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Kohler Makes Big Move In Small Diesels

October 25, 2011

In the biggest development in the company’s history, Kohler Engines is launching a new range of 1.9 and 2.5 L Tier 4 final diesel engines. The new KDI engines expand the size and power density of Kohler’s diesel engine offering and integrate a range of heavy-duty diesel technologies including high pressure, electronically controlled common rail fuel injection and cooled exhaust gas recirculation, all of which allows it to meet the Tier 4 final standards without a diesel particulate filter.

At the same time, the new engines will also be available in mechanical versions that will target power generation, along with non- and lesser-regulated geographic regions.

The KDI range covers a total of five engines in ratings from 41.5 to 74.2 hp, with both displacements available in common rail versions to meet Tier 4 final/EU Stage 3b standards that take effect in 2013, as well as mechanical versions that meet Tier 3/Stage 3a regulations and will be included in Kohler’s own generators and used in less-stringently regulated markets. The physical envelope is essentially the same for either configuration, which is intended to provide manufacturers of construction, agricultural and industrial machinery maximum flexibility in their product development plans.

The Tier 4 final engines utilize high pressure fuel injectors, nozzles and electronic controls, all of which combine to provide injection pressures of 29,000 psi (2000 bar), as well as a high degree of flexibility in the timing and shaping of the fuel injection events.

Production of the new KDI engines is scheduled to begin early in the third quarter of 2012 at Kohler’s Lombardini Diesel facilities in Reggio Emelia, Italy. They will be marketed globally as Kohler engines, a departure from the current dual branding strategy that uses the Lombardini brand in markets where the Italian company has more of a heritage.

More complete details will be available in the November issue of Diesel Progress.

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