Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

The Woodward 8256-016​ earns its place at the heart of an EPG system through a balance of torque density, response speed and environmental resilience. Its 3.4 N·m rated output in a compact body is sufficient to drive fuel racks and throttle levers on mid-range diesel and gas engines without requiring a bulky hydraulic actuator, while the ≤0.32 N·m starting torque at 22 VDC ensures authority remains predictable even during battery-voltage sag at engine start.The <30 ms full-stroke response is a defining performance attribute. Under sudden load rejection or step loading, the Woodward 8256-016​ moves fuel almost instantaneously, allowing the governor controller to keep speed deviation tight and recover smoothly. This directly translates into stable generator frequency, reduced speed droop and cleaner load sharing when multiple sets run in parallel.Mechanical robustness is built in rather than added on. The IP65 sealed housing, sealed bearings and corrosion-resistant internal components protect against oil mist, spray, dust and condensation common in engine rooms and outdoor skids. The unit is rated for continuous operation from -40 °C to +93 °C, so it performs equally well in arctic standby duty and in high-ambient compressor stations.The 0.375″-36 SAE serrated dual-ended shaft deserves particular mention: it prevents linkage slip under vibration, accepts interchangeable linkage assemblies on either end, and simplifies retrofits into tight compartments. Class F coil insulation and a 60 W optimized steady-state design keep holding current low (≤0.8 A), reducing battery-charger load and heat while reserving peak power for transient demand. With no internal brushes to wear under normal duty and minimal wearing parts, the Woodward 8256-016​ is effectively low-maintenance, keeping lifecycle cost and unplanned downtime down.

Application Field

The Woodward 8256-016​ is deployed wherever an engine or small gas turbine needs accurate, repeatable fuel positioning under changing load. In power generation it is the standard actuator on diesel and gas generator sets, driving the fuel rack to hold frequency and voltage steady during load steps and enabling isochronous or droop control plus load sharing in paralleled systems. Standby and emergency gensets benefit from its fast wake-up response and reliable cold-start behavior.In marine propulsion and auxiliary power, the Woodward 8256-016​ provides precise throttle control that keeps vessel speed and stability under varying hull resistance and sea state, while its sealed IP65 construction shrugs off salt spray and high humidity. On locomotives, the actuator regulates high-output prime movers to improve fuel efficiency and transient response during acceleration and grade changes.Oil and gas operators use the Woodward 8256-016​ on field power units, wellhead generators and reciprocating compressors where remote location and harsh duty make reliability critical. In mining, the same actuator keeps heavy haul-engine and auxiliary equipment running steadily in dust, shock and temperature extremes. Across all these settings, the actuator solves the same core problem: replacing slow, drift-prone mechanical linkage with an electrically commanded, tightly controlled final element that the EPG controller can trust.