Overview#
The MTU 4R0113 DS50 is a 50 kW EPA Tier 3 certified diesel standby generator set powered by the John Deere 4045TF280 — a 4.5-liter, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel with mechanical injection pump producing up to 63 kWm gross. The mechanical injection system differs from the electronic common-rail engines in the larger MTU 1600- and 2000-series units, offering simpler maintenance and robust cold-start performance.
Standard equipment includes a unit-mounted radiator rated for 50°C (122°F) ambient, 12V electric start, mechanical droop governor (±0.5% speed regulation), and the MTU digital control panel with NFPA 110 compatibility and IP 54 front panel rating. The generator end is a brushless, 4-pole rotating-field design with ±1% voltage regulation and 130°C maximum standby temperature rise.
The 4R0113 DS50 accepts 100% rated load in a single step per NFPA 110 and is eligible for optional UL 2200 listing and IBC seismic certification. The standard factory warranty is 2 years.
Technical Specifications#
Power Ratings (60 Hz, 1800 rpm)
| Rating | kW | kVA |
|---|---|---|
| Standby (ESP) | 50 | 62 |
| Prime (PRP) | 45 | — |
Engine — John Deere 4045TF280
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4.5 L (275 in³) |
| Configuration | 4-cylinder inline |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated, mechanical injection |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
| Governor | Mechanical droop, ±0.5% |
| Max gross power | 63 kWm (85 bhp) |
| Emissions | EPA Tier 3 |
| Starting | 12V electric, 925 CCA |
Fuel Consumption (60 Hz standby)
| Load | Consumption |
|---|---|
| 100% load | 4.6 gph (17.4 L/hr) |
| 75% load | 3.6 gph (13.6 L/hr) |
| 50% load | 2.5 gph (9.5 L/hr) |
Physical (Open Power Unit)
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 1,781 mm (70.13 in) |
| Width | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Height | 1,321 mm (52 in) |
| Dry weight | 943–1,404 kg (2,078–3,095 lb) |
Cooling System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Radiator ambient rating | 50°C (122°F) |
| Water pump capacity | 144 L/min (38 gpm) |
| Heat rejection to coolant | 36 kW |
Our Service Experience#
The 4R0113 DS50's mechanical injection system simplifies diagnosis and avoids the ECU-related issues seen on common-rail engines, but it requires disciplined fuel quality management. Water contamination in diesel fuel is the leading cause of injection pump and injector failures on this platform — the fuel filter with water separator must be checked at every service interval. In areas with wide temperature swings, drain and replace the separator more frequently.
The 4045TF280 engine has a long service history across agricultural and construction equipment, and parts availability from John Deere dealers is generally excellent — an operational advantage in areas without a dedicated MTU Onsite Energy distributor. Battery condition is the other high-frequency maintenance item: 50 kW units with infrequent exercise runs are particularly susceptible to sulfation-related start failures.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What engine powers the MTU 4R0113 DS50? The 4R0113 DS50 uses the John Deere 4045TF280, a 4.5-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel with mechanical injection. This engine is part of the long-running John Deere 4045 family with broad parts distribution through both MTU distributors and John Deere dealers.
Is the 4R0113 DS50 EPA Tier 3 certified? Yes. The 4R0113 DS50 is EPA Tier 3 certified for stationary emergency standby applications. SCAQMD-specific variants are also available for California South Coast Air Quality Management District installations.
What voltages are available? The unit supports 120/240V single-phase and three-phase configurations including 120/208V, 120/240V, 277/480V, and 347/600V.
How does fuel consumption compare to the 30 kW DS30? At 100% load the DS50 consumes 4.6 gph versus the DS30's 2.6 gph — roughly 77% more fuel for 67% more power output, making the DS50 modestly more efficient per kW at full load.
