Chugger Diesel deals only with single cylinder (and a few two cylinders) heavy cast iron stationary diesel engine manufactured in China and India.  All these engines are hand startable, and the Chinese-made engines have heavy-duty electric starts.

   The Chinese-made engines are old fashion, German designed, horizontal shaft models of 6.5 to 24 horsepower and come with multibelt pulleys. The 6.5 HP models run 2800 RPM and the larger engines run 1800-2200 RPM at rated horsepower.  Given proper care, these engines will last a long, long time. 

   The Indian-made diesels are Lister-type, English design from the early 1930's. They are hand start only, of very heavy construction, and are 6, 8, and 10 HP (Single); and 12 and 16 HP (Twin size).  RPM rating is 650-1000. These engines, like the Chinese-made, will last a long, long time. To see and hear some original Listers visit Steve's Old Engine Shed at www.oldengineshed.com. The Indian-made models look like the original Listers (same specs, interchangeable parts), but are not as "pretty" or well finished on the outside.

   On our farm in the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, we make all our electricity and pump irrigation water with these engines, and have done so for over 20 years.  Currently there is an EPA "exemption" for the importation of stationary diesel engines of small size and we will be importing them into the USA as long as this exemption exists.  If or when the exemption door closes, we will supply parts and used engines only and will not attempt to fight or circumvent the EPA. These diesels are very clean when operating at steady speed and warmed up. We do not find them at all offensive to use and fully intend to use them for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Autumn M. Brinke