Engine Start Systems | Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Spring Starters
Saltech supplies engine start systems and packaged starting solutions for diesel and gas engines in critical-duty and hazardous-area applications across the UK and Europe.
We support EPCs, OEMs, and operators with OEM starters, engineered packages, and retrofit solutions where electric starting is unsuitable or prohibited.
Engine Start Technologies
Hydraulic Start Systems
Hydraulic starting is the preferred solution for high-reliability and hazardous-area applications.
- High starting torque for large engines
- Intrinsically safe – no electrical spark risk
- Reliable cold-start performance
- Suitable for Zone 1 / Zone 2 environments (system dependent)
We supply hydraulic starters and packages based on OEM technology from Kocsis Technologies and Powerstart, integrated into custom-engineered systems.
Pneumatic (Air) Start Systems
- Simple and robust design
- Ideal where compressed air is already available
- Common in offshore, marine, and industrial plants
- Low maintenance requirements
Available as standalone starters or integrated air start packages.
Spring Start Systems
- Fully mechanical solution
- No external power source required
- Suitable for emergency and standby engines
- Compact and proven technology for critical duties
Packaged Engine Start Systems
In addition to supplying individual starters, Saltech delivers custom-built engine start system packages, manufactured by our group manufacturing partner in Mumbai.
Typical package scope includes:
- Hydraulic or pneumatic starter motor
- Accumulators / air receivers
- Hand or motor-driven pumps
- Control valves and manifolds
- Mounting skid or frame
- Interconnecting pipework and hoses
- Documentation and test certification
Packages are engineered to suit:
- Engine make and model
- Site operating conditions
- Applicable standards and specifications
- Client or EPC documentation requirements
Packages can be supplied as starter-only, partial systems, or fully skid-mounted turnkey units, depending on project scope and site constraints.
Applications
Our engine start systems are used across:
- Oil & Gas (upstream, midstream, downstream)
- Firewater pump engines
- Process and utility pumps
- Cranes and heavy-duty lifting equipment
- Power generation and standby systems
- Industrial and hazardous-area machinery
Typical applications include firewater pump engines, emergency standby units, and continuous-duty industrial engines.
OEM Starters & Components
Alongside packaged systems, Saltech supplies hydraulic, pneumatic, and spring starters from multiple OEMs for:
- New-build projects
- Retrofit and replacement
- Spares and lifecycle support
This approach allows us to remain OEM-agnostic, selecting the most suitable technology rather than forcing a single-brand solution.
Why Saltech
- UK / Europe sales and project support
- Access to proven manufacturing capability
- Experience with hazardous-area equipment
- Custom-engineered solutions, not off-the-shelf limitations
- Flexible supply: starters only or full packages