What Engines Do Semi Trucks Have and How to Choose the Right One

Semi trucks come in various engine types, including diesel and natural gas engines. Diesel engines are the most common, offering better fuel efficiency and more torque.

The most popular diesel engine types for semi trucks are the Cummins ISX15 and the Detroit DD15. These engines are known for their reliability and durability.

These engines can produce up to 600 horsepower and 2,050 lb-ft of torque, making them suitable for long-haul trucking.

International semi-trucks offer a range of engine options, including their own International S13 engine and the Cummins X15 engine, which provides a 50 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque boost.

The International LT series features five different cab size options and comes standard with the International S13 engine, but the Cummins X15 is also available as an option.

The Cummins X15 engine is also an option for the International HX series, which are semi-trucks more suited for construction sites than long-distance hauling.

The Cummins X15 engine provides a significant horsepower increase of 30 to 90 hp, depending on the model, over the International S13 engine.

Peterbilt semi-trucks also offer Cummins engine options, including the X15 engine, which provides a maximum output of 605 hp and 2,050 lb-ft of torque.

The Cummins X15 engine is not available as a standard option on Peterbilt's three major semi-truck models, the 579, 589, and 567, but can be equipped as an alternative engine.

Freightliner semi-trucks, the best-selling brand in the US, offer Cummins engine options, including the X12 and X15 engines, which provide outputs of up to 500 hp and 1,700 lb-ft of torque, and 675 hp and 2,050 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

The Freightliner Cascadia, a signature heavy duty semi-truck, offers the Cummins X12 and X15 engines as options.

Kenworth semi-trucks use Cummins engines, including the ISX12N, L9N, and X15 engines, which provide outputs of 320-400 hp and 1,150-1,450 lb-ft torque, 250-320 hp and 660-1,000 lb-ft torque, and 400-500 hp and 1,450-1,850 lb-ft torque, respectively.

The Cummins X15 engine is also available in different series, including the EFFICIENCY SERIES, PRODUCTIVITY SERIES, and PERFORMANCE SERIES, which provide varying outputs.

Semi-trucks have a range of engine options to suit different needs, with sizes varying from 6 to 18 liters. The Cummins X12 engine is ideal for weight-sensitive applications, while the Cummins X15 Efficiency Series is perfect for long hauls.

The Detroit DD5 engine is designed for medium-duty trucks and features 200-240 horsepower and 560-660 lb-ft of torque. It's known for its fuel efficiency design, which can achieve over 12.0 miles per gallon of diesel fuel.

The Detroit DD8 engine is similar to the DD5, but has a higher horsepower range of 260-375 horsepower and 660-1050 lb-ft of torque. It's designed for trucks that require more power, such as bucket trucks and dump trucks.

Volvo offers a range of engine options in their trucks, including the Cummins X15 Efficiency Series with 400-500 hp and 1450-1850 lb-ft of torque.

Volvo's VNL Series trucks are equipped with Cummins X15 engines, which come in three different series: Efficiency, Productivity, and Performance. The Efficiency Series offers 400-500 hp and 1450-1850 lb-ft of torque, while the Productivity Series provides 430-605 hp and 1650-2050 lb-ft torque.

The VNL Series trucks also feature Volvo's own engines, the D11 and D13, which are used as standard issue engines in various models. Unfortunately, the Cummins X12 and X15 engines are no longer available as an option on these trucks.

Volvo's natural gas-powered engine options include the Cummins ISX12N, which has a maximum output of 400 hp and 1,450 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a good option for those who want to use natural gas, but it's not as powerful as the heavy-duty diesel engines offered by Volvo.

The Volvo D11 is a diesel engine that prioritizes fuel efficiency over brute power. It's the smallest diesel engine offered by Volvo.

This engine comes in nine different kinds, each with its own unique characteristics. At an ideal RPM of about 1000, they produce 325-425 horsepower and 1250–1550 pound–feet of torque.

The D11 engine is notable for its modest weight, with the latest version weighing 17 pounds less than its predecessor.

Engine options for semi-trucks are numerous, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. The FAWDE Aowei 520hp engine is a top contender, boasting 10 fuel-saving technologies, including 2000bar high injection pressure and patented combustion chamber design.

This engine is particularly well-suited for efficient logistics, express delivery, gravel material, and coal hauling. Its unique mature calibration technology allows for 3-5% fuel savings, making it an attractive option for fleets looking to reduce costs.

The Paccar PX7 engine is another popular choice, known for its durability and reliability. With a dry weight of under 1200 pounds, it reduces fuel usage and is backed by a 3-year, unlimited-mile guarantee.

The Detroit DD5 engine offers impressive fuel efficiency, with a sophisticated mechanism that optimizes fuel injection. It can achieve over 12.0 miles per gallon of diesel fuel, making it a great option for fleets looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Here's a comparison of some popular semi-truck engines:

The Detroit DD8 engine offers impressive performance, with seven different models available, each with varying horsepower and torque ratings. It's also designed for long maintenance intervals, with some components lasting up to 500,000 miles.

Ultimately, the right engine for your semi-truck will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Be sure to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your fleet.

Semi-truck engines come in various sizes, ranging from 6 to 18 litres, with the size depending on the application and the weight the truck needs to carry.

For smaller loads, engines as small as 6 or 7 litres can be used, but big rigs often require more powerful engines.

The new mid-range engines offer excellent durability, efficiency, and enough power to do most tasks, producing around 500 hp and almost 2,000 torque.

These engines are significantly more powerful than those found in passenger cars, with a horsepower range of 400 to 600 hp and an average lb-ft torque range of 1,000 to 2,000.

In fact, semi-truck engines are about six times more powerful than passenger car engines.

The engine in a semi-truck can hold about 15+ gallons of oil compared to the 4 to 6 quarts in a passenger car engine.

To give you an idea of the size, the Detroit Diesel DD15 engine, which is used in some semi-trucks, weighs 2,880 lbs and produces 506 horsepower, but what's more impressive is its ability to generate 1,850 lb-ft of torque.

This massive amount of torque is what helps semi-trucks tow heavy loads, like the 80,000 lbs that some trailers can weigh.

In fact, the fuel tanks inside these semi-trucks are massive, holding a lot of diesel fuel to combat the weak fuel economy, which averages about 5.6 mpg on the highway.

It's worth noting that bigger isn't always better when it comes to truck engine size, and some of the smaller engines, like the 13-litre ones, can offer considerable fuel economy and are lighter on the tare than their bigger counterparts.

The size of the engine in a semi-truck depends on the task it needs to perform. The new mid-range engines offer excellent durability, efficiency, and enough power to do most tasks.

A 13-litre engine produces around 500 hp and almost 2,000 torque. This size engine is a good choice for most tasks.

The Detroit Diesel DD15 is a semi-truck that boasts a 14.8-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine that weighs 2,880 lbs. This engine is designed to provide torque, not horsepower.

While bigger horsepower used to be the goal, it's not always the best choice for a truck engine. Smaller engines, like the 13-litre, are now reliable and offer impressive ratings of 500 hp and 1,850 TQ.

Choosing a truck engine size can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. The size of the engine you need depends on the type of work you'll be doing with your semi-truck.

A 13-litre engine produces around 500 hp and almost 2,000 torque, making it a great option for most tasks. However, if you need to haul heavy loads over long distances, a bigger engine might be necessary.

Semi-trucks typically travel around 45,000 miles per year, and some even reach 100,000 miles, while carrying a trailer that can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. This requires a strong engine configuration to move the weight.

The Detroit Diesel DD15 engine is a good example of a powerful engine, boasting a 14.8-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine that generates 506 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque.

Here are some general guidelines to consider when choosing a truck engine size:

Keep in mind that bigger isn't always better, and a smaller engine like the 13-litre can be a great option for owner-operators who need to balance power and fuel economy.

Choosing the right engine for your semi-truck is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Knowing the specific needs of your operation and the terrain you'll be driving on is essential.

Engine size and power output are critical factors to consider. A larger engine may be necessary for hauling heavy loads or driving in hilly or mountainous terrain.

Transmission and rear differential ratios are also important to consider. Knowing what transmission and rear differential ratios you need will help you choose an engine that matches your truck's capabilities.

Fuel efficiency is another key factor to consider. The engine you choose should be able to provide the fuel efficiency you need to keep costs down.

Maintenance and repair costs are also important to consider. Some engines may be more expensive to maintain and repair than others.

Your budget will also play a significant role in your decision. Determine how much you're willing to spend on an engine and stick to it.

The type of cargo you'll be hauling is another factor to consider. Different engines may be better suited for different types of cargo.

Consider the climate and weather conditions you'll be driving in. A more powerful engine may be necessary for driving in extreme temperatures or weather conditions.

Your truck's weight and payload capacity are also important to consider. The engine you choose should be able to handle the weight and payload of your truck.

Finally, consider the longevity and durability of the engine. A more durable engine will save you money in the long run.

As an owner operator, it's essential to understand the type of work you'll be doing, as this will help you choose the right engine for your needs.

FAWDE, a truck engine manufacturer, provides truck engines for various types of work, including heavy-duty applications.

Knowing your work type is crucial to selecting an engine that can handle the demands of your operations.

The new mid-range engines offer excellent durability and efficiency. They're a great choice for most tasks.

The 13-litre engine produces around 500 hp and almost 2,000 torque, making it a reliable option for semi trucks.

Reliable truck engines come in all sizes, with FAWDE producing top-of-the-range engines that can last for a long time with proper maintenance.

The size of a semi truck engine doesn't necessarily determine its reliability, as engines from 6.7 litres to 12.9 litres have been known to deliver high mileage expectations.

A well-maintained engine will last as long as you like, regardless of its size or brand.

Oil change intervals are crucial for maintaining your engine's health, but the exact interval depends on various factors, including the engine type and driving conditions.

FAWDE engines, in particular, are known for their high mileage expectations, suggesting that regular maintenance is key to extending their lifespan.

Semi-truck engines are about six times more powerful than the engines in passenger cars, thanks to their impressive horsepower range of 400 to 600 hp.

This significant difference in power is also reflected in the torque output, with semi-trucks boasting an average lb-ft torque range of 1,000 to 2,000.

The engine in a semi-truck can hold about 15+ gallons of oil, which is a substantial amount compared to the 4 to 6 quarts in a passenger car engine.

Semi trucks come with a range of engine options, each designed to handle specific tasks and demands.

The new mid-range engines offer excellent durability and efficiency, making them suitable for most tasks.

These engines produce around 500 hp and almost 2,000 torque, providing ample power for heavy-duty work.

The choice of engine size ultimately depends on what you need the semi truck to do.