Kohler Engines expands EFI, alternative-fuel technology at GIE+EXPO 2015 (Nov 1)

November 1, 2015 – Kohler Engines expanded its electronic
fuel injection (EFI) technology with the introduction of three engines and its alternative-fuel technology with the unveiling of four tri-fuel engines. It also announced the extension of all consumer engines in its 7000 Series.

* New EFI engines: Kohler’s three new EFI offerings are the Confidant EFI, Command PRO EFI ECH440, and Command PRO EFI 999 cc. All three models offer the benefits of Kohler’s closed-loop EFI technology, including enhanced fuel efficiency, greater overall reliability, and easier starting in a wide variety of conditions.

Similar to Kohler’s existing EFI engines, the new models are anticipated to deliver an estimated 25 percent in fuel savings when compared to similar Kohler carbureted engines under comparable load conditions. All three new models use Kohler’s closed-loop system, which means an oxygen sensor in the muffler continuously monitors the air/fuel mixture. If the air/fuel mixture strays from the ideal level, the sensor triggers adjustments to the amount of fuel injected into the system.

In addition to delivering optimal fuel efficiency and turn-key starting, the technology also provides improved power and enhanced reliability. Since electronic fuel injection systems replace carburetors, downtime due to carburetor-related issues is also eliminated, including the buildup of residue that often occurs when using ethanol-blended gasoline.

“Our new Kohler Confidant series is fulfilling a need in the rapidly growing ZTR market with an engine that makes commercial-grade performance available at a lower price point,” said Eric Hudak, marketing manager – consumer ride and walk engines for Kohler Engines. “The Confidant EFI minimizes fuel usage, which leads to significant cash savings and fewer trips to the pump. Plus, our automotive-grade EFI system has a higher tolerance to poor fuel and provides easy, worry-free starting in all conditions – a user can simply turn the key and go.”

Kohler Engines has more than 3,000 proprietary EFI diagnostics software kits at dealerships in the field to enable faster, more effective service repairs for commercial users. The Kohler EFI Diagnostic Software enables an outdoor power equipment dealer’s service technicians to tap into critical performance data logged by the engine control unit (ECU) to help troubleshoot engine operating conditions, failure codes, total hours, oil temperatures, detailed load parameters and much more.

The durable new Confidant EFI line will include four engines, ranging between 20 and 27 hp., and encompass an option with recoil starting – the first engine ever to offer recoil starting in combination with electronic fuel injection.

In another industry first, Kohler Engines is incorporating its EFI technology into the company’s Command PRO ECH440. The new 14-hp. ECH440 EFI engine, which features Kohler’s Quad-Clean four-stage cyclonic air cleaner, will be the first single-cylinder engine to integrate closed-loop EFI. This new product will bring the benefits of Kohler EFI to a wider array of utility equipment, including generators, welders, utility vehicles, stump grinders and more.

The Kohler Command PRO EFI 999 cc is a powerful new option designed for large commercial mowing equipment, as well as equipment typically found at rental houses, such as chippers and concrete saws. This new EFI workhorse will deliver up to 38 hp. and 55.3 foot-pounds of torque.

“The expansion of our EFI technology into the Confidant series, ECH440 and 999 cc really speaks to the strong overall demand for our existing EFI engines,” said Mark Johansen, director of marketing – gas engines for Kohler Engines. “Commercial landscapers across the country are already profiting from the unmatched fuel economy and best-in-class reliability offered through our EFI technology. With the new Confidant EFI, ECH440, and 999-cc EFI options, we wanted to extend the benefits of Kohler EFI to even more markets and additional equipment operators worldwide.”

All Confidant EFI and Command PRO EFI engines are backed by a three-year warranty.

* New Tri-Fuel engines: Kohler announced that four of its Command PRO horizontal-shaft engines – the CH260, CH270, CH395 and CH440 – now offer the ability to run on three different fuels: gasoline, propane, and natural gas. This advancement allows end users to simply turn a dial to switch between the three options based on fuel availability or fuel preference for the task at hand.

“Our new Tri-Fuel engines provide ultimate flexibility for engine dealers, as well as end users,” said Scott Lee, product manager for Kohler Engines. “Now, dealers have the ability to stock a single engine model and – as long as they have the necessary fuel kits – they’ll be able to set the engine to accept gasoline, LP or natural gas. This level of engine flexibility can significantly cut a dealer’s inventory costs while also giving their customers the ability to easily adjust the fuel source for optimum engine performance.”

The four new Kohler Command PRO Tri-Fuel engines are available in power ratings from 6 to 14 hp. and will be used in a wide variety of utility equipment, including blowers, concrete saws, pumps, welders and wood chippers.

In another alternative fuels development, Kohler Engines announced the commercial availability of its propane-powered 824-cc Command PRO EFI engines. These powerful new engines – initially introduced in late 2014 – are now available in two models offerings: 27 and 29 hp. Both models feature Kohler’s closed-loop EFI technology.

Kohler Engines is the only company in the industry to manufacture a closed-loop EFI engine designed and optimized for propane use, producing equivalent power and torque to carbureted gasoline engines. The factory-direct propane EFI models eliminate the need for aftermarket propane kits that typically require fuel adjustment and priming and often don’t perform as well.

Since propane is a cleaner-burning fuel, the 824-cc Command PRO EFI propane models are ideal for users in states that enforce Ozone Action Days, which limit mowing with carbureted gasoline engines. Propane-fueled equipment can also help commercial cutters win business contracts with municipalities and other organizations seeking “green” fuels and technologies.

“As propane and other alternative fuels continue to gain traction, we’re very pleased with the initial feedback we’ve received to our new Tri-Fuel engines, and we’re certainly excited for our propane EFI units to be hitting the market,” Lee added. “At Kohler Engines, we remain committed to driving new advancements that offer tangible benefits to end users who continue to seek out an ideal combination of both savings and performance.”

* Extended warranty on the 7000 Series: Kohler Engines is extending the consumer warranty on all 7000 Series engines to now cover a period of three years. The enhanced warranty reflects the commercial durability and reliability Kohler Engines has built into the company’s 7000 Series, including a professional-grade cylinder head, crankcase, and cast-iron crankshaft. The new three-year warranty retroactively covers all Kohler 7000 Series engines dating back to the line’s initial production in 2013.

“The Kohler 7000 Series, which is ideal for consumer ZTRs and ride-on mowers, was born from our company’s strong heritage in commercial turf engines,” said Eric Hudak, marketing manager – consumer ride and walk engines for Kohler Engines. “We wanted to extend the warranty on these engines to reflect our complete confidence in the 7000 Series. Simply stated, these engines are tough as nails and designed to deliver unmatched durability to homeowners who seek professional-level performance from their lawn equipment.”

For additional information, visit www.KohlerEngines.com.