Engine Mounts
An engine mount sits between the engine and the chassis or frame of a vehicle or machine. Its job is straightforward: hold the engine securely in place while absorbing vibration and reducing noise. Without a reliable mount, vibration transfers directly into the surrounding structure, leading to increased wear, higher noise levels and a less comfortable ride or working environment.
Engine mounts are typically manufactured from a combination of steel and rubber. The steel provides the structural strength needed to carry the weight of the engine, while the rubber element isolates vibration and absorbs shock. The specific rubber compound, hardness and design all influence how well the mount performs under different loads and operating conditions. You can learn more about the different rubber compounds and their properties in our guide to types of engineering rubber.
At AV Industrial Products, we supply engine mounts for applications well beyond the automotive sector. Our range covers everything from small IC engine pumps and mobile plant through to heavy generating sets,marine vessels and off-highway equipment. If you are unsure which mount is right for your application, our selection guide is a good starting point.
Types of Engine Mounts
Engine mounts come in a range of designs, each suited to different load capacities, vibration frequencies and installation requirements. Below are some of the most common types used across automotive, industrial and mobile equipment applications.
Captive Engine Mounts
Captive transit mounts are one of the most widely used engine mounting solutions. They feature a fail-safe captive design, meaning the engine remains secured even if the rubber element fails. This makes them a popular choice for mobile equipment, general industrial machinery and small IC engine-driven pumps and compressors. Captive mounts are available in standard and heavy duty anti-vibration configurations to suit a wide range of engine weights. For a deeper look at how these mounts protect equipment in transit and operation, read our article on the benefits of using captive transit mounts.
Flanged Engine Mounts
For applications that require higher load capacity and effective isolation from both shock and vibration, flanged rubber mounts are a strong option.Square flanged rubber mounts in particular are designed for larger engines and heavier equipment where a simple bobbin or captive mount would not provide sufficient support. Flanged mounts bolt directly to the chassis or base frame, offering a stable and secure connection. We also supply flanged circular mounts and high deflection flanged mounts for applications where greater movement absorption is required.
Cone and Cap Mounts
Cone and cap mounts provide multi-directional isolation, making them ideal where forces act in both upward and downward directions. This is common in automotive and commercial vehicle applications, as well as in agricultural machinery and power generation equipment. The cone shape provides progressive stiffness, meaning the mount becomes firmer as load increases, which helps prevent bottoming out under heavy loads. Heavy duty cone mounts are also available for larger engines and higher static loads.
Marine Engine Mounts
Marine engine mounts are specifically designed to withstand the unique demands of marine and offshore environments, including exposure to salt water, fuel and oil. Available in small, medium, large and jumbo sizes, they suit everything from small leisure craft to large commercial vessels. Height adjusters are also available to help with alignment during installation. For more detail on how these mounts differ from standard engine mounts, take a look at our article on what marine engine mounts are and how they work.
Hydro Mounts
For applications where standard rubber mounts do not provide enough damping, hydro mounts use a combination of rubber and hydraulic fluid to deliver superior vibration control. They are particularly effective at low frequencies and are used in automotive, industrial and generating set applications. Learn more about their performance characteristics in our article on the benefits and features of hydro mounts.
How to Choose the Right Engine Mount
Selecting the right engine mount depends on several factors, including the weight of the engine, the type and frequency of vibration, the operating environment and whether the equipment is static or mobile. Our comprehensive guide to selecting anti-vibration mountings covers these considerations in detail. You can also use our technical questionnaire to share your requirements directly with our engineering team.
Key things to consider:
Engine weight and load distribution— the mount must safely carry the static and dynamic load of the engine.
Vibration frequency— different mount designs and rubber compounds are better suited to different frequency ranges. Our article on natural frequency and resonance explains why this matters.
Operating environment— factors such as temperature extremes, chemical exposure and moisture all influence which rubber material is appropriate.
Static vs. mobile application— mobile applications typically require captive or fail-safe designs to keep the engine secured during transit and operation.
If you are unsure, our team can help. We offer engineering services including vibration testing and finite element analysis to ensure you get the right mount for the job.
When to Replace Engine Mounts
Engine mounts wear out over time. Cracked or perished rubber, excessive engine movement, increased vibration and unusual noises are all signs that your mounts may need attention. Worn mounts can lead to misalignment, damage to connected components and reduced operator comfort. Our article on the top 5 signs your engine mounts need replacing covers the key warning signs to look out for.
Left unchecked, vibration from worn or failed mounts can significantly affect machinery lifespan and operational safety. Regular inspection and timely replacement help keep equipment running smoothly and safely.
Custom Engine Mounts
If your application calls for something outside our standard range, we also offer a custom rubber moulding service. We can design and manufacture bespoke engine mounts to your exact specifications, including non-standard sizes, special rubber compounds and unique mounting configurations.
