JCB Partners with Kohler Global Power Group to Develop Engines for Its Compact Equipment | Industry News

In industry news, JCB has entered into a partnership with Kohler's Global Power Group to adopt a range of Tier 4 Final/Stage IIIB engines from the company for its compact equipment. The water-cooled Kohler Direct Injection (KDI) engines will be branded JCB Diesel by Kohler, and will meet the next stage of emissions regulations without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The first JCB machine to be fitted with the new engine – a JCB 35D 4×4 Teletruk forlift – was unveiled at the RWM waste management show at the Nation Event Center (NEC) in Birmingham, UK.

JCB’s Director of Engine Programs Alan Tolley said: “The decision to partner with Kohler to develop engines for JCB compact machines was driven by the synergy in the technologies used by JCB and Kohler to achieve stringent Tier 4 Final emissions legislation. Kohler’s achievement of Tier 4 Final without the need for a bulky DPF is fully in line with our own engine strategy and allows our designers maximum flexibility when it comes to meeting machine design and packaging requirements. These highly efficient engines will offer our customers improved performance and lower fuel consumption.”

The European-built engines will be progressively introduced in JCB products, including the Teletruk TLT35D; 406 and 409 compact wheel loaders; 135, 155, 175, 190 and 205 skid steers; 150T, 190T and 205T compact track loaders; and select compact excavator models.

High Torque Output
The KDI engines use a common rail fuel injection system working at 2,000 bar pressures,  cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), four valves per cylinder, and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) within the exhaust system. Fuel consumption is up to 15% better than a similar output engine equipped with lower injection pressures and a DPF.

There are two 1.9-liter three-cylinder engines, the KDI 1903M and the KDI 1903TCR, delivering 41hp with 133Nm of torque and 56hp with 225Nm of torque respectively. The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder KDI 2504M and KDI 2504TCR deliver 48.8hp with 170Nm and 74hp with 300Nm. The engines meet all JCB standards, with 500-hour maintenance intervals available on all models.

“Innovation is a common thread running through the design of this completely new family of engines by Kohler,” said Giuseppe Bava, CEO of Kohler’s diesel engine business unit. "They feature highly advanced technology for clean combustion and limited emissions without the use of after-treatment systems. The KDI engine family is designed to be compact, yet providing best in class performance.”

Tom Cromwell, President at Kohler Engines, added: “Kohler is extremely proud to be appointed as JCB’s engine supply partner for a wide range of construction equipment with the Kohler KDI engines. Reflecting the significant investment made by Kohler within diesel engine innovation and technology, these compact engines enable the machines to meet the stringent EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IIIB emission regulations without the use of a DPF, while delivering significant fuel savings for JCB customers. This aligns perfectly with JCB’s wider engine strategy.”