia, APFC
determined that Power Equipment was the
best company to supply, commission and
support the Yanmar engines.
travelled numerous times to the Philippines &
China to ensure the best possible outcomes
for all parties throughout this process. Overall
it has been a huge commitment by the various
staff and management involved to ensure the
best possible outcomes are achieved.
2 of the 4 Yanmar 6AY
engines in each Ferry.
Power Equipment will continue to monitor
and support the FastCat ferries. The project
has demonstrated that the capability of
Power Equipment and the talent of the team
extends well beyond Australia.
during the extensive and exhaustive sea trial
and test process as stipulated by the class
agency ABS.
“We’re proud of our work with APFC and
chuffed that we were selected to power
these very impressive vessels,” Jim said
Jim and others regularly travelled to China
and the Philippines during the construction
and commissioning phase to oversee the
Yanmar aspect of the project. Once the ten
ferries were launched and commissioned, the
involvement of Power Equipment continued.
“APFC is doing an excellent job in making travel
by sea safer, faster, and more comfortable and
at a lower cost in the Philippines and we’re
delighted to be a part of this cause.”
In addition Jim Kibblewhite has been busy
training technical staff and engineers in the
Philippines. In all there were more than 30
APFC people who passed through the ten
day training program. Luke Foster likewise has
5 of the new Ferries on the water, ready for service.
Yanmar - Proud supply
partner for this key project.
4TNV98 pumps
Water for crop research
The Yanmar 4TNV98 ready to work.
low emission engine which is designed to
operate for extended periods in commercial
applications.
Chris Guppy, PE and Bob Dover from Dover and Sons at the pumping station.
With the Hermitage Research Facility located
alongside the Swan Creek, the Yanmar driven
pump has been installed to pump water from
the creek to an off-stream storage dam. When
in use it involves pumping water over a 2000
m run and at the same time lifting it 20m up
the hill into the dam.
To compound matters, periodic flooding
at the pumping station is an annual event.
To protect the pumping station from flood
damage, local Yanmar Dealer Bob Dover
of Dover and Sons, constructed a sturdy
elevated platform from galvanised steel.
With the platform elevated some 2m above
the ground, flood waters have reached the
walkway but no further, exactly as designed.
The pumping station is capable of pumping
up to 180,000 litres per hour (40,000 gph).
The system installed by Dover and Sons at
the Hermitage Research Facility at Warwick
includes a Southern Cross Centrifugal pump.
The inlet diameter of the pump is 125mm
and the outlet diameter is 100 mm. Ancillary
equipment includes a small bank of solar panels
which charge the 12 volt starting battery.
A single Yanmar 4TNV98 irrigation pack
was supplied to Dover and Sons from
the Australian Yanmar Distributor, Power
Equipment. This complete package comprises
the Yanmar 4TNV98 engine mounted to a
galvanised steel skid, ready to accept the
pump as specified for each application.
“The appeal of the irrigation pack from Power
Equipment is that it is a complete unit,” Bob
Dover said.
The pumping station has a 600 litre diesel fuel
tank which feeds fuel to the Yanmar 4TNV98
engine. Typically the Yanmar operates at 1800
rpm and when called on to pump water up
to the holding dam, the engine will run nonstop for a week to ten days at a time. In the
24 months since commissioning, the Yanmar
has logged up 672 trouble free engine hours.
“This is a variable speed diesel system which
is designed to operate according to demand,
anywhere from 1500 rpm to 2200 rpm,” said
Bob Dover.
“The irrigation pack is delivered to our
workshop completely assembled with radiator,
exhaust, stub shaft, all electrics and the Power
Equipment EC150 Engine Protection System
all wired up. All we need to do is supply the
battery, hook up the fuel, bolt up and align the
pump and it’s ready to start work.”
The Yanmar 4TNV98 diesel engine is a four
cylinder model which develops 68.5 mhp at
2500 rpm. Two inlet and two exhaust valves
per cylinder improve air flow for greater
efficiency. This is a quiet running, fuel efficient,
The pumping station moves
over 180,000 litres per hour.
5
The Hermitage Research
Facility situated on the
outskirts of Warwick (Qld)
is the leading centre in
breeding technologies for
crops as diverse as Sorghum,
Barley, Sweet Corn or Mung
Bean. A Yanmar 4TNV98 is
playing a key role in watering
the crops by driving a large
capacity centrifugal pump
at the property.
Power Equipment’s TNV-EC150 Engine
Protection System (EPS) monitors engine
performance and is programmed to shut
down the engine in the event of overheating,
belt breakage or lack of oil pressure. In
addition to its safety functionality, the
EPS also has a series of on-board engine
management features.
COMMERCIAL
AND PASSENGER FERRIES
a perfect combi
6
After 25
years in operation Power Equipment has cemented YANMAR as the
Passenger Ferry engine of choice in the Australian and New Zealand Markets. Here
are just some of the passenger ferries operating that are Powered By Yanmar engines.”
ENGINES
7
ination
THE BEST DECISION
I EVER MADE
Hobart cray fisherman Rodney Clark is his own man. He’s a professional fisherman who by
choice works alone at sea and co-designed his own cray boat, the Rachel Christine.
Rodney Clark chose a Yanmar 6HA-HTE3
marine diesel engine for his cray boat.
Now, 17,600 operating hours later and no
lost fishing time due to mechanical failure,
Rodney reckons that choosing the Yanmar
brand was the very best decision that he has
ever made.
8
Rachel Christine is an impressive vessel.
Triabunna boat builder Malcolm Fergusson
laid the keel in 1997 working to a design
loosely based on a hull shape used by
fishermen in Victoria. Rodney Clark wanted
a hull shape that would allow him to travel
faster and also specified a raised aft deck for
more comfortable quarters.
Rodney Clark at the Helm
of the Rachel Christine.
Built from Celery Top Pine, some Huon Pine
and Stringybark hardwood, Rachel Christine
measures 15m loa with a beam of almost
5.2m. The ribs in the bow area are heavy
hardwood laminations, closely spaced so
as to withstand the impact of smashing
green seas.
Lightship the displacement is 33 tonnes, but
when leaving the safety of Hobart for the wild
waters off the coast of Tasmania, the Rachel
Christine displaces 45 tonnes.
“I like the warmth and quietness of a timber
hull,” said Rodney Clark. “Timber is a more
expensive construction material than alloy
and these days I can’t see any more timber
hulls being built for fishermen like me.”
During the five year construction period
Rodney Clark was on hand whenever he
wasn’t fishing, lending a hand to create this
impressive hull.
example of how good these Yanmar engines
really are.”
A typical trip for Rodney Clark is now 16 days
long. It used to be 8 to 10 days, but there are
fewer cray fish about these days and they’re
found further afield. The Yanmar 6HA-HTE3
has proven to be ultra-economical, burning
on average 70 litres a day with the engine
operating for 8 hours a day. The fuel burn on
a 16 day trip is roughly 1100 litres or less than
9 litres per hour.
The Mase IS7 provides all the
on-board power requirements.
As testimony to the craftsmanship of the local
timber boat builders and Rodney’s extensive
maintenance regime, Rachel Christine looks
as though she came off the slips just months
ago, not 13 years. The hull is spotless inside
and out. There’s not a drop of oil to be seen
in the engine room and the high gloss Jarrah
fit out in the living quarters is as good as any
kitchen in a Toorak mansion.
When it came time to select the engine for
Rachel Christine, Rodney Clark took his time
and looked around at all the other brands.
“I mainly lay my cray pots on the south-east
and the east coast of Tasmania,” Rodney Clark
said. “I have a licence for 50 pots and it takes
me about 3 ½ hours to pull them up. I carry
1500 kgs of frozen bait and have a live tank
that will hold up to 1500 crays. Every night I
find shelter and drop the anchor.”
Five years ago, Rodney Clark further confirmed
his confidence in the Yanmar brand when he
installed a MASE I.S.7 generator set in the
engine room. At the heart of the MASE I.S.7
is a Yanmar 3TNV76 diesel engine. The MASE
is used to run lighting and a fan heater on
board the Rachel Christine, with 800 trouble
free hours logged so far.
“Yanmar is a great brand,” Rodney Clark
concluded. “My engine is so reliable, spares
are easy to get and the people at Power
Equipment are helpful and friendly.”
Michael Blair from Power Equipment
commented that the Rachel Christine makes
an impressive sight berthed in Hobarts
famous Constitution dock.
“This is one vessel that the whole team at
Power Equipment is proud to be involved
with,” said Michael Blair.
“Rodney is one of a long list of professional
operators who have chosen Yanmar to power
their vessels and are to this day experiencing
real financial benefits from their decision.”
“Around the waterfront I frequently hear
from owners that the initial purchase price is
always a bit dearer with the Yanmar, but what
is most important to them is the long term
cost of ownership. The low operating costs
at the end of each year is the real benchmark
and is something that has been proven again
with the Rachel Christine”.
“I had a 6 cylinder Ford engine in my previous
boat and I had also had a Yanmar 3GM30 in
another boat,” Rodney Clark recalled.
“In my opinion Yanmar was the only brand
that was a proper marine motor. All the rest
were truck engines that had been converted.”
Once Rodney Clark decided on the Yanmar
brand he then settled on the specific Yanmar
model, the Yanmar 6HA-HTE3. However,
before placing his order, Rodney went to see
a Yanmar 6HA-HTE3 being fitted into a fishing
trawler in Launceston, and that was what
sealed the deal.
The Yanmar 6HA-HTE3 is a 6 in-line cylinder
marine diesel engine, specifically designed
for economical ocean-going commercial
applications. It is rated at 278mhp ( 205kW)
@ 2100rpm. With a displacement of 11.946
litres, the emphasis of the Yanmar then, as it
remains today, is one of fuel economy, low
maintenance and long life. (The 6HA series
is now superseded with the 13.140 litre
displacement 6HA2 series.)
The Yanmar 6HA-HTE3 has a Yanmar YX90
marine transmission bolted up to it. This runs
a 3.5:1 ratio and with the Yanmar ticking over
at 1500 rpm, the Rachel Christine makes 8.5
knots when fully loaded and heading to sea.
“This model Yanmar engine has more power
than I need, but at sea you only pay for the
power that you use,” said Rodney Clark.
The Yanmar 6HA-HTE3 & YX90 transmission in as new condition after 18,000 hours.
9
“With almost 18,000 hours logged on the
engine and 13 years at sea, the engine room
in the Rachel Christine is pristine. There is
not a drop of oil to be seen, nor the slightest
speck of rust on the engine. This is a great
The only engine
that lasts
the distance
10
The Bayview on the waters around Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Commercial fishermen the
world over are amongst the
toughest critics of marine
engines. Dick Cleall is a
Yanmar man through and
through having been at sea
all of his life. His most recent
boat, Bayview, is powered by
a Yanmar 6CXM-GTE2.
The brand new Bayview recently built for
Dick Cleall by Pro Fab Engineering has a
length overall of 13.4 m. With a beam of
4.3m and a displacement of 10 tonnes, this
is a purpose designed exclusively Cray boat.
With Bayview, there was never any doubt
that it would also be Yanmar powered.
Dick Cleall is a Cray fisherman, working with
his four sons and two boats out of the small
coastal town of Kaikoura, 180 km north of
Christchurch in New Zealand.
When it came to the engine for Bayview,
Dick Cleall decided to use the Yanmar 6CXMGTE2 which was already fitted to one of his
existing Cray boats.
The hull is a relatively shallow deadrise
design, but there are big wide flat chines to
aid stability and low speed planing. The 4
blade prop spins in a shallow tunnel with the
conventional inboard rudder fitted forward
of the transom.
“It seemed pointless to buy a new engine
when my existing Yanmar was just a baby with
only 4000 hours on the clock,” Dick Cleall said.
The Yanmar 6CXM-GTE2 is a powerhouse 6
cylinder in-line engine which develops 500
mhp at 2,900 rpm. Displacing 7.413 litre the
Yanmar 6CXM-GTE2 features a free breathing
4 valve per cylinder head, extra large oil
cooler, galley cooled pistons and a turbo
charger with intercooler induction system.
The turbo itself is an advanced waste gated
water cooled design that delivers quick
throttle response and maximum boost at
lower RPM levels.
Matched to the Yanmar 6CXM-GTE2 in
Bayview is a ZF transmission running a
reduction gear ratio of 2:1. A gen set in the
Dick Cleall and his son Peter Cleall.
A typical day for Dick’s sons, Peter & Simon
sees them and their two “deckies” leave port
at 4:45 am and return back home twelve
hours later. Throughout the day the engine
runs at a work speed of 2500 rpm where the
hull cruises at a steady 17 knots. With the
throttle wide open, the Yanmar engine spins
up to 2900 rpm for a maximum speed of
22 knots. The only time the engine drops
back to an idle is when the boat comes up
to a Cray pot.
The Cray season runs from May to September
and in the off season the boat is used for long
lining. All up they log about 2000 engine
hours a year.
“As far as we are concerned, Yanmar is the
only engine that will last the distance,” Dick
Cleall said.
Over the years Dick Cleall has had many
different Yanmar marine engines in his
boats, all big powerful diesel engines that
have taken him to sea for thousands upon
Yanmar 6CX Engine.
thousands of hours. These include various
Yanmar 6LY models, Yanmar 6HY and early
Yanmar 6CX marine engines
The standout engine for Dick Cleall was a
Yanmar 6CX, 420 hp model, which logged
48,000 hours. While still running strong, Dick
removed it from his boat many years ago and
sold it to another fisherman who used it to
re-power his fishing boat.
“Apart from the 48,000 hours that we had
with the 420hp Yanmar 6CX, I also had a
Yanmar 6HY in a boat and logged 14,000
hours without any trouble whatsoever.”
“I haven’t got a bad thing to say about Yanmar
marine diesel engines. We were the first to run
a Yanmar in the fleet here at Kaikoura and now
eight of the eleven commercial fishing boats
here are Yanmar powered. That says a lot.”
Like many commercial fishermen, Dick Cleall
does his own routine servicing. Oil changes
are carried out every 250 hours, and although
not specified, Dick makes a point of changing
the filters at every oil change. He always uses
genuine Yanmar lubricants and genuine filters.
Bayview pulling into harbour.
11
engine room drives the high volume electric
water pumps that feed the deck mounted
live Cray tanks. Fish tanks fitted under the
deck are used as bait tanks.
47 Year Old
as strong as ever
Few vessels provide better
testimony to the durability
of Yanmar marine diesel
engines, than Wild Wind.
Built in 1968, this proud
vessel is still powered by
the Yanmar 3ESGY engine
which was fitted when she
was launched.
Today, some 47 years and an estimated
30,000 hours of operation later, this three
cylinder Yanmar workhorse beats as strongly
as she did when new.
12
The Yanmar 3ESGY develops 50 shaft
horsepower and is a remarkably simple engine
which belongs to a previous generation. The
engine is an air start model and Neil Smith
uses a small Yanmar air cooled engine to
pump air up for starting.
Just like the modern Yanmar marine diesel
engines of the current era, the Yanmar 3ESGY is
miserly on fuel. At 1000 rpm the consumption
is 3.78 litres per hour and at 1400 rpm the
consumption is 7.57 litres per hour.
Owner Neil Smith had Wild Wind built in
Smithton, Tasmania. The hull is constructed
from Celery Top Pine, a timber species one
step apart from the famed Huon Pine. Wild
Wind is an impressive vessel measuring
13.1m loa with a beam of 3.96m. Lightship
she displaces 18.5 tonnes.
Neil Smith describes the hull design as being
inspired by the North Sea trawlers which
operate in some of the wildest seas in Europe.
There, the sea conditions are not unlike those
experienced in Bass Strait where Neil skippered
Wild Wind as a professional shark fishing
vessel for 15 years. He then used the boat to
ship timber from Tasmania to the Australian
mainland for about ten years, making countless
crossings across the treacherous Bass Strait.
“Wild Wind has a straight stem and a canoe
stern,” Neil Smith said. “She’s fitted with a
double gaff rig but under power the Yanmar
3ESGY revs to 1600 rpm and pushes the hull
to 8 knots maximum. Typically though I cruise
at 5 knots.”
Neil Smith in the
engine bay of Wild Wind.
Neil Smith now uses Wild Wind exclusively
for pleasure and cruising. In July 2012 Neil
departed Tasmania to embark on an Australian
circumnavigation cruise. So far the journey
has taken 3 years and most recently he arrived
at Bunbury. Neil’s expectation is that Wild
Wind will get back to Tasmania to complete
the circumnavigation in September 2016.
“So far I’ve done about 3500 NM under sail
and the rest I’ve been running on the Yanmar,”
Neil said.
“I’m doing the trip on my own and taking my
time. Currently I’m logging about 1000 hours
a year on the Yanmar engine which continues
to perform faultlessly.”
Asked what kind of maintenance work Neil
has undertaken on the Yanmar 3ESGY over
the years, the response was as impressive as
it was understated.
“About 9 years ago I pulled the engine down
to check it over,” Neil said. “The only parts
that I replaced were the top piston rings.
The injectors are still the original units and
they’re in great shape.”
“The Yanmar 3ESGY has proven to be
incredibly durable and reliable. The secret to
the long engine life is keeping the operating
temperature right and then using the correct
oil with regular changes.”
The Neil Smith, Wild Wind and the Yanmar
3ESGY combination is a fitting example of
durability and reliability. At the age of 71, Neil
Smith has literally spent years and years on
aboard Wild Wind, secure in the knowledge
that his classic Yanmar is as robust today as
when it was installed 47 years ago.
Foredeck has seen a lot of
action in 47 years.
Yanmar 3ESGY still with
original injectors.
Yanmar Air-cooled engine
used to start the engine.
Over 30,000 hours logged on
this Yanmar 3ESGY Engine.
The Wild Wind on the water, 47 years and still going strong.
13
Re-Power Reduces
the ECO-FOOTPRINT
The Black Cat Group in New Zealand is an award winning eco-tourism company
that is progressively repowering their fleet with Yanmar marine diesel engines.
The latest vessel to be repowered is their flagship boat, Black Cat, which has
been refitted with a pair of Yanmar 6HYM-WET commercial engines.
14
In the New Zealand eco-tourism industry,
Black Cat is very much an international
success story while also being recognised
as New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator.
From a very modest start, the company now
hosts more than 120,000 passengers on
board one of their seven Black Cat vessels
each year.
As a company committed to the environment,
Black Cat has undertaken to reduce their
energy consumption by 1% per year.
According to Paul Milligan, Chief Executive
“We take our commitment to the environment
very seriously,” said Paul Milligan.
To achieve their objectives, Black Cat Cruises
has a strict “programmed re-power” strategy
for their fleet of vessels. The repowering of
Black Cat was four years in the planning, but
just 4 weeks in execution.
“Our energy reduction program is a self
imposed pledge where we undertake to
keep our engines well maintained and
modern by regularly introducing new
engine technology into our fleet. With each
re-power project, we strive for greater fuel
efficiency and lower emissions.”
During the low season, the hull was slipped at
Lyttleton where a pair of Yanmar 6KY engines
were removed. With some 15,000 hours
logged over seven years, it was time to update
the propulsion system with a pair of Yanmar
6HYM-WET engines. Rated at 650 mhp the
Yanmar 6KY series has been superseded by
Officer at Black Cat Cruises, the decision to
re-power with Yanmar was heavily driven by
environmental issues.
“The decision to re-power with Yanmar was a
heavily researched and considered selection,”
Paul Milligan said. “Even though we had a
great run with the Yanmar 6KY engines, we
took our time and looked at all the various
engine options that were available in the
market. We needed to weigh up power,
performance and the environmental issues of
the latest technology across, all brands.”
“It wasn’t simply a matter of Yanmar out so
Yanmar back in as a replacement. There are
a lot of engines out there to select from.
After we completed our research, Yanmar
was a clear choice for us. Our other vessels
are operating with Yanmar 6LY and Yanmar
4LH engines so we are very familiar and
comfortable with the Yanmar brand.”
Yanmar’s 6HYM-WET model is a purpose built
commercial grade marine engine. It includes
Yanmar’s latest combustion chamber design,
named ASSIGN, a system originally pioneered
by Yanmar on their large bore, low speed
propulsion engines.
This technology combined with Yanmar’s
own mechanical fuel system delivers
impressive fuel consumption results and
provides commercial operators with excellent
fuel savings.
The Yanmar 6HYM-WET is a 700hp twin
turbo commercial model and is the perfect
selection for those who require their engine
to run at full throttle for extended periods.
The cylinder head is a quad valve design. In
this configuration, the Yanmar 6HYM-WET
excels in conditions demanding continuous
commercial use.
Much of the work undertaken on eco-cruises
with dolphin watching cruises and dolphin
swims, is carried out at an idle. However, when
it is time to get back to the home port of Akaroa
Harbour, the Black Cat skipper has absolute
confidence in the Yanmar 6HYM-WET engines
to lift this cat onto the plane and return to port
on schedule at a comfortable speed.
Following the re-power, extensive sea
trials confirmed the Yanmar as being the
best engine of choice. At WOT the Yanmar
6HYM-WET engines driving through ZF 360
transmissions reached peak revs of 2200
RPM for a hull speed of 28.4 knots. A very
comfortable cruise speed of 21 knots was
achieved at an economical 1800 RPM.
During the peak season, the engines log
up between 70 and 80 hours per week. The
service interval on the Yanmar 6HYM-WET
engines is a very generous 500 hours, which
means that Black Cat Cruises can spend
more time at sea and less time undergoing
maintenance.
During the re-fit process, Black Cat also had
a new MASE 2000T generator set installed.
Powered by a Yanmar 4TNV engine, this MASE
gen set is a 3 Phase model which is used to
power the electrical equipment on board
such as refrigerators, dishwashers, hot water,
lighting and engines room fans.
Paul Milligan, Chief Executive
Officer at Black Cat Cruises.
Black Cat was built in 1993 by Sabre Marine
in Perth, Australia. With a loa of 20m, a beam
of 8m and displacement of 35 tonnes, this allalloy vessel is licensed to carry 99 passengers.
Already, the next Black Cat repower project
has been identified and locked into the
program. This vessel is set to receive a pair of
Yanmar 6LY3 engines which will be matched
to the existing jet drive units.
Brian Bone, MD for Mainland Marine in Lytelton Christchurch was chief engineer for the instalations.
15
the 700 mhp Yanmar 6HY-WET model.
Releases New
30 MHP Engine
and New SD25
Saildrive
Two new Yanmar products specifically designed for the yachting
fraternity have been released in Australia with immediate
availability. The new Yanmar 3YM30AE marine diesel engine plus
the Yanmar SD25 Saildrive provide the perfect power solution for
mono hull yachts and cruising catamarans.
The Yanmar 3YM30AE complies with the
current USA EPA Tier 3 emissions regulations
and supersedes the highly successful and
market leading Yanmar 3YM30 model.
Despite having the same outline, dimensions
and footprint, the new model Yanmar has
a range of significant enhancements. The
Yanmar 3YM30AE generates more torque,
features a bigger displacement 3 cylinder
block, (1.266 litres versus 1.115 litres), a bigger
output 125 amp alternator and new belt
system. All of these benefits are delivered
with a weight gain of a miserly 4 kgs.
In terms of performance the new model
Yanmar 3YM30AE is a sure winner. Power
output has been beefed up to 29.1 mhp at
3200 rpm. The maximum rated speed of the
new model has been reduced to 3200 rpm
compared to the 3600 rpm of the superseded
3YM30 model. As a result of the reduced
New Generation
3YM30AE with
SD25 sail drive
maximum rpm & new cylinder block design,
the noise and emission levels have been
reduced and the engine torque increased.
“The release of the new Yanmar 3YM30AE
projects a telling message from Yanmar to
the boating market,” said Mark Butterfield,
National Marine Sales Manager – Australia for
Power Equipment.
“Yanmar has taken a market leading model
and reengineered it to make it even better.
Significant changes have been incorporated
into the new model giving real benefits to
lower emissions and enhanced performance.”
With the installation footprint identical to
the superseded Yanmar 3YM30 engine,
repowering of older Yanmar powered vessels
is easy and quick. The Yanmar 3YM30AE
can be supplied with the Yanmar KM2P-1
transmission for shaft drive installations or the
new Yanmar SD25 Saildrive unit.
16
3YM30AE with new
125 amp Alternator
The new Yanmar SD25 Saildrive has exactly
the same outline and dimensions as the well
proven and highly durable SD20 Saildrive.
The new model is identified by a light grey,
non-metallic paint on the leg, while the head
remains Yanmar grey metallic. A hard anodizing
process is applied to the SD25 to deliver a
significant increase in corrosion resistance.
The Yanmar Saildrive SD25 is purpose
matched to Yanmar’s 1GM10C, 2YM15C,
3YM20C and 3YM30AE purpose built marine
diesel engines.
Generator manufacturer
sells off-the-shelf
YH series
generators
Andrew Smith From AJS Machinery.
Andrew Smith established AJS Machinery in 2000, his core business activity being the
design and manufacture of custom made generator sets. Today he no longer regards
himself as a manufacturer. Instead he’s an authorised Dealer for the Yanmar range of
water cooled diesel generators.
The transition from custom built generator
sets to supplying the same customer base
with an off-the-shelf Yanmar product is a
powerful reflection of how the Yanmar YH
Series of generators is satisfying the market.
“We simply don’t build our own generator
sets anymore,” said Andrew Smith.
“It is just not viable for us when the Yanmar
YH Series is such a top quality product. The
demand for power generation has grown
and the market demand has been particularly
well met by Yanmar. These are a 3 phase, 4
pole generators with RCD protection.”
The market that Andrew Smith supplies is
both diverse in application and geographically
spread. Customers include primary producers,
panel beaters and miners. Some may be on
the grid but without sufficient capacity for 3
phase power; or off the grid and facing the
prospect of an expensive bill to run power to
their site. There are many who simply need
reliable back up power.
all times. This way I can supply customers
without delay.”
The Yanmar YH Series comprises five models
ranging in output from 13.4kVA to 55.0 kVA.
The YH Series has been specifically engineered
to deliver clean and reliable electrical power.
With a large capacity bunded fuel tank on
all models, the YH series generator sets are
totally self-contained and mobile.
At the heart of the Yanmar YH Series
generators is the Yanmar TNV series engine.
This is a robust workhorse from the Yanmar
family of water cooled diesel engines which
have the durability and strength to operate
for extended periods. Whether the 3 cylinder
or 4 cylinder TNV model is used, the YH
Series generators are optimised to operate at
1500 rpm. One of the many benefits of this
is noise reduction. Also at 75% load, the fuel
economy is frugal with as little as 2.72 litres
per hour being consumed on the Yanmar YH
170 generator set.
The Yanmar YH Series generators are easy
to operate. The user friendly design features
a turnkey start. Separate meters display
voltage, amperage and frequency. With
minimal changes the YH Series generators
can be modified to suit unique applications
“There is so much to like about the Yanmar YH
Series generators,” said Andrew Smith.
“They are exceptionally well designed and
expertly manufactured. They have been
designed so that all of the service points are
accessed from the one side. The Yanmar TNV
engine is smooth, very quiet and the reliability
is exceptional. I’m very comfortable shipping
a YH Series generator to remote locations.”
According to Andrew Smith, the Yanmar
brand is well accepted and does not need to
be sold to customers looking to purchase a
quality generator.
“People know the Yanmar brand and love it."
Recent customers have been spread from
farmers in Andrew Smith’s own backyard in
Kurmond, NSW, the outlying farms of Sydney,
to a quarry in Port Hedland and the rural
outskirts of Melbourne.
“We have been a Yanmar Dealer since 2004,”
said Andrew Smith.
“A key to our success is that I keep one of each
of the Yanmar YH Series generator in stock at
A YH Generator ready for delivery to a customer.
17
“In addition to the excellent Yanmar YH Series
generators, we’ve also actively promoted and
sold the Yanmar eGi invertor series which is
ideally suited to interact with your solar power
system and deliver a high power supply with
a pure sine wave output, perfect for sensitive
equipment. “
Power Equipment Appoints
National Parts Manager
Power Equipment has announced the appointment of Jason Hodder to the position
of National Parts Manager. This is a senior management position with responsibility
for the complete management of parts for the Yanmar, JCB and all associated brands
marketed by Power Equipment.
Jason has 25 years’ experience in the parts
industry, having previously been involved in
the agricultural and trucking sectors.
“Through my involvement in the agricultural
sector I had a strong awareness of the Yanmar
brand,” Jason said from his Power Equipment
office at Lynbrook (Melbourne).
“My awareness of Yanmar in the marine area
was limited. However, when I arrived at the
Power Equipment offices in Lynbrook to meet
with management, I knew right away that I
wanted to be a part of this organisation.”
“The presentation of the business, the family
owners and the systems which they have in
place, are absolutely first rate.”
“The Hanel lean lifts alone were enough to get
me to Power Equipment. This is an amazing
system. Power Equipment has fully integrated
the Hänel technology into the complete parts
ordering and despatch systems. The process
of ordering, picking, despatch and invoicing is
all seamlessly integrated in a striking system.”
Since commencing at Power Equipment,
Jason feels blessed to be part of the Power
Equipment Team.
“Based on my parts experience with some
of the biggest companies in Australia, I can
safely state that the parts systems at Power
Equipment are world class and the very best
that I have ever worked with. This is a very
impressive organisation.”
“We can assist our Dealers by lifting our
fill rate even further, offering premium
service and providing keen shipping rates,”
Jason concluded.
One of the initiatives Jason has been
responsible for is the introduction of Yanmar
Service parts kits for key Marine and Industrial
engine ranges. The kits offer in one box, all
the parts needed to service the designated
engine. The kits are available at a greatly
reduced price, up to 45% off the normal
individual prices. These service kits are now
available from authorised Yanmar Dealers for
the following engines.
Marine:
GM - 1GM10, 2GM20, 3GM30;
YM – 2YM15, 3YM30;
JH – 3JH2E, 3JH2T, 4JH3E,
4JH4E, 4JH3-TE,
4JH-THE, 4JH5E, 4JH4AE.
Industrial:
TF60/70, TF90,
TF110/120,
TF140/160.
Parts Managers are driven by fill rates and
Jason Hodder is no different. The fill rate
at Power Equipment is well into the “90’s”
and Jason has the objective of pushing this
even higher.
The challenge that lies ahead is to work with
a world class system and make it even more
productive for the benefit of Dealers and
customers.
18
“I will be working with our Dealers to ensure
that they get the best support and parts
delivery possible.”
“Like every marketer of global brands,
Power Equipment faces challenges and stiff
competition from competitors on the web.
The market is now truly global.”
Jason Hodder, National Parts Manager.
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e
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Have you ever wanted all the parts
you need to service your Yanmar
marine engine in one box?
Yanmar have recently released a series of service kits to suit
their sailing engine range. Each boxed service kit contains
all the basic components you need to do a regular service
interval on your Yanmar engine including a genuine Oil
filter, impeller, gasket, O-ring and fuel filter, if required.
Apart from having all the parts on hand when you require
them, the other great thing about these service kits is the
price. They currently offer upto 45% saving on normal retail
price for the parts.
Yanmar Service kits are available through Yanmar
Dealers nationally and are available to suit the following
Yanmar engines:
GM - 1GM10, 2GM20, 3GM30;
YM – 2YM15, 3YM30;
JH – 3JH2E, 3JH2T, 4JH3E,
4JH4E, 4JH3-TE,
4JH-THE, 4JH5E, 4JH4AE.
19
To find a Yanmar Dealer visit
www.powerequipment.com.au
David Burder with his new Rex Trommel Machine.
20
Power Equipment and Whitlands Engineering
forging ‘perfect partnership’
engines driving latest Rex creation
As the temperature drops
across Australia and cozying
up to log fires becomes the
winter pastime, production
is hotting up at Whitlands
Engineering for the Rex
Trommel; the latest highspeed firewood cleaner able
to process almost a cubic
metre of wood per minute.
First-rate technology and power supplied
by a superior Yanmar engine make this
machine a game-changer for the firewood
industry. Combining a traditional ‘trommel’
drum with input and output conveyor
belts; the Whitlands’ creation is stunningly
simple in design and purpose-built for
separating dirt and kindling from wood to
ensure only the highest-quality firewood is
delivered to market.
“Our Rex Trommel is proving to be very
popular with businesses that produce large
quantities of firewood,” beams Whitlands
Engineering CEO, David Burder. “Cleaning
wood is not new. But what we’ve done at
Whitlands is develop a machine using highclass engineering, robust materials and
a powerful and reliable engine to ensure
the wood is cleaned quicker and better,
producing only the best quality firewood
which retailers prefer.”
Impressively, the powerful machine is
easy-to-use and easy-to-move; newly-cut
firewood mixed with unwanted waste such
as dirt, grass, stones and kindling is simply
tipped into a ‘hopper’ at the back of the Rex
Trommel. Once the machine is switched
on, the floor of the hopper comes to life –
slowly feeding the load into a large metal
trommel drum.
The large hopper slowly feeds with the load into the Trommel Drum.
The three metre long, 1.2 metre wide
trommel is the belly of the beast, made
up of strong metal bars set wide enough
apart to allow smaller waste products to fall
freely from the load, while keeping hold of
the market-grade firewood. The trommel
rotates steadily and powerfully, churning
the wood and separating unwanted waste.
The waste material is neatly discharged
along the waste conveyor into a skip,
leaving the clean, high-quality firewood
to move along a nine and a half metre
conveyor into a truck ready for market.
Drum removes the bark.
twenty years if the engine keeps failing, so
we’re happy to work with Power Equipment
to produce long-lasting, quality products.”
wood splitters, and Power Equipment is the
country’s leading supplier of diesel engines
– so it’s a powerful partnership.”
With firewood needing to be cut before
it’s cleaned, the self-contained and wheelmounted Rex Trommel compliments the
full Whitlands ‘Rex’ range, which consists of
log saws and firewood processors.
With every state in Australia now being
home to a Whitlands ‘Rex’ product complete
with Yanmar engine, and four Rex Trommels
sold already this year – it’s sure to be a
successful partnership as well.
“We’re the country’s leading specialist
manufacturer of firewood processors and
To order your Rex Trommel please visit
www.superaxe.com.au.
At the muscular heart of the Rex Trommel
is a Yanmar 3TNV76 diesel engine. The
20kW, three cylinder engine - supplied by
Power Equipment - can easily cope with
the weighty demands of cleaning firewood,
and was chosen by Whitlands Engineering,
who always use Power Equipment and the
trusted Yanmar engines in their products,
for its quality and reliability.
“We expect our engineering to last for years
and years,” explains David Burder, “so we
needed an engine to match our high quality.
We believe the Yanmar 3TNV76 does exactly
that – it’s a top engine and perfect for the
job. It’s no good our engineering lasting
Clean wood ready for sale.
Waste removed during the process.
21
Yanmar 3TNV76
providing all the power.
Bark and waste being removed.
A SNAP SHOT OF THE
POWER EQUIPMENT 1
by Power Equipment Managing Director, Allan Foster
From around the late 60’ or perhaps early 70’s, Yanmar products
were Distributed in Australia by Sumitomo Australia, a 100% owned
subsidiary of Sumitomo Japan who acted as Yanmar’s trading house
for this part of the World.
However local distribution was very different
to what we know it today. Sumitomo Australia
had one person in charge of Yanmar business
who resided in their offices located on the
47th Floor of Nauru House in Melbourne. No
product stock was kept, and on a monthly basis
the State Distributors would be contacted and
asked what they wanted to order that month,
and those orders were then passed through
to the Yanmar factories in Japan. Each state
Distributor had to carry their own stock of
product and parts, so you can appreciate that
was fairly limited. Sumitomo did have a Parts
Warehouse in Moorabbin Victoria, with one
parts storeman, however relatively few parts
were kept, so just like product, parts delivery
times were very long which resulted in poor
availability. Incidentally there was no national
product or parts pricelists, every state distributor
ran their own race on everything, including
what prices they would sell at. So in general,
mayhem reigned and availability of product
and parts was both poor and disjointed, this,
as relayed to us by the marketplace when we
undertook our initial market research.
This system worked in the early days when
the Australian Dollar bought upwards of
400 Yen and everything from Japan seemed
incredibly cheap, however through the 80’s
the appreciation of the Yen was such that by
1987, the Aussie was only buying 110 Yen.
However this was good compared with what
we faced when the A$ dipped into the 50 yen
barrier during the 90’s which was almost a
show stopper for our grossly undercapitalised
fledgling business of the day.
22
22
By 1987, under Sumitomo, Yanmar sales had
reduced to a trickle, and finally Yanmar decided
they needed a new Australian Distributor to
try and resurrect the Yanmar Brand. Sumitomo
Australia was directed to undertake this task,
and they engaged the services of one of the
big city accounting firms called Touche Ross.
At this time l was the National Sales Director
of a company called Champion Compressors
Ltd. We had just months earlier listed this
Smiles all around at the start of a new era for Yanmar in Australia. ( front from left)
Kino, Allan Foster, Kano. (back from left) Imai, Matayoshi, Tsuchiya, Saito, Ono.
company on the Melbourne Stock Exchange,
and ironically Touche Ross were our auditing
accountants for the public float.
As part of their process to discover a suitable
new Distributor, TR checked what existing
relationships they had with industrial or
engineering style companies, and not
surprisingly CCL’s came to the forefront and
they contacted us, seeking our interest in
representing a ”Japanese Diesel Engine
Manufacturer”.
Long storey short, but myself and the then
Managing Director Gerry Mussen went and
researched the market, thought we could see
an opportunity, and proceeded to prepare
a report which was subsequently submitted
to the CCL Board of Directors and approved.
By this time the Yanmar brand name was
revealed; and we prepared a Business Plan
which was submitted to Yanmar, and CCL
were subsequently appointed the Australian
Distributor. CCL formed a new Division called
Champion Power Equipment to execute the
Yanmar business and proceeded to buy all of
the parts stock from Sumitomo Australia and
relocate it to CCL’s premises in Hallam Victoria.
Champion’s MD recruited a manager for the
newly recreated division, orders were placed
with Sumitomo Japan, and the journey began
with high hopes of creating a very successful
“add on” to the primary air compressor business.
Two years on, and after a succession of
unsatisfactory division managers, what was
going to be a new growth opportunity for
CCL had turned into a nightmare. Stock had
spiralled out of control, sales were almost nonexistent and the CCL Board Room wasn’t a
happy place to be.
During the early months of 1990 l was elected
almost unanimously (apart from my dissenting
HISTORY OF
1990-2015
25
vote) as the board member with the most
knowledge of Yanmar, and duly directed to try
and fix the ailing division, or as subsequently
happened, to get rid of it!
Without boring you all any more than necessary,
l did the later, and effective October 1st 1990
Avril and l formed a company trading under the
name Champion Power Equipment and took
over the Yanmar Distribution for Australia.
There was only one small (well perhaps not
so small) problem, and that was to this point
nobody had told Yanmar. You see back in
those days we dealt with Sumitomo Japan
and knew very few people at Yanmar, this was
the Japanese way. Anyway undeterred by this
“minor issue” l announced my forthcoming visit
to Japan to the only Yanmar person l knew,
Imai san (top left) and set sail armed with
advice regarding the proposed Distributor
changes and my new “Yanmar Business Plan
for Australia”.
we meet some years later he was my new
best friend and his English was fine! He went
on to become the MD of Yanmar America.
Kino san (bottom left) went on to become
the founding MD of Yanmar Singapore a
few months later, and indeed became a
great friend, and wonderful supporter of PE.
Unfortunately he drowned at a Malaysian
Resort a few years later while snorkelling with
his wife which was a terrible tragedy.
ANNIVERSARY ED
When l asked if that could be formalised with
a Distributor Agreement, my politely translated
version of their Japanese reply was, “we’ll talk to
you in 2 years if you’re still around”!
Brimming with success and after the obligatory
photo. As you can see, not too many smiles,
and l half expected Kano san (bottom right)
to hand me a Kamikaze Sword and ask me
put us all out of our misery on the spot. No
English spoken by Kano on the day, yet when
Presentation of 25th Anniversary Plaque, September 2015, Power Equipment
Lynbook attended by: LHS: Guan Saw, Chairman/MD YASC, Toshi Imai, Yanmar
Japan, Jackson Tan, General Manager YASC and Allan Foster, MD, Power Equipment.
Needless to say it was a long flight home from
Tokyo via Singapore, with plenty of time to
reflect on my new found challenge.
On my return, the dawn started brilliantly as
l surveyed the legions behind me who were
going to carry this new venture to the success
which had previously proved elusive. There
was my wife Av and myself and one employee
Neville O’Louglin (or Nifty Nev) who many will
still remember. Apart from generating sales,
we also had to find new premises to rent, buy
all of the things needed to run a business, from
furniture and office equipment, to computers,
financial software, racking, a forklift and on
it went.
However apart from the computers which
were very expensive in 1990, almost everything
else was the best second hand stuff we could
scrounge. We negotiated a 6 month rent free
period with CCL, which atleast gave us a small
breather to try and get some of this organised.
Keith Gibson (who is still with us today)
started in February 1991 and the 4 of us were
off and running in our new Scoresby home,
our largest marine engine being Yanmar’s
140hp 4LH-HTE which is still sold to this day.
CCL permitted us the use of the Champion
Power Equipment name for a limited 2 year
period, following which we had to hand it
back to them, at which time we changed to
the current name, Power Equipment Pty Ltd.
23
To say l received a luke warm reception on
arrival in Tokyo would be an overstatement,
icy would be more apt. But at 37, our family’s
wealth spent on buying the Yanmar stock from
CCL, and a mortgage to the NAB that included
the clothes on the kids back, ensured there was
no lack of motivation on my behalf. Nothing
the Japanese could say was going to change
my outcome; or so l thought. What’s all the fuss
about anyway? Well fuss there was, including
lots of bloodletting, mainly mine, but at this
stage there was no turning back. At the end of
the day the best outcome for men and mice
was getting agreement to give us a 2 year trial.
25year Plaque presented to
Power Equipment from Mr Yamaoka,
President of Yanmar Japan.
If we now skip ahead 25 years to 2015:a) We had last year welcomed Luke Foster,
the second generation to the business.
b)Achieved consolidated group turnover
including NZ for 13-14FY of approximately
$45M.
c) We employ around 90 staff across Australia
and NZ.
d)Sell around 6,000 marine and industrial
diesel engines per year.
e)For many years Yanmar has been by
volume the largest selling brand of diesel
engine within Australia, irrespective of size
or application.
f ) Our largest engine is now Yanmar’s 40
Litre, 1,800hp 12AY series.
g)
Progressively expanded our Yanmar
Territory, and that of our other key
agencies to include; PNG, NZ and the
South Pacific Islands.
h)Added additional anchor brands, with
Gori, Mase, JCB, PSS, Northern Lights,
Torqeedo and OXE noting we have been
very selective about which new brands to
add to PE’s stable.
i) During this period we acquired 7 other
allied businesses and absorbed them into
PE as part of its growth strategy.
They are, in order;1.Feb 1995: Sier & Johnston, the former
WA state distributor which became our
WA Branch.
2. Feb 1997: Markwell Brothers, the former
QLD state distributor which became our
branch in that state.
3.Feb 2008: Minards Diesel who we
relocated into new premises in Newcastle.
4. July 2009: Mobile Marine Repairs which
has recently become our NSW Branch.
5. Oct 2009: Wayne Newman Marine, which
was absorbed into MMR.
6. Feb 2010: Power & Marine who were the
former NZ Yanmar Distributor, and
24
7.Feb 2010: Whiting Power Systems who
were the largest NZ Yanmar Dealer at the
time, based in Auckland.
j) In 2008 we opened a new 4,000 sqm
purpose built HO facility which is now
home to 6 Hanel Lean Lifts for efficient
parts storage and handling, now further
complimented by an adjoining 2000 sqm
Office / Warehouse complex completed at
the end of 2013.
For the entire 25 years our primary focus has
been on the Yanmar brand, and expanding
the range of Yanmar products sold. At
commencement Industrial Products were
limited to L Series, YDG Gensets and YDP
Pumpsets. Marine was Pleasureboat engines
only, 9hp 1GM10 to 140hp 4LH-HTE, so
the increase in the range and diversity of
Yanmar products is astounding when you
scroll through our Pricelists today. Infact PE’s
growth has largely been underwritten by our
ever expanding range of Yanmar products.
Key reasons for PE’s success can be
attributed to:1. An absolute dedication and single mined
focus on the Yanmar brand and extensive
product range.
2. The overall quality of Yanmar products and
their reputation for durability, quality and
fuel efficiency.
3.The depth, dedication, experience and
from many years of valuable service for
many PE Staff.
4.A non-relenting attitude of continuous
investment and improvement:• Arguably the largest stock of Yanmar
Parts and Products in the southern
hemisphere.
• A business structured with the best
systems, facilities and equipment
needed to enhance efficient and
smooth running on a day to day
basis with an eye to future growth
requirements.
•
Dogged
determination
towards
continuous improvement in every
aspect of our business.
5. A very mature business with many repeat
customers who enjoy dealing with PE
because of the superior products, service
and support offered.
Floris Lettinga, Allan Foster, Shiori Nagata and Luke Foster enjoy
a celebratory dinner in a recent visit to Melbourne.
ION
ILL NES
5 MENGI
A snap shot of the history of power equipment 1990-2014 continued.
YANMAR-MADE TNV MODEL
ENGINE, COMPLIANT WITH
THE LATEST EMISSION
REGULATIONS
Yanmar’s Biwa Factory has announced the
production of its five millionth industrial
diesel engine
Located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, the
Biwa Factory has been Yanmar’s leading
plant for the manufacture of vertical
water-cooled diesel engines since its
establishment in 1995. Utilizing stateof-the-art equipment and proprietary
technologies, the plant has in place a
high-mix low-volume production system
that efficiently responds to the diverse
needs of our various customers around
the world.
Recent years have seen a growing
awareness of environmental issues,
and with this, there has been a gradual
tightening of emission regulations the
world over. In this regard, Yanmar is
actively involved in the development
of ever cleaner engines that minimize
environmental impact and enhance
performance of the various industrial
machinery they are installed in. In
recognition of its market-leading
environmental initiatives, in June 2012,
Yanmar became the first manufacturer in
the world to be certified by the California
Air Resources Board for diesel engines
in the range 19 to 56kW, compliant
with Tier 4 standards. Simultaneously,
Yanmar received Tier 4 compliance
certification from the Environmental
Protection Agency. Moreover, in July
2013 Yanmar was the first enterprise to
be certified by the Swiss Federal Office
for the Environment for engines in the
19~37kW class under the Ordinance on
Air Pollution Control, the world’s strictest
diesel engine regulations. http://www.
bafu.admin.ch/partikelfilterliste/11647/
index.html?lang=en#charY
Looking to meet the ever-changing
and diverse needs of our times, Yanmar
continues its efforts to produce
engines of enhanced performance and
environmental responsiveness, actively
contributing to the realization of a
sustainable society.
TF Series a Winner
in the Outback
It was back in August 2006 that station owner Bruce Morton
became the face of Yanmar in a television ad campaign.
With 50 Yanmar TF60 engines on his Victory Downs cattle
station, Bruce’s friendly face and the Yanmar TF60 were seen
throughout inland Australia on the Imparja television network.
when required and has been installing the
upgraded model, the Yanmar TF70.
Victory Downs is the epitome of the outback.
The property covers 3,000 sq miles of harsh
country. There is a marker on the station which
designates the geographic centre of Australia.
In this part of the Northern Territory, the South
Australian border is not far away to the south.
The only electric power is that which Bruce
generates himself. The water comes from
underground bores, rarely from the sky.
“I clearly remember doing that commercial
for Yanmar,” said Bruce Morton.
“I copped a lot of flak from my mates when
the ad started appearing on television. Still
do today!”
In this harsh, tough environment equipment
and machinery get a pounding. The heat
is intense, the distances vast and water is
sparse. In this part of Australia only the best
equipment passes the test of time.
“We pump water from the underground
bores into above ground tanks,” Bruce said
back in 2006.
Yanmar TF.
“Yanmar is still the best engine for me,” said
Bruce Morton.
“This involves going to each location on the
station, starting up the Yanmar to pump
water into the tank, then moving on to the
next location. It is a cycle that takes us two
days to get around to all 80 tanks.”
However, Bruce Morton is still heavily reliant on
his Yanmar engines at many of the tanks. He
still has quite a number of the original Yanmar
TF60’s running as well as ever.
That was nine years ago. Today technology
has had an impact in the outback. Solar power
and electric motors have been introduced at
some bores.
Bruce Morton’s faith in Yanmar remains as
solid as ever. Whereas the station was running
exclusively Yanmar TF60 engines, he has
continued to purchase new Yanmar engines
“I’ve got 30 Yanmar engines on Victory Downs
today and they’re as good as ever. I’ve got a
mix of TF60’s and the newer TF70’s. Even with
the older Yanmar TF60s, parts are easy to get
from my local Yanmar Dealer in Alice Springs.”
Film Crew when making the TVC in 2006.
“Even with the new solar technology, I still
depend on Yanmar to keep my cattle alive.”
“But don’t ask me to do another TV commercial!”
Bruce with one of his 30 TF Engines.
25
To keep his 8000 head of cattle alive Bruce
depended on his string of Yanmar TF60 diesel
engines to pump water from the bores.
YEARS LATER & YANMAR 6AY IS STILL LIKE NEW
Tasmanian fisherman John Hammond
repowered his commercial fishing
boat Shandara with a Yanmar 6AY-STE
marine diesel engine in July 2010.
Now, some five years and 13,000 hours later,
the Yanmar continues to deliver exceptional
performance, exceptional fuel economy and
dependable service.
26
Despite the hard work and years of crunching
through the treacherous waters of Bass Strait
scallop and cray fishing, there’s not an oil leak
to be seen. Life with the Yanmar 6AY-STE has
been trouble free for John Hammond.
John Hammond at the Helm
of the Shandara.
Shandara was built in Hobart in 1982. The
hull was based on an English design for
trawling in the Atlantic, but the lines were
adapted for cray fishing in Tasmanian waters.
She measures 22.8m long, has a beam of
7.3m and displaces 200 tonne when fully
loaded. Lightships she’s a massive 70 tonne,
with a 35,000 litres load of fuel and massive
salt water holding tanks adding 50 tonnes
when full.
John Hammond is the second owner of
Shandara. says the original engine, a 19 litre,
350 hp in line 6 cyl diesel eventually ‘just
wore out’.
“I had already rebuilt that engine once,” John
Hammond said, “but at $50,000 to rebuild it
a second time didn’t make good sense to me.
“I looked around and other pro fishermen who
I respected kept telling that they had been
doing really well with their Yanmar repowers”.
The commercially rated Yanmar 6AY-STE is an
imposing marine diesel engine. Its weight
alone is a massive 2365 kgs.
The bore of each of the six cylinders is
155mm and with its massive 180mm stroke
the displacement is 20.379 litres. This engine
features direct injection with a turbocharger
backed with an intercooler in the induction
system. We wanted a factory backed keel
cooling and Yanmar were willing to develop
the adaptor kit to suit.
One of the main reasons for choosing Yanmar
was that the motor was not electronically
controlled, it still has the basic alarms, but it
does not shut down if there is a problem and
leave you stranded at sea!
The Yanmar 6AY-STE is factory approved for
maximum throttle opening up to 24 hours of
continuous operation. The engine is backed
by Yanmar to operate for up to 4000 hours a
year at full power.
While the power was more than that needed
for the hull, John Hammond was after a
big engine that he could run well below
maximum output.
The Yanmar 6AY-STE was physically bigger and
heavier than the original engine in Shandara.
For this re-power the entire engine room was
gutted. The engine beds were reinforced to
take the additional weight, torque and power
output of the Yanmar.
A new Yanmar generator set comprising a
Yanmar 4TNV98T with a 45 kVa alternator
was also installed. The generator set is the
sole source of electrical power on board,
driving the deck lighting at night, pumps,
refrigeration and four hydraulic motors
for scalloping. The original 72” prop with
steerable nozzle was retained. A new Twin
Disc transmission was installed, but the ratio
was changed from the original 6:1 to 5.03:1
The transformation has been remarkable. The
Yanmar 6AY-STE delivers a cruise speed of 8
knots being achieved at 1150 rpm with fuel
consumption at just 30 litres per hour. The
replaced 350 hp engine in Shandara, was
using between 45 and 50 litres per hour at 8
knots. That’s a fuel saving of up to 20Lts per
hour. When cray fishing the fuel consumption
is even less.
“I frankly didn’t believe the fuel consumption
figures that were being quoted before I
repowered with Yanmar,” John Hammond
said. “Now that I have experienced the savings
myself, I’m truly amazed.”
“With the extra power of the Yanmar 6AY-STE
on tap I can run Shandara up to 11 knots if
6AY-STE in the engine room.
I need to. It’s good to know that I have the
power and extra speed on tap if I need to
catch a tide or beat some of the other boats
back to the wharf and unload first.”
On a typical scallop fishing trip, Shandara will
be gone from her home port of Triabunna
for between 30 and 40 hours. Scallop fishing
involves a heavy steel cage being pulled
across the sea bed, an activity which demands
the Yanmar engine to operate under heavy
load for virtually the entire time at sea. A West
Coast scallop fishing trip generally involves
two to three weeks at sea.
Over the 13,000 hours of operation, John
Hammond has performed nothing more
than routine maintenance.
“There’s not a drop of engine oil in the bilge
and apart from oil and filters I’ve never
needed any parts,” John Hammond said.
“When my other commercial fishing boat
is ready for re-powering, it will definitely be
a Yanmar.”
27
It was old and very inefficient. I decided that
it would be wiser to put that money into a
new engine and the latest diesel technology.”
Steve Brooks and his Family.
BROOKSCO SIGN ON WITH
AND
It’s a tough and often filthy job, but
repairing heavy equipment has been
rewarding work for Steve Brooks and
his family. However, as business has
generally become tougher and the
transport industry more competitive,
Steve Brooks has chosen to refocus
his business and diversify.
Repowering existing plant and equipment is
an emerging trend. Many operators prefer to
spend their money on a repower, as opposed
to investing significant funds in completely
replacing capital equipment.
Yanmar L series engines are used in irrigation
and earth moving where hydraulics are used
to do the heavy work. Popular equipment
brands that are powered by Yanmar include
Komatsu, Mustang, Gehl and Yanmar itself
of course.”
“The brands are quite different in many
respects, but they share a common theme
of quality. JCB has an excellent reputation
globally with top grade earthmoving
equipment. The JCB 444 engine is as good
as it gets.”
“In addition, there is also the mobileequipment segment with pumps and
generator sets being prolific. These are used
mainly on farms and a growing number have
Yanmar engines on board.”
Steve Brooks has been in the road transport
and earth moving repair business for 35 years,
but only recently relocated to larger premises
in Browns Plains. Working alongside Steve
Brooks in the workshop are his sons Mark and
Peter, while his daughter Kelly handles the
front counter.
“I was attracted to the Yanmar and JCB brands
due to their quality,” Steve Brooks said.
To capitalise on the repower trend, the
Brisbane based family business of Brooks & Co,
is the latest company to be appointed a fullyfledged Yanmar and JCB DieselMax Dealer.
While heavy prime movers, access equipment
and earth moving gear are dotted around
the Greenbank property, it is the light
construction end of the spectrum where
Steve Brooks expects to be kept busy with a
stream of Yanmar and JCB repowers.
28
“We see any number of name brand products
that have a Yanmar diesel engine fitted in the
engine bay,” said Steve Brooks.
“The Yanmar TNV series engine is common in
many skid steer units and small excavators.
Chris Guppy and Steve Brooks.
POWERS ALL TIMBER
CRUISING SMACK
In creating the beautiful timber cruising smack “Jane” as a
tribute to his late wife, Christopher Sinn committed himself
to achieve absolute quality from bow to stern. His choice
of a Yanmar 4JH4-HTE marine diesel engine to power “Jane”
exemplifies his nothing-but-the-best approach.
“Jane” is a 14.3m all timber vessel built by Tim
Phillips and his team at the Wooden Boat Shop
at Sorrento in Victoria.
This is a cruising boat that has the design
strength and sailing capability to cruise
anywhere in the world in style, comfort
and safety.
While “Jane” has plenty of performance under
sail, she’s also more than capable for extended
periods of cruising under power. “Jane”
displaces 20 tonnes, has a generous beam of
4.5m and carries 111 M² of sail. For this specific
application, Christopher Sinn settled on a
Yanmar 4JH4-THE.
The Yanmar 4JH4-HTE is a 4 cylinder, 4 stroke
marine diesel engine with a displacement of
1.995 litres. An intercooler is integrated into the
turbo charged induction system. Peak power of
110mhp is achieved at only 3200 rpm.
Highly rated amongst boaters as a powerful yet
light-weight engine, the Yanmar 4JH4-HTE is
the ideal engine for vessels such as the “Jane”. It
is whisper quiet and has a compact installation
envelope.
Low noise combined with low
emissions and low vibration is everything that
a cruising boater needs.
Built from Cedratta, Iroko and Kauri timbers,
Christopher Sinn and his adult children each
took an active involvement in all aspects of the
design and construction of “Jane”. Christopher
Sinn worked on the hull throughout the two
year build process, encouraged by Tim Phillips
to work at the Wooden Boat Shop whenever
he was able to. This ended up being most
weekends for two years.
“My daughter in law is a graphic designer and
she contributed through her flair with colours,
the choice of galley items and even our own
“Jane” stationery.”
The outcome is a stunning vessel. It is in the
living and entertaining areas that the true
brilliance of “Jane” shines through. The main
cabin is amazingly open and spacious, yet
contains a dedicated navigation station, library,
wood heater/stove and a curved settee that
seats six.
Proud owner Christopher Sinn
at the Helm.
In addition to the Yanmar 4JH4-HTE installed
under the pilot house floor, Christopher also has
a MASE I.S. 3.5 generator fitted in the same space.
The MASE generator delivers ample power to
the drive navigation system, equipment in the
galley and other on-board needs.
Owner Christopher Sinn has thus far restricted
himself to long weekends on Port Phillip Bay.
His run across Bass Strait from Sorrento to
Hobart for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival,
was his first big trip across open water.
“I have no doubt that I could live aboard “Jane”
for three weeks at a time,” said Christopher.
“I have 800 litres of water and 800 litres of diesel
on board. On the trip down to Hobart I motored
all the way on the Yanmar 4JH4-HTE achieving
7 knots with the engine running at 2200 rpm.
Fuel consumption was 4.5 litres per hour, a very
creditable performance considering that “Jane”
displaces 20 tonnes.”
“The trip across Bass Strait went smoothly.
Although we had some difficult conditions at
times, the hull tracked exceptionally well and
the Yanmar never missed a beat.”
Yanmar 4JHE-THE engine.
Christopher’s son is an experienced architect,
and together with Tim Phillips, a unique interior
design was created.
“He and Tim Phillips complimented one another
very well and some of the ideas incorporated
into “Jane” have been adopted in boats
subsequently built at the Wooden Boat Shop.”
Jane.
29
“My son was able to look at the layout of the
cabin and bring subtleties to the design which
created more space,” Chris said.
A strong attendance at the Information Night.
Installation, Maintenance and
Operation of Marine Diesel Engines
at Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
In July at Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the Wooden Boat Shop Southern Victorian Yanmar
Dealer and Power Equipment Australian Yanmar distributor presented an evening titled,
Installation, Maintenance and Operation of Marine Diesel Engines.
With a crowd of over 60 people from Royal
Geelong Yacht Club, Lagoon Boat Club,
Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club, Queenscliff
Cruising Yacht Club and the Western Beach
Boat Club, participation alone demonstrated a
strong demand for knowledge on the subject.
The first section of the evening covered a
broad range of topics that were oriented
toward the yacht owner who may be
considering the installation of a new engine.
The aim, to assist with engine selection and
access to the information and components
required for a successful installation.
30
The second half of the evening was dedicated
to maintaining engines and included many
examples of issues that may arise which the
cruising sailor needs to know how to prevent,
or contend with at sea.
The 7 member panel contingent of Steve
Parsons Marine Sales Engineer and Jason
Hodder National Parts Manager Power
Equipment, Tim Phillips with his team from
Wooden Boat Shop, consisting of Chris Drury
Technician, Billy Townson Technician, Sam
Phillips and Wayne Parr.
The variety of questions posed by the floor
proved the relevance of the content and
were answered succinctly by the panel. Many
follow up conversations took place after the
presentation furthering the scope of the night.
“It was great to get together with a group of
kindred boaties. We were thrilled with the
turnout and the positive interaction with the
audience” said Tim Phillips. Power Equipment
were pleased to be able to support the
Wooden Boat Shop for this type of event. “It
is a great opportunity for us to get in front of
our customers and share some one on one
product knowledge” Steve Parsons, Power
Equipment.
A special thanks to Stuart Dickson and the
Royal Geelong Club for assisting with the
organisation and hosting of the evening.
The Wooden Boat Shop has full service
facilities at Sorrento and Queenscliff Marina.
Available resources include Yanmar marine
engine sales, marine engineering, stainless
steel fabrication, mobile shipwright
and mechanical services to the Mornington
Peninsula, Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula.
Thanks to Wayne Parr, Wooden Boat Shop
for submitting this story.
Tim Phillips, Wooden Boat Shop taking the crowd through the information on their Diesel engines.
Power Equipment appoints
New National Marine
Sales Manager
Mark Butterfield, thrilled about the move to the marine division
The position of National Marine Sales Manager
has been relocated to the company’s head
office in Lynbrook Melbourne. This position,
effective immediately, has been filled by
Mark Butterfield.
Mark Butterfield has been with Power
Equipment for over six years. Prior to this
promotion, Mark was the Industrial Power
Products Area Manager with responsibility
for the Victorian, South Australian and
Tasmanian regions. He also had responsibility
for the successful introduction of the Yanmar
Net Cleaning Robot into Australian and New
Zealand Markets.
Michael Blair, who until the re-structure
held the position of National Marine Sales
Manager, remains with Power Equipment
in a senior role, while continuing to operate
from Power Equipment’s Queensland office
at Coomera.
Michael Blair will fulfil a number of key
functions, namely Queensland Branch
Manager and Pleasure Boat Engine Product
Manager. The role of Queensland Branch
Manager was previously held by Ray Harris,
who will continue in his existing Marine
Sales role.
“This is a re-alignment of positions which
has been strategically implemented with the
full consultation and consent of the Power
Equipment staff involved,” said Allan Foster,
Managing Director, Power Equipment.
“In his national role, Michael Blair has
proven to be an exceptional asset to Power
Equipment since he joined us in 2001.
Under Michael’s direction, the Yanmar
brand continued to be the market leader
in the pleasure boat segment, but he has
also driven the Yanmar brand to a position
of dominance in the commercial marine
market.”
“Michael has now passed the baton to Mark
Butterfield and done so with his blessing.
In addition to taking on a new role in
Queensland, Michael Blair will mentor Mark
Butterfield through the transition period and
beyond.”
“We are fortunate to have two exceptionally
capable individuals in Michael and Mark
integral to the Yanmar team.”
Mark Butterfield began his working life
as a Diesel Fitter working on commercial
workboats and pleasure craft. This involved
both service work, vessel commissioning
and sea trials. Mark first joined Power
Equipment on a contract to perform a
feasibility study on the potential to market
the Yanmar Net Cleaning Robot in Australia
and NZ. Following the success of this
project he was permanently recruited to the
Industrial Power Product Division to support
dealers in VIC/TAS/SA in 2009.
“Moving to the marine division of the Power
Equipment is a thrilling opportunity to grow
with this market leading brand in Yanmar,”
Mark Butterfield said.
“Marine Business is an area that I have
enjoyed for many years and I’m very much
looking forward to being wholly focussed on
this area of marine applications. Equally this
is an exciting time when we will see further
technology advances in products being
offered to the market from Yanmar.
“This is a very exciting time to be involved
in the marine industry with technically
advanced diesel propulsion systems.”
Following Mark Butterfield’s appointment,
all senior management positions are now
based at the company’s Melbourne Head
Office. A replacement to fill the position
vacated by Mark Butterfield is presently
being sought.
“We have effectively added an additional
resource to the Marine Division,” Allan Foster
said.
“Our intention is to become even more
customer focussed than before and
concentrate our key management team
at our headquarters. We have an excellent
spread of branch offices and our team
members have a great deal of autonomy
when representing our various brands.”
31
The Managing Director of
Melbourne based Power
Equipment, Allan Foster, has
announced a number of key
changes to the company’s
senior management positions.
THE ENGINE OF CHOICE AT STEBER
32
Alan Steber readily recalls the first Yanmar engine that he installed in one of his Steber fiberglass
cruisers. It was in 1997 that he built a demo boat, a 34’ flybridge sedan cruiser which he powered
with twin Yanmar 6LPA-STP engines.
Over the years, an ever increasing number
of Yanmar engines have been specified
and installed in Steber boats. The affinity
with Yanmar has grown to the extent that
today 75% of the vessels powered by Steber
International have Yanmars fitted.
The specific Yanmar models which have been
installed by Steber include the 4JH, 4LH, 6LPA,
6LY, 6LY2A3, 6LY3 and 6CX. Steber is also
a long term customer who has purchased
and installed many Yanmar powered MASE
generators and PSS Shaft Seals.
Steber International is a family owned and
operated business which began in 1946
building timber clinker hulls. A move from
Brookvale in Sydney to Taree and the change
to fiberglass preceded the strategic decision to
concentrate on bigger non-trailerable boats.
The NSW Water Police has quite a number of
our boats powered with dual Yanmar 6LY2ASTP engines. The Water Police run a very strict
maintenance program where as a matter of
policy, they repower their Yanmar vessels
when the engines log 4500 hours.
Boats bearing the Steber decal start with the
Steber 2200 Super Sedan and rounds out
at the top end with the Steber 65 Luxury
Motor Cruiser. There is also a solid range of
commercial hulls which have found willing
customers amongst various government and
rescue agencies throughout Australia and
internationally.
This repower regimen ensures that their
Steber hulls have fresh reliable engines, fully
backed by a new Yanmar warranty and wholly
supported. The operations of the Water Police
demands the absolute highest standards
for reliability and performance. There is
zero margin for error, so regular engine
replacements optimizes operational costs.
The common thread amongst this diverse range
of boats is the engine bolted to the bearers.
“Yanmar is our engine of choice wherever
appropriate in a Steber from 22 feet to 43 feet,”
said Alan Steber, MD of Steber International.
Of course there can be no better
endorsement of the Yanmar brand when a
customer insists on replacing the existing
engine with an identical make and model,
the Yanmar 6LY2A-STP.
“The Yanmar brand is readily accepted
by customers. Yanmar has an excellent
reputation and I’ve lost count of the number
of engines which we have installed.”
Alan Steber’s strong endorsement of the
Yanmar brand, is much attributed to the
performance of the brand as it is to the
support offered by Power Equipment.
While recreational and family boaters can be
discerning about their boating, the real test
of performance and durability comes on the
open ocean under the most adverse weather
conditions with commercial operators. The list
of government and safety agencies who have
Yanmar powered Steber boats is extensive.
“Early on I recall doing a delivery run on a
customer’s boat,” Alan Steber said.
High profile customers include Marine
Rescue, Australian Customs, Federal Police,
Fisheries, Port of Melbourne, and Department
of Defence to name a handful.
Again, in Alan Steber’s words, it’s a level of
product support that sets Yanmar ahead of
the competition.
“The Power Equipment technical people
doesn’t just check engines at random. They
personally attend, hook up their diagnostic
equipment and perform a thorough sea trial.
They do this on every boat where we install a
new Yanmar engine whether it be a new boat
or a re-power.”
“The technical guys are easy to work
with, the process is very smooth and the
documentation thorough. All up it is a very
efficient and essential process.”
While Steber International is a multiple award
wining boat manufacturer, the company has
diversified to offer a successful refurbishment
division. Through the process of removing
and replacing complete interiors, inevitably
the engines are replaced too.
“With our re-fits we’ve removed just about
every brand of diesel engine that exists.
As a matter of course we recommend and
repower with Yanmar. Yanmar is definitely our
engine of choice,” Alan Steber concluded.
“When we got to the destination I checked
the bilge and there wasn’t a single spot of oil
that had leaked from the brand new Yanmar
engine. That impressed me greatly at the time
and it has also been the case with Yanmar
engines ever since.”
With every boat powered by a Yanmar engine,
the Power Equipment technical people
attend for commissioning and sea trialing.
Another fine example of a purpose built
light duty commercial vessel by Stebercraft.
POWER KEEPS
BEERS COLD
The Middleton Hotel is
approximately halfway
between Winton and Boulia in
central western Queensland.
Back then the town had an approximate
population of 30 people with a police station,
store, community hall, school and hotel with
stables for supplying fresh horses for the mail
run. The hotel was always the busiest place
in town but with the last Cobb & Co mail
and passenger run ceasing operation in the
late 1920’s, the township soon declined until
only the community hall, camping ground
and Middleton Hotel remain. The owners of
the hotel, Lester (who is a sprightly 71)and
Val Cain are now the only people left living
permanently in Middleton.
Being approximately halfway on the Winton
to Boulia dirt road (Kennedy Development
Road) and without the luxury of having mains
electricity, Lester and Val rely heavily on their
generator to provide power for a couple
Yanmar YH280 generator satisfying all power needs.
of lights, hot water and most importantly,
the cold room. Having been the owners of
many unreliable and fuel hungry generators
in the past, Lester and Val turned to Yanmar
after being recommended by a close friend.
“Nick, I need a generator that is reliable, quiet
and most of all…..fuel efficient” said Lester.
“I’m sick of the promises made by the others
only to find out when they break down
they don’t want to know me” Said Lester
on the phone to North Queenslands Area
Manager Nick Marsden when discussing the
Yanmar generator. After working out what
size genset was required, an order for the
Yanmar YH280DTLS was procured and delivery
arranged to this remote location. After being
transported almost 3800km (the last 200km on
very rough dirt roads) the generator was lifted
into position and wired up. Now over 1 year
later, the beer at the Middleton Hotel is the
coldest it has ever been, putting a big smile on
Lesters face. The quietness and reliability of the
generator keeps Val happy too.
Nowadays, travellers driving along the
Winton to Boulia dirt road can stop for an icy
cold beer or nice pot of tea and food at the
hotel which is run by Lester and Val Cain. They
can provide you with many a yarn from the
early days as they have been the owners for
the last 30 odd years.
Lester left school at 14 to become a stockman,
camel herder, sheep and cattle drover before
retiring to run the Middleton Hotel.
The Yanmar YH280DTLS is a 22kVA standby,
20.2kVA prime, 3 phase, silenced and
1500rpm diesel powered generator with a 2
year warranty distributed in Oceania Region
by Power Equipment Pty Ltd.
Middleton Hotel is the only place to get a cold beer in this part of Australia.
33
Here temperatures are known to exceed
45c often, during the hot and dry summer
months. First discovered by a party of 11
men searching for the lost explorers Burke
and Wills in April 1862 then settled later that
century, Middleton was used as a stopover
point for the famous Cobb & Co mail and
passenger run between Winton and Boulia.
The Middleton Hotel was built Circa 1876.
Boutique
Powers
Snorkelling Vessel
34
Yanmar commercial marine
engines have been specified
to power the most recent reef
snorkelling vessel to arrive into
Port Douglas.
Designed by Incat Crowther and built by
Aluminium Marine in Brisbane, Wavelength
is the ninth of ten vessels built by Aluminium
Marine and powered by Yanmar over the
recent years. This is an exceptional vote of
confidence in the Yanmar brand and the
quality of their purpose built commercial
marine engine packages.
Wavelength Reef Cruises operates a fleet of
purpose design vessels catering for small
groups of snorkelers. The company is a
pioneer of Reef Eco-Tourism and has carried
their commitment to the environment
through to the construction of their
latest catamaran, this 19m tourist ferry,
Wavelength.
Wavelength’s co-owner Jenny Edmondson,
said that the company had their new vessel
built in Australia with Aluminium Marine,
because the boat builder has a fantastic
record for quality and engineering.
“With Aluminium Marine we could be
involved in the build, to tailor the boat
exactly to our requirements and we were
able to eco-source the materials and
equipment,” Jenny Edmondson said.
“We are operating in a natural wonder
on the Great Barrier Reef and we have an
obligation and commitment to demonstrate
best sustainable practices.”
Their commitment to the environment
followed through to the selection of the
Yanmar 6HY-WET engines. These engines
are IMO Tier 2 compliant, ensuring
emissions are exceptionally low.
Yanmar’s 6HY-WET model is a purpose built
commercial grade marine engine. It includes
Yanmar’s latest combustion chamber design,
named ASSIGN, a system originally pioneered
by Yanmar on their large bore, low speed
propulsion engines.
This technology combined with Yanmar’s own
mechanical fuel system delivers impressive
fuel consumption results and provides
commercial operators with excellent fuel
savings.
The Yanmar 6HY-WET as specified by
Wavelength Reef Cruises are the 478kW
(650mhp) model, a rating which is a perfect
selection for those who require their engine
to run at full throttle for extended periods.
The cylinder head is a quad valve design.
In this configuration, the Yanmar 6HY-WET
excels in conditions demanding continuous
commercial use. The new Wavelength
catamaran also features Yanmar heavy
duty rated YXH160 hydraulic shift marine
transmissions.
With a length overall of 19.56m and beam of
6.0m, Wavelength has a total fuel capacity
2400 litres. Lightships, the top speed is an
impressive 29 knots at 2200 rpm, while the
service speed is 24.9 knots. In sea trials the
hull has proven to be very seaworthy and
economical.
Despite her overall size, Wavelength is
configured for a passenger capacity of just
50 people. This ensures that there is plenty of
room on board for a comfortable and relaxed
experience on the Great Barrier Reef.
The proliferation of Yanmar powered
catamarans from Aluminium Marine is no
coincidence. Yanmar commercial rated
marine engines which include the Yanmar
6HY and Yanmar 6AY, have both proven to be
an ideal match with Aluminium Marine built
catamarans.
“We very much like the Yanmar line of
commercial engines,” said Jack Louwerse,
Project Manager/Engineer at Aluminium
Marine.
“Our experience with the Yanmar 6AY and 6HY
series is extensive. From an installation and
operational perspective the Yanmar brand is
first rate. Our customers are just as enthusiastic
as us about the Yanmar engine and speak very
highly about the impressive fuel savings, low
operation costs and high reliability.”
35
The new multi-million dollar Wavelength
boutique catamaran has a pair of 6 cylinder
13.7litre purpose built commercial marine
Yanmar 6HY-WET engines and Yanmar
transmissions installed to make sure it is
able to perform its daily work load with
efficiency and reliability.
NOW AVAILABLE
ELECTRIC PROPULSION AT ITS BEST
Pantone 165C
CMYK 0-60-100-0
RGB 255-111-0
RAL 2004 pure orange
1.5HP
equivalent
1HP
equivalent
Ultralight
3HP
equivalent
Travel
5HP
40HP
8HP
80HP
equivalent
equivalent
Cruise
For more information contact:
Power Equipment
equivalent
equivalent
Deep Blue
e: torqeedo@powerequipment.com.au
w: www.powerequipment.com.au
p: 1800 069 469
NCP Design N2518