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What types of vehicles and machines commonly use small diesel engines?
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diesel engine
Diesel engine equipped with a precombustion chamber.
Small diesel engines, defined as those with a power output of less than 188 kilowatts (252 horsepower), are the most commonly produced type of diesel engine. They are utilized in a variety of applications, including:1
- Transportation: They are used in automobiles and light trucks.1
- Marine: Small diesel engines are particularly suitable for pleasure craft and yachts, where they are often used as mechanical drives.12
- Industry and Agriculture: They are employed in various agricultural and construction applications.1
- Power Generation: These engines serve as small stationary electrical-power generators.1
Typically, these engines are designed as direct-injection, in-line, four- or six-cylinder systems, and many are equipped with turbochargers and aftercoolers to enhance performance. While they offer superior fuel economy compared to gasoline engines, their use in passenger automobiles remains limited due to concerns regarding smoothness and the emission of air pollutants.123