Air (Pneumatic) Starters
Engineered for heavy-duty and hazardous environments, HEXASTART industrial air starters deliver high-power, reliable air-starting performance for medium-to-large displacement engines. Built on a high-efficiency turbine-type air motor, the starters use compressed air to generate high initial torque and sustained cranking speed, providing dependable starting for marine vessels, oil & gas rigs, mining equipment, and mission-critical backup generators. Air starters can start diesel engines of up to 250 L displacement.
How It Works
Air in. Compressed air from the site supply or air receiver is admitted to the starter.
Pinion engages. As the starter begins to turn, the pinion moves out along the helical spline shaft and meshes with the flywheel ring gear. It disengages automatically once the engine starts. Pre-engagement is available as an option: the pinion fully meshes with the ring gear before cranking torque is applied, reducing gear-tooth impact and wear.
Turbine cranks. The three-stage single turbine drives the pinion through a planetary reduction gear and cranks the engine until it starts.
Products
Key Advantages
Spark-free starting
Driven by compressed air; no electrical sparks during starting.
Three-stage single-turbine design
Low air pressure requirement, high starting efficiency, and simple maintenance.
High torque density
Cranks the engine at high speed, effectively overcoming starting resistance.
Continuous cranking capability
As long as air supply is maintained, the starter allows repeated, continuous cranking attempts.
Modular installation
The modular housing is joined by a clamp ring and can be rotated through 360° to ease installation.
Environmental adaptability
Not dependent on batteries, which eliminates battery-related starting failures in off-grid setups. Compressed-air power is suited to demanding site conditions, including hot and cold climates.
Air Starter Parameters
| Series | 5QD Series | 6QD Series | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Air Pressure (MPa) | 0.4 | 0.63 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.63 | 0.8 |
| Rated Power (kW) | 4 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 14 |
| Rated Speed (r/min) | 1550 | 1850 | 1900 | 1740 | 2180 | 2460 |
| Rated Torque (N·m) | 24.5 | 36 | 50 | 27.4 | 43.8 | 54.3 |
| Air Consumption (L/s) | 70 | 105 | 125 | 74 | 113.8 | 146.3 |
Parameters at rated power.
What an Air Starting System Needs
An air starter works with a compressed-air source and receiver sized for the engine, a filter and regulator, a control valve and piping. Send us your engine model and we will advise on air-supply requirements. We can also supply related parts and accessories.
Compressed-air source→Air receiver→Filter & regulator→Control valve & piping→Air starter