April 2026 Industrial Updates
Hi everyone,
A quick update from the industrial side this month, with a mix of what’s happening globally and how that’s translating into real-world applications closer to home.
We’ve included a look at Yanmar’s latest hydrogen engine development, along with a few practical examples of how these engines are being used in the field, from local projects through to more remote applications in the Pacific.
As always, if anything sparks a question or you’re working through a project, feel free to get in touch.
Cheers,
Dave Low
General Manager – Power Equipment NZ
Yanmar Hydrogen Engine: A Glimpse of What’s Ahead
Really exciting news coming out of Yanmar HQ in Japan. They have recently reached a major milestone, becoming the first engine manufacturer in Japan to receive key approvals for a hydrogen-fuelled engine.
The engine has been through extensive testing and is now moving into the next phase, with on-water trials planned later this year. It’s part of a push toward lower-emission solutions, including hydrogen-powered and hybrid vessel systems.
Still early days, but it’s a good indication of where things are heading - cleaner technology that can still deliver the reliability and performance operators expect.
Choosing the Right Engine – Getting the Basics Right
We’re often asked about the differences between engine types, and more often than not it comes down to the application and operating environment.
In simple terms:
Vertical water-cooled engines suit higher-demand applications where consistent cooling is critical
Air-cooled engines offer flexibility and simplicity for general-purpose use
Horizontal water-cooled engines are better suited to more specialised machinery and installations
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so if you’re working through a spec, upgrade, or new project, it’s worth getting the right advice early.
Burkhart Helps Tegel Keep Clean
A recent example of Yanmar engines in action comes from Burkhart - a small engineering firm that designs and manufactures farm equipment out of New Plymouth.
They’ve been using the Yanmar 4TNV88 engine in specialised trailer units designed to clean poultry sheds for Tegel’s chicken farming operations. The units play a key role in keeping sheds clean and maintaining the right conditions for bird health and production.
With Tegel operating across Christchurch, New Plymouth, and Auckland, it’s equipment that needs to perform reliably day in, day out. It’s also a nice reminder of how versatile Yanmar industrial engines are, showing up in everything from agriculture through to wider industrial applications.
Providing Pressure in the Pacific

Another interesting application comes from Auckland-based Pressure Solutions, and the equipment they deployed for drain cleaning operations in the small Pacific island of Kiribati. The project, supported by World Bank funding, is helping maintain essential infrastructure. And when you’re operating in a place as isolated as this, reliability is absolutely crucial.
Powerlite - Proven Power in Tough Conditions
Powerlite has been building reliable power solutions for over 50 years, with a strong reputation across Australia for equipment that stands up in the most demanding conditions. Their generators are designed and manufactured locally, built to handle long hours, remote sites, and everything in between. A big part of that reliability comes from the use of Yanmar diesel engines, with many customers specifically asking for them based on past experience. From portable units to custom-built systems, it’s a practical, well-proven approach to power that just gets on with the job.
Freight & Ordering Update

With ongoing pressure on fuel costs, freight pricing has seen some movement in recent months. To help manage this, we’re currently trialling alternative freight options, including a 3-day economy service alongside our usual overnight delivery. This gives a bit more flexibility depending on urgency. When placing orders, letting us know your preferred option upfront helps us process things more efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.
Product Spotlight – Mase Generators
Mase Generators have been around since 1970 and have built a strong reputation for reliable, well-designed marine power solutions. For Kiwi boaties, that translates to dependable onboard power whether you’re overnighting in the Gulf, heading further afield, or running systems that need consistent supply. The units are manufactured in Italy and powered by trusted Yanmar and John Deere engines, they’re also known for low noise and vibration, along with a compact, easy-to-install