MCM Group now sells new diesel engines in South Africa from seven manufacturers — Yanmar, Perkins, Kubota, Isuzu, Xinchai, Changchai and Yunnei — 77 models from 7 kW to 382 kW for repowering TLBs, wheel loaders, forklifts, excavators, tractors, generator sets and pumps, supplied through the National Parts Division with nationwide delivery, warranty and finance. This guide explains what the new MCM engine division stocks, how the seven brands compare, and how to specify a replacement engine so it fits first time.
Quick answer
For a compact machine or genset under about 60 kW, the Yanmar TNV, Kubota 05/03-M and Perkins 400 series are the premium, emissions-ready choices, while Changchai and Xinchai do the same job at a lower purchase price with simple mechanical injection. For 60 to 380 kW, look at Perkins 1100/1200, Isuzu 4HK1, 6HK1 and 6WG1 and Yunnei YN48. Every engine is quoted individually excluding VAT. Send the data plate of your current engine to the MCM parts team on WhatsApp 081 885 0535 or parts@mcmgroup.co.za and they will match a unit and confirm fitment.
What the MCM engine division supplies
Quick answer: MCM supplies complete new diesel engines, not reconditioned units, from 7 kW compact power packs to 382 kW six-cylinder industrial engines, sold through the same parts team that supports MCM’s own machines.
MCM Group has fitted engines from these brands in its own TLBs, loaders and excavators for years. The engine division opens that supply chain to any owner who needs a new engine: contractors repowering an older TLB, farmers replacing a worn tractor or pump engine, and workshops that maintain forklift and generator fleets. Every enquiry is handled by the National Parts Division, which also stocks the filters, gaskets and wear parts for the engines it sells.
- Seven brands, 77 models — Japanese and British premium engines alongside proven Chinese value engines, so you can match the budget to the machine.
- 7 kW to 382 kW — from the Yanmar 3TNV70 in a compact excavator to the Isuzu 6WG1X in a large loader or genset.
- Three- and four-cylinder mechanical engines for straightforward field servicing, and common-rail Stage V / Tier 4 Final units where emissions compliance or fuel economy matters.
- Fitment support — the parts team checks flywheel housing, mounts, power take-off and rated speed against your machine before quoting.
- Nationwide delivery from Cape Town, George, Bloemfontein and Midrand, with finance available on new engines.
The seven engine brands MCM stocks
Quick answer: Yanmar, Kubota and Isuzu are Japanese engines known for reliability and clean running; Perkins is the British, Caterpillar-owned industrial standard; Xinchai, Changchai and Yunnei are established Chinese builders that give strong value on mechanical engines. Each brand page lists every model with full specifications.
Yanmar TNV series (7 – 62 kW)
Yanmar has built more than 15 million engines since 1933, and the compact TNV series is the reason so many mini excavators and compact loaders run quietly and start first time. MCM stocks ten models from the 854 cc 3TNV70 to the turbocharged 4TNV98T at 61.7 kW. Yanmar 3TNV engines power the Yuchai U18 and U35 that MCM sells, so parts and know-how are already on the shelf.
Perkins 400, 900, 1100 and 1200 series (18 – 239 kW)
Perkins is the engine behind a large share of the world’s forklifts, wheel loaders, backhoes and generator sets, and because it is a Caterpillar company the parts network is global. MCM’s ten-model range runs from the 1.7-litre 403J-17 at 18.4 kW through the popular 4.4-litre 1104D-44T and 1104D-44TA for telehandlers and loaders, up to the 7-litre six-cylinder 1206J-E70TTA at up to 239 kW. Drop-in installation envelopes make it practical to move up or down within a family without re-engineering the machine.
Kubota Super Mini, 05, 03-M, 07, V3 and 09 series (18.5 – 157 kW)
Kubota packs more power into a smaller, lighter block than almost anyone, which is why equipment builders specify it for forklifts, skid steers, compactors and gensets. The nine models MCM carries span the 898 cc D902 to the 5-litre V5009 at 157 kW, including Stage V common-rail units such as the V2607 and V3307. The Yuchai YC60-9 medium excavator in the MCM range runs a Kubota V2607.
Isuzu industrial engines (18.7 – 382 kW)
Isuzu industrial engines are built for high torque at low rpm and very long service life, from the 1.1-litre 3CB1 to the 15.7-litre 6WG1X. The 4JJ1X and 4HK1X Tier 4 Final units suit modern loaders and excavators, while the 6BG1 and 6HK1 six-cylinders are the choice for large generator sets, pumps and heavy earthmoving equipment. Ten models are listed with full ratings.
Xinchai diesel engines (16 – 64 kW, 24 models)
Xinchai is the largest single range in the division and the engine MCM knows best: the A498BT1 powers several MCM and HZM wheel loaders. Developed with AVL and Ricardo, the A495, A498, C490, 4D and 4K families cover forklifts, loaders, TLBs and tractors with naturally aspirated and turbocharged options, all on simple mechanical injection that a farm workshop can service.
Changchai diesel engines (22 – 55 kW)
Changchai builds dependable three- and four-cylinder engines at a price that makes a repower worthwhile on an older compact machine. A 25 kW Changchai three-cylinder is the engine in the MCM 18X TLB, and the range runs up to the 3.26-litre 4G33 at 54.5 kW for small loaders and generator sets.
Yunnei diesel engines (33 – 90 kW)
Yunnei four-cylinder engines are known for mid-range torque in light trucks, tractors, combines and construction machinery. MCM fits the Yunnei YN27, rated at 36.8 kW (49 hp) at 2 300 rpm, in the MCM 33X TLB, and stocks the YN36 to YN48 series up to 90 kW.
Engine brands compared
Quick answer: Use the table to shortlist by power range and application, then open the brand page for model-level specifications. Chinese brands give the lowest entry price on mechanical engines; Japanese and Perkins engines give emissions compliance, resale value and the broadest service networks.
| Brand | Models | Power range | Cylinders | Best for | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yanmar | 10 | 7 – 62 kW | 3 and 4 | Mini excavators, compact loaders, gensets, pumps | Tier 4 compliant, low noise and vibration; the engine in the Yuchai U18 and U35 |
| Perkins | 10 | 18 – 239 kW | 3, 4 and 6 | Forklifts, loaders, telehandlers, gensets, tractors | Caterpillar-owned global parts network; drop-in envelopes across each family |
| Kubota | 9 | 18.5 – 157 kW | 3 and 4 | Forklifts, skid steers, compact excavators, gensets | Highest power density in a compact package; Stage V common-rail options |
| Isuzu | 10 | 18.7 – 382 kW | 3, 4 and 6 | Loaders, excavators, large gensets, pumps | High torque at low rpm; widest power spread up to 382 kW |
| Xinchai | 24 | 16 – 64 kW | 3 and 4 | Forklifts, wheel loaders, TLBs, tractors | Largest choice of models; mechanical injection, easy to service |
| Changchai | 8 | 22 – 55 kW | 3 and 4 | Compact TLBs, small loaders, gensets, light vehicles | Best value per kilowatt; fitted in the MCM 18X TLB |
| Yunnei | 6 | 33 – 90 kW | 4 | TLBs, light trucks, tractors, combines, gensets | Strong mid-range torque; the YN27 powers the MCM 33X TLB |
Model counts and power ranges from the MCM engine division catalogue as at September 2026. Confirm current stock, ratings and pricing with the parts team.
Which engine for which machine?
Quick answer: Match the engine to the duty of the machine, not to the badge. A TLB or loader needs torque at working rpm; a generator needs a stable rated speed; a forklift needs compact packaging and low noise.
- TLBs and compact loaders (25 – 60 kW): Yunnei YN27 and YN36, Xinchai 4D27 and C490, Changchai ZN490 and 4G33, Kubota V1505-T and V2403, Perkins 404J. See how these engines are used across the MCM TLB range.
- Wheel loaders (36 – 130 kW): Xinchai A498 and 4K41, Yunnei YN48, Perkins 1104D, Isuzu 4JG1 and 4JJ1X, Kubota V3307 and V3800.
- Mini and medium excavators (14 – 60 kW): Yanmar 3TNV and 4TNV, Kubota D1703 and V2607, Isuzu 4LE2.
- Forklifts (18 – 45 kW): Xinchai A495 and NC485, Kubota D1105 and V2403, Perkins 403J and 404J, Isuzu 3LD1 and 4LE2.
- Generator sets and pumps: Yanmar 3TNV76 and 4TNV88, Kubota D902 and V5009, Perkins 1104D-44TA and 1206J, Isuzu 6BG1 and 6HK1, at 1 500 or 1 800 rpm ratings.
- Tractors and combines: Yunnei YN38 and YN48, Xinchai 4K41, Perkins 904J-E36TA, Changchai 4G33.
How to choose a replacement diesel engine: 5 checks
Quick answer: Read the data plate, match power and rated speed, confirm the mechanical interfaces, decide between mechanical and common-rail injection for your fuel and duty, then confirm parts support. The first check that fails rules the engine out, so do them in order.
- Read the existing engine’s data plate. Note the model, serial number and rated power and speed. Photograph it. This tells the parts team which family you are in and whether a direct replacement exists.
- Match power and rated speed to the job. A TLB engine works at 2 200 to 2 600 rpm; a genset must hold 1 500 rpm; a forklift needs low-speed torque. Going up a size costs fuel and may overload the transmission; going down costs productivity.
- Confirm the mechanical interfaces. SAE flywheel housing size, flywheel and clutch or torque-converter fitment, engine mount positions, front power take-off for hydraulic pumps, and radiator and exhaust positions. Perkins and Kubota families are designed as drop-in envelopes; Chinese engines often share the 490/495/498 footprint.
- Choose the injection system for your fuel and duty. Mechanical injection (most Xinchai, Changchai, Yunnei and legacy Yanmar, Kubota and Perkins models) tolerates variable fuel quality and is easy to service on a farm. Common-rail Stage V and Tier 4 Final engines use less fuel and run cleaner but need clean 50 ppm diesel and proper filtration.
- Check parts and service support before you buy. MCM’s National Parts Division stocks service items for the engines it sells, and the four branches provide technical support. That is worth more over a ten-year life than a small saving on the purchase price.
How much does a diesel engine cost in South Africa?
Quick answer: New industrial diesel engines in South Africa are priced by displacement, aspiration and emissions level, and MCM quotes each model individually excluding VAT. A naturally aspirated three-cylinder Chinese engine is the most affordable route into a repower; a turbocharged, common-rail Japanese or Perkins engine costs more up front and pays it back in fuel, uptime and resale value.
The purchase price is only part of the cost of a repower. Add the labour to remove and fit, any adapter plates or mounts, a new radiator, hoses and filters, and the downtime of the machine. An engine with the right footprint that drops straight in often costs less overall than a cheaper unit that needs fabrication. MCM will quote the engine and can arrange fitment through its branch workshops. Finance is available on new engines through MCM’s approved partners, and the Section 12B tax deduction may apply to farming equipment repowers.
Frequently asked questions about diesel engines in South Africa
How much does a new diesel engine cost in South Africa?
Japanese and Perkins engines vs Chinese engines: which is better?
Where can I buy Yanmar, Perkins, Kubota or Isuzu diesel engines in South Africa?
Can MCM supply a replacement engine for a machine it did not sell?
What information do I need to order the right engine?
Do the engines come with a warranty and parts support?
Will these engines run on South African diesel?
Which engine does MCM fit in its own TLBs and loaders?
How long does delivery take?
Talk to the MCM engine and parts team
Send the data plate of your current engine, or the model you have chosen from the engine catalogue, and the National Parts Division will confirm fitment and quote the same working day. Message the team on WhatsApp 081 885 0535, email parts@mcmgroup.co.za, use the enquiry form on any engine brand page, or contact your nearest branch. Learn more about how a diesel engine works and why torque at working speed matters more than peak horsepower for earthmoving equipment.
