Customers can prepare for a new level of manure pumping performance with Bambauer Equipment's latest enhancement to The Big Stick manure pump. Previously available with the John Deere JD14 industrial engine, The Big Stick now also offers the option of a JD18 industrial engine, delivering increased power and flow to handle large dragline systems. This latest enhancement not only provides more power but also eliminates the need for aftertreatment and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
John Deere engine distributor Superior Diesel, which serves a customer base across the Midwest, Northeast, and Atlantic coast regions of the United States, worked with Bambauer Equipment to develop an engine platform that enabled the integration of either the JD14 or JD18 without having to significantly redesign The Big Stick.
"The flexibility to utilize two different engines on a single machine is huge in terms of production time and inventory management," says Jason Lowe, large engine product manager at Superior Diesel. "Integrating the JD18 engine onto the JD14 platform required significant engineering. Our team successfully navigated the complexities to create a streamlined solution that meets customer needs and simplifies machine operation."
We chose John Deere engines for their reliability, but also for the exceptional service and support network that backs them.
- Scott Bambauer
Partner at Bambauer Equipment
Flowing with Power
Based in New Knoxville, Ohio, Bambauer Equipment has been a family-owned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality liquid manure pumping equipment for decades. Their products serve a wide customer base throughout North America, and they have cultivated a strong relationship with Superior Diesel.
When John Deere introduced the JD18 industrial engine in 2020, Bambauer Equipment was immediately impressed by its increased power, but the elimination of DEF and aftertreatment was the real game-changer. The JD18's advanced combustion technology features a simplified air system with fixed and wastegate turbos. This allows the engine to meet emissions requirements without aftertreatment. Operators can now focus on their core operations without the added complexity of DEF systems.
"In liquid manure management, uptime is crucial. The JD18 engine offers increased flow and pressure, but its biggest advantage is the lack of DEF and aftertreatment components," says Jack Steinke, sales engineer at Bambauer Equipment. "This simplicity translates to enhanced reliability, which is crucial for time-sensitive operations with tight application windows."
The JD18 engine extends the rated power range to an impressive 522 — 677 kW (700 — 908 hp). This increased power allows The Big Stick to handle more demanding tasks, pump over longer distances with even higher flow rates, and process thicker slurries with ease. In addition to eliminating DEF and simplifying operations, the innovative architecture of the JD18 also allowed easier integration and a reduction in the overall package size.
"Superior Diesel made the integration of the JD18 engine incredibly easy," says Steinke. "They designed the JD14 and JD18 engine platforms to match our existing mounting system, making the integration of the JD18 onto The Big Stick remarkably efficient. This minimized design changes and streamlined the power process."
Reliable Service and Support
Another feature of the JD18 that made it an appealing power solution for The Big Stick was its remote monitoring and diagnostic services solution: John Deere Connected Support™. Enabled by JDLink™, John Deere Connected Support allows certified dealers and distributors to help customers maximize equipment uptime through predictive alerts and real-time machine health monitoring.
By proactively monitoring equipment health, John Deere Connected Support allows dealers to anticipate and address potential problems before they arise, ensuring maximum uptime and productivity for customers.
"We chose John Deere engines for their reliability, but also for the exceptional service and support network that backs them," says Scott Bambauer, partner at Bambauer Equipment. "With JDLink remote diagnostics and dealers ready to jump in to help, any problems our customers encounter can be quickly addressed to keep them running smoothly."
Available on a range of John Deere engines, John Deere Connected Support can be factory-mounted or retrofitted and comes with no subscription fees.
Big Opportunities for Bambauer Equipment
"After the success of the JD14 in The Big Stick, we were excited to continue our collaboration with Bambauer Equipment and build on that momentum when integrating the JD18,” says Chris Ulrich, outside OEM account manager at Superior Diesel. "They wanted increased power, reduced downtime, and a simpler, more efficient solution. They had a clear vision and it was great to be part of achieving that vision."
The introduction of the JD18 engine has fueled even greater interest in Bambauer Equipment's The Big Stick manure pump.
"We're thrilled with the response to The Big Stick and the JD18 engine option. Our goal is to provide customers with the most efficient and reliable manure pumping solutions, and this combination delivers on that," says Bambauer.