Kohler Unveils Most Powerful EFI Engine to Date at GIE+EXPO 2014

The Kohler Command PRO 824 EFI engine can power mowers with up to 72-inch decks; demand for EFI engines could nearly double in next 3-5 years.

Kohler's GIE+EXPO 2014 booth
Kohler's GIE+EXPO 2014 booth

Kohler Engines unveiled its most fuel-efficient commercial engine yet at GIE+EXPO 2014. The Command PRO EFI 824cc features a highly tuned air intake system that enhances airflow to maximize power and torque. In combination with Kohler's closed-loop, electronic fuel-injection (EFI) system, this creates an engine that is both highly productive and fuel-efficient, Kohler assures.

The 824 engine—offered in four models—will be available on numerous commercial mowers for the 2015 model year, including Scag and Gravely. Exmark and Toro are reportedly looking to make a mid-season launch in 2015.

Mark Johansen, director of marketing for Kohler Engines, says the 824 engine was a couple of years in the making. "We told our engineers that our customers were telling us that they needed something that had more power but didn't burn so much fuel," Johansen says. For example, additional power is typically needed in the spring when mowing fast-growing, oftentimes wet grass, and also in the fall when bagging leaves and grass. But all summer long, the lawn maintenance contractor is typically burning a lot more fuel than necessary. This new 824 EFI engine could be just what that contractor is looking for, Johansen points out.

The 824cc engine can power up to a 72-inch deck, now giving contractors and EFI option for virtually any size zero-turn mower. Johansen says contractor demand for EFI has been growing for the past several years, and will continue to at an even faster pace.

"About 40% of our (turf) engines now are EFI," Johansen says. "By 2017 we expect that to be more like 75%. And by 2020, combustion engines could be very scarce. We are pushing the industry in this direction, because it's very important."

Next, Kohler will be launching two propane versions of the 824 engine. More details will be forthcoming.

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