PowerCore® Technology

Donaldson PowerCore® Technology Continues to Push the Boundaries of Bigger Performance in Smaller Spaces

OEMs face a never-ending challenge due to increasingly stringent environmental standards for heavy-duty equipment. To adhere to these standards, vehicles, and equipment must be designed to include emissions reduction components, making limited space under the hood even more limited. How does an OE fit everything into their equipment while still considering factors like weight and aerodynamics?

Enter PowerCore technology. To simplify a small piece of the complex design challenges OE engineers face, we’ve developed PowerCore to fit optimal air filtration performance into nearly any space. PowerCore’s small footprint and adaptability to nearly any space and condition mean optimal air filtration is available for virtually any application. PowerCore is small and flexible. Its performance is anything but.

Powercore Was the First. It Remains the Best.

Donaldson PowerCore was the first air filter configuration to utilize a corrugated flute design with a straight-through airflow path to trap dust in flutes on the "dirty side" of the air cleaner. This innovative design pushes air through to adjacent flutes on the clean side, allowing us the flexibility to modify the shape of the air filter, fitting the air cleaner itself into less space.

Answering a Need

A smaller air-cleaner footprint was a need when we created PowerCore 25 years ago, and it’s a need still. As environmental standards (EPA and Euro standards for on-road, Tier standards for off-road) have become increasingly more stringent, emissions reduction equipment has become more complex and requires more space. At the same time, the need for better aerodynamics on heavy-duty equipment has driven requirements that many air cleaners need to be located under the hood/cowl – to prevent drag. PowerCore is a direct solution for that need.

An Evolving Solution

Donaldson created PowerCore to meet a direct need in the industry, but we didn’t stop there. As OEM needs evolve, we continue to innovate the technology. Successively smaller variations of PowerCore (G2 and G3) have pushed the boundaries for equivalent or greater performance out of successively smaller filters.

Each subsequent generation of PowerCore air cleaners and filters is smaller than the last. Original PowerCore was 40% smaller than standard pleated filters. PowerCore G2 was 60% smaller. PowerCore G3 is 65% smaller. And every generation maintains or increases performance.

Need More Reasons to Consider PowerCore?

Standard or Custom Options

We offer a range of standard PowerCore air cleaners (PowerCore Edge and PSD for off-road, and PCD for on-road), ready-made in a variety of sizes. If you prefer a solution that's adapted to your specific size, shape, and performance requirements, we will work directly with you to meet those needs, like we have hundreds of times before.

Shape and Configuration for Any Application

Full System Customization

PowerCore air cleaners can be configured as part of a complete air intake system that includes pre-cleaners, water management, scavenge systems, restriction indicators, intake plenums, and more. Donaldson application engineers will work with you to configure complete systems to meet your specific requirements.

Global Manufacturing

PowerCore is available around the globe, with manufacturing in North America, Europe, and Asia.

OEM Branded

If you prefer to sell through your dealer network and promote your brand or retain the service parts business, PowerCore can be produced as OEM parts. Or, it can be specified as standard Donaldson branded air cleaners and filters if your goal is to extend service parts availability/reach for your customers.