Cummins unveils 29-liter S29 mining engine, planned for global availability in late 2027
Cummins has launched the S29, a clean-sheet 29-liter engine for mining haul trucks and excavators, promising up to 1300hp with industry-leading fuel economy for its power range.
- 29 liters
- 1300 hp at 2100rpm
- 180 g/kW.hr
- 3,000 m
What Happened
Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) unveiled the S29 mining engine at a celebratory launch event at the Chongqing Cummins Engine Plant in Chongqing, China, on October 28, 2026. The company said the announcement builds on a preview shared during Cummins 2026 Analyst Day in May. The S29 is a clean-sheet, 29-liter engine platform designed for 90- to 120-ton haul trucks and 150- to 220-ton excavators, with additional applicability across a wider range of mining and industrial equipment including surface miners, bulldozers, wheel loaders and dewatering pumps. Cummins plans to make the engine available globally in regions that require China Stage III (EPA Tier 2 Equivalent) and non-certified emissions configurations in late 2027.
“Today, we're not just introducing a new engine — we're setting a new benchmark for mining power. The Cummins S29 brings together innovations in fuel economy, reliability and power density to deliver exceptional performance, exceptional total cost of ownership and the flexibility to adapt as mining operations evolve.”
1300hp at 2100rpm
Cummins says the S29 delivers the power and performance of higher-displacement engines in a compact installation package, giving maximum vehicle integration flexibility.
Fuel efficiency was a key consideration in the S29's development. Based on current development targets, the engine is expected to achieve a best point BSFC of 180 g/kW.hr, which Cummins describes as industry-leading fuel economy for its power range and a positive influence on operational costs. The engine is also being developed for the extreme environments of high-altitude and remote mines, with altitude capability of up to 3,000 m without derate. It is designed for cold starts at temperatures as low as -25° C without auxiliary preheating.
- At launch, planned compatibility with diesel
- Unblended paraffinic fuels (EN15940) such as HVO
- Biodiesel blends up to B50
- Platform being designed to support potential future natural gas, hydrogen or dual-fuel configurations
“Mining customers are under relentless pressure to move more material, lower operating costs and improve efficiency. We're excited to provide the next generation of mining power with the S29, a truly world-class platform purpose-built to help turn those pressures into more productive, profitable operations.”
Cummins previews the S29 during its 2026 Analyst Day
S29 unveiled at a launch event at the Chongqing Cummins Engine Plant in Chongqing, China
S29 on display at bauma CHINA in Shanghai, China, at Cummins booth Outdoor C.78
Planned global availability in regions requiring China Stage III (EPA Tier 2 Equivalent) and non-certified emissions configurations
Previously from Cummins Inc.
Cummins recently argued that the biggest fuel savings in mining trucks come not from the engine alone but from tuning engine and truck together from the start, pointing to a 15% fuel-consumption advantage on Komatsu's 930E-5. The company has also described how the three-way catalyst on its X15N natural gas engine controls NOx, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide without diesel exhaust fluid, a particulate filter or regeneration — work that sits alongside the S29's planned support for potential future natural gas configurations.
- Cummins says first-fit engine integration delivers 15% fuel savings in Komatsu mining trucks
- Cummins: X15N natural gas engine's three-way catalyst needs no DEF, no DPF and no routine service
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Cummins Inc.'s official releases.
Why this matters
The S29 targets the machines that carry the heaviest workloads at mines — 90- to 120-ton haul trucks and 150- to 220-ton excavators — where fuel and operating costs dominate. Cummins says the engine is aimed at lowering total cost of ownership for mining customers while letting them adapt as fuel strategies evolve. Buyers in regions requiring China Stage III (EPA Tier 2 Equivalent) or non-certified emissions configurations are the first planned market.
Terms in This Story
- BSFC
- Brake-specific fuel consumption — a measure of how much fuel an engine uses per unit of work it produces; a lower figure means better fuel efficiency.
- Derate
- A deliberate reduction in an engine's rated power output, typically applied to protect the engine under harsh conditions such as high altitude or extreme temperatures.
- HVO
- Hydrotreated vegetable oil — a renewable, paraffinic diesel-type fuel made from vegetable oils or fats.
- B50
- A fuel blend made of 50% biodiesel and 50% conventional diesel.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.