As Caterpillar® C-Series engines begin to roll out into the aftermarket after more than ten years into OE production, fleet owners have the option to install IPD quality engineered replacement parts which are unmatched by any other aftermarket or replacement part.

“C-Series engines are entering the phase in their lifecycle where it makes sense to buy a quality replacement part that will yield the required hours at a price that delivers a good return on investment,” says Russell Kneipp, president of IPD, who was recently in South Africa for meetings with sole local IPD distributor Metric Automotive Engineering. “Cleaner emissions standards in the global market have introduced complexity and changes that impact on certain engine components. Even though the southern African market is not yet expected to comply with international emissions standards, these new generation engines have been running in the region for some time, and they need to be properly maintained if they are to continue to perform in the way they were designed. IPD understands these engines, and our C-series replacement parts reflect the reliability and durability that are the cornerstones of our business.”

IPD will be launching replacement parts for C-Series engines right up to C32 during 2014, which will be available to the African market only through Metric Automotive Engineering. IPD replacement parts are manufactured in a Lloyds Register accredited ISO 9001:2008 quality controlled environment to ensure integrity and optimum performance under working conditions, and are engineered identical to that of the OEM parts.

“IPD is an engineering company that develops replacement parts to meet or exceed OE standards, and is the first to launch a strong aftermarket parts programme for the C-Series engines,” Kneipp continues. “We’ve come up with innovative solutions for a wide range of engine applications in the field, becoming one of the few companies in the aftermarket to offer patented technologies. With a focus on the most critical components, our piston technology is an excellent example of a part in which we’ve invested a great deal of engineering resources. In this respect, we’re more like a ‘mini OEM’, in that we employ degreed engineers to do the development of these products, which then go through a development validation process before being released to the global market.

“Local customers of Metric Automotive Engineering have access to new part numbers released on a monthly basis to cover the C Series engines. We’ve maintained the same attention to detail and quality validation as the OEM and we can support these engines at peak performance from the first rebuild and throughout their life. With IPD replacement parts, the customer can expect the same kind of service life as the first phase of the engine’s lifecycle.”

Ongoing product innovations continue to differentiate IPD in the world market, delivering technical and customer support improvements. IPD was the first company to offer complete quality gasket kits unique to the Caterpillar engine ranges that enable labour and time savings and ensure that all parts are provided as needed for rebuilds. Previously, mechanics or parts personnel would have to list and order each individual gasket and seal when rebuilding these engines, but IPD has conveniently packaged these items into a kit. This concept is especially attractive when working in remote locations, such as a mine, where a mechanic may not have access to all the parts needed to do the job.

Andrew Yorke, operations director at Metric Automotive Engineering, says IPD 1-2-3™ gasket sets are an excellent example of how IPD takes note of what the market wants, and adapts its offering accordingly. The sets are application-specific, and the customer needs to order only one part number versus many OE numbers. “IPD is an organisation that has done its homework, and has the technical expertise to deliver a one-stop-shop type service to the aftermarket,” says Yorke.  “A growing number of users in the local market recognise IPD as a quality product line that lasts longer than cheaper products that are unable to go the distance in the long term. Where customers have chosen IPD replacement parts, we have convincingly demonstrated that in real conditions, over time, IPD products live up to their claims.”

Metric Automotive Engineering is an engineering company specialising in heavy duty diesel engines. Local customers have the advantage of being able to buy the same engine parts that the company uses in the remanufacture of their own engines, giving them confidence in the quality and integrity of these parts. As an engine component remanufacturer, the company has the necessary expertise and experience to be able to identify quality parts that add value to its customers' business operations.

IPD PRESIDENT VISIT PIC 01 : Russell Kneipp, president of IPD, recently in South Africa for meetings with sole local IPD distributor Metric Automotive Engineering.