SAM Magazine—Crystal Mountain, Wash., Dec. 10, 2014—Crystal Mountain took delivery of the first two diesel electric PistenBully 600 E+ snowgroomers in North America yesterday. The 600 E+ uses a new diesel electric drive that significantly lowers environmental and economic impacts while it enhances performance capabilities, according to PistenBully.

SAM Magazine—Crystal Mountain, Wash., Dec. 10, 2014—Crystal Mountain took delivery of the first two diesel electric PistenBully 600 E+ snowgroomers in North America yesterday. The 600 E+ uses a new diesel electric drive that significantly lowers environmental and economic impacts while it enhances performance capabilities, according to PistenBully.

The 600 E+ uses a diesel engine to drive two electric generators, which in turn power electric motors that turn the tracks and the snow tiller. The system develops 400 horsepower. It's also efficient: The diesel electric drive reduces fuel consumption, and therefore both CO2 and NOX emissions, by 20 percent.

The diesel electric configuration has several other advantages, according to PistenBully. The power is immediate and can be tapped at low engine RPM, which also helps reduce noise. And, when going downhill, the electric energy created from the braking effect of the electric drive motors is used to power the snow tiller, reducing fuel use.

Photo caption: Scott Bowen, Crystal Mountain VP of mountain operations, right, receives the ceremonial key from Jens Rottmair, CEO of Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG.

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