Understanding the different types of engine cooling fans for on- and off-highway equipment
March 3, 2021
An engine fan's purpose is simple. Keep a truck, tractor, construction machine, mine hauler, generator or other heavy machinery's engine and
supporting components cool.
But the type of fan used, how fast it spins, and how often it's turning have a huge impact on fuel economy, engine efficiency, noise, emissions and driver comfort.
There also about as many options for fans as there are vehicles on the road or at the job site.
There are different materials with different levels of performance and durability. These include plastic, metal, and composite fans.
The amount of airflow and pressure the fan produces is based on the number of blades, diameter, blade shape and how fast it rotates. A combination of these variables provides the correct amount of flow and pressure needed to keep the engine cool.
The fan can also be the largest source of noise on a machine. To mitigate this, it can be paired with a variable-speed fan drive.
This type of drive delivers precise cooling only when needed, making the engine quieter and more efficient by eliminating unnecessary cooling.