LaBorde Launches New Compact Power Unit
See the new unit live this week in New Orleans at the International Workboat Show – Booth #2928
With many experiencing significantly reduced pump off times with Laborde Products' Barge Power Units and after success with the previous version of its C1-D1 Power Unit, the company introduces a new and improved version. The new C1-D1 Power Unit, while retaining the marine propulsion, is a more compact, all-mechanical Mitsubishi S6B3 engine that delivers the time reducing 429 bhp.
"This new unit is the result of Laborde listening and responding to the customer's wants and needs," said Thomas Cash, Laborde Products head of engineering. "Customers loved the performance of the 429 hp power unit, but it needed to be more compact to retrofit on older barge designs, and onto barges operating on the Ohio River due to height restrictions."
"We took this opportunity to make numerous improvements and make it more serviceable while maintaining the ability to retrofit to our existing units' mounting bases. By partnering with our suppliers, we optimized our package with more features, improved serviceability and shrunk our overall height to a scant 60" tall."
New features include bi-fold, side access doors, which allow retaining the doors in close-to-hard-point mount configurations. A new front mounted radiator sight glass means no more having to climb on top of the unit to check the radiator. The rail-mounted engine support system allows service access to the oil pan, as well as mounting for accessories. The redesigned lifting bracket now allows access to the front of the engine for belt and water pump servicing, while the top of the enclosure easily unbolts for service to the top of the engine. Similar to the existing units, interchangeable components conveniently provide for either left or right handed installation. The stainless steel enclosure helps keep the unit in-service longer with less maintenance.
