Yuchai YCK08-60 vs YCK09-60: Deep Technical Comparison with Global Heavy-Duty Engines

2025-10-10

In today’s global heavy-duty engine market, competition has evolved beyond raw horsepower to encompass efficiency, emissions, and lifecycle reliability.
As a leading Chinese manufacturer, Yuchai Group continues to set benchmarks in engine innovation.

Among its newest generation of China VI-compliant engines, the YCK08-60 and YCK09-60 stand out as flagship models designed for trucks, buses, and construction machinery.
This article provides an in-depth, factual comparison between these two engines and benchmarks them against other global heavyweights such as Cummins, Weichai, and Mercedes-Benz.

1.Core Design Comparison

Technical Item	Yuchai YCK08-60	Yuchai YCK09-60
Displacement	7.8L	8.9L
Cylinder Block Material	High-strength cast iron	High-toughness alloy cast iron
Bore × Stroke	110mm × 135mm	115mm × 145mm
Compression Ratio	17.5:1	18.0:1
Turbocharging System	Single-stage turbo + intercooler	Two-stage variable turbo + high-efficiency intercooler
Fuel Injection System	BOSCH Common Rail 1800 bar	BOSCH Common Rail 2000 bar
Control System	Yuchai i-HEC	Yuchai i-HEC+ Smart Combustion Control

2.Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Specification	YCK08-60	YCK09-60	Cummins ISL9	Weichai WP10H	Mercedes OM470
Max Power	350 HP	400 HP	380–400 HP	375–430 HP	400 HP
Max Torque	1550 N·m	1800 N·m	1700 N·m	1750 N·m	1900 N·m
Fuel Consumption	185 g/kWh	178 g/kWh	182 g/kWh	185 g/kWh	180 g/kWh
Noise Level	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	Low

Technical Insight:

· YCK08-60 prioritizes fuel economy and long-distance stability, ideal for logistics fleets.

· YCK09-60 improves combustion efficiency by 4% over YCK08-60, becoming one of Yuchai’s earliest engines to meet the China VI B emission standard.

· Compared with Cummins ISL9, YCK09-60 achieves similar power with lower operational fuel cost.

· Mercedes OM470 offers premium smoothness, but its purchase and service costs are considerably higher.

3.Maintenance and Durability

Aspect	YCK08-60	YCK09-60	Cummins ISL9	Weichai WP10H
Overhaul Interval	≥ 1.0 million km	≥ 1.2 million km	1.0 million km	0.9 million km
Parts Compatibility	High	High	Medium	High
Maintenance Cost	Low	Low	Medium	Moderate
After-Sales Support	Global + localized	Global + localized	Global	Mainly domestic

Conclusion:

Both YCK engines excel in low maintenance costs and high parts compatibility, thanks to Yuchai’s modular design.

The YCK09-60 reduces service time by 15% compared with older models — a major advantage for overseas users managing their own fleets.

4. Emission and Environmental Technology

Both YCK engines comply with China VI / Euro VI emission standards using:

- EGR + DOC + DPF + SCR four-in-one system
- Closed-loop fuel injection monitoring
- Yuchai i-HEC intelligent combustion algorithm

While brands like Cummins and Mercedes-Benz rely on imported post-treatment modules (increasing cost and complexity), Yuchai integrates a domestically optimized system that balances reliability with affordability.

Application	Recommended Model	Key Advantages
Highway Transport	YCK09-60	High torque and acceleration for long hauls
City Bus / Passenger Coach	YCK08-60	Quiet, fuel-efficient operation
Construction & Mining Equipment	YCK09-60	Enhanced durability and dust/vibration protection
Tractor & Heavy Logistics	YCK09-60	Strong continuous output and fuel savings

YCK08-60

YCK09-60

Evaluation Area	Yuchai YCK09-60	Cummins ISL9	Mercedes OM470	Weichai WP10H
Power & Torque	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Fuel Economy	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★
Maintenance Cost	★★★★★	★★★★	★★☆	★★★★
Global Support	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆
Value for Money	★★★★★	★★★★	★★☆	★★★★

Verdict:

Yuchai’s YCK09-60 represents a breakthrough for Chinese heavy-duty diesel engines — combining world-class emission compliance, exceptional fuel economy, and cost efficiency that rivals leading global brands.

Conclusion

Through years of research, testing, and production refinement, Yuchai’s YCK08-60 and YCK09-60 have become flagship models symbolizing the next generation of efficient, durable, and eco-friendly diesel engines.

Whether in domestic fleets or international operations, these engines deliver the balance of power, precision, and reliability that defines Yuchai’s global reputation.

Yuchai — Powering the Future with Efficiency, Strength, and Reliability.