Press releases | 2016-10-19

Co-Development by Kohler and Liebherr: New Kohler G-Drive Diesel Engine Range Delivers World-Class Power

An entirely new line of G-Drive engines was developed to exclusively power the recently launched KD Series of KOHLER and KOHLER-SDMO diesel industrial generators. The compact and powerful new engines, co-developed by Kohler and Liebherr, deliver highly efficient and dependable performance and feature a modular design for optimal serviceability.

“A global team of engineers came together and worked tirelessly to design and develop these new large diesel engines, which will only be available on the just-launched line of KOHLER and KOHLER-SDMO industrial generators,” said Tom Cromwell, group president-power for Kohler. “We’re pleased to be integrating a premium new engine into these generators that combines a compact footprint with unrivaled power density.”

In total, there are six engines within the new line, which deliver between 709 and 3608 kWm Standby Power at 50 Hz and between 891 and 4250 kWm Standby Power at 60 Hz. The new line is divided into two series – the 135 series and the 175 series – both containing three engines. The 135 series includes the KD27V12, a 12-cylinder model with 135 mm bore and 27 liters displacement; the KD36V16, a 16-cylinder model with 135 mm bore and 36 liters displacement; and the KD45V20, a 20-cylinder model with 135 mm bore and 45 liters displacement. The 175 series also includes three engines: the KD62V12, a 12-cylinder engine with 175 mm bore and 62.4 liters displacement; the KD83V16, a 16-cylinder model with 175 mm bore and 82.72 liters displacement; and the KD103V20, a 20-cyliner model with 175 mm bore and 103.40 liters displacement.

Both the 135 and 175 series of engines incorporate a modular design with common components, allowing for efficient servicing, reduced spare parts inventory, and more streamlined technician training. Other key features include:

An innovative fuel system by Liebherr with common rail injection, which reaches pressures up to 2200 bar to deliver better atomization of fuel and improved fuel consumption;
This precisely-metered fuel injection system also minimizes engine particulates, reduces emissions, and helps the new engines to meet global emission regulations in all markets;
An advanced Engine Control Unit (ECU), which is supported by KODIA diagnostic software for intuitive monitoring;
A unique turbocharger system, which optimizes airflow to the cylinders for maximum power, optimal combustion, and reduced fuel consumption;
A low-noise combustion system with optimized pressure, which works in combination with a rigid engine block, crankcase and sub-frame to significantly reduce noise and vibration.

“These feature-rich engines were purposefully designed to deliver unequaled performance and ultimate reliability in the field,” Cromwell continued. “Together with Liebherr, we carefully test each component and engine under rigorous operating conditions and utilize an advanced quality management system to monitor every step of the development process. These procedures were put into place to ensure the highest level of engine quality and dependability.”

Kohler and Liebherr initiated contact in 2008 and have since performed more than 50,000 hours of durability testing on these engines. Combined, the partners have more than 125 years of experience in the development of engines and generator sets. The new G-Drive engines will be available exclusively on KOHLER and KOHLER-SDMO generators around the globe.

“We will manufacture these engines in our brand new facility in Colmar, France as well as an extended facility in Bulle, Switzerland. The two excellent production sites use the most sophisticated manufacturing tools and assembly processes for large engines,” said Gebhard Schwarz, managing director of Liebherr-Component Technologies AG. “We very much appreciate the teamwork with Kohler and look forward to the great results we anticipate achieving through this collaboration.”

About Kohler/SDMO

A global force in power solutions since 1920, Kohler is committed to reliable, intelligent products, purposeful engineering and responsive after-sale support. Kohler’s acquisition of SDMO in 2005 created one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial generators. The companies have a combined 150 years of experience in industrial power and now benefit from global R&D, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution integration. For additional information, please visit www.kohlerpower.com or www.kohlersdmo.com.

About Kohler Co.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis. Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of engines and power systems; kitchen and bath products; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler and St Andrews, Scotland. For more details, please visit www.kohler.com.

About Liebherr

Founded in 1949, Liebherr is not only one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction machinery, but also an expert and market leader in many other industries. The company’s eleven divisions cover numerous industry segments, including mining, high-performance cranes, concrete technology, machine tools and automation systems, aerospace and transportation systems, domestic appliances, and hotels. The components division comprises 20 product lines from the areas of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical drive system and control technology, which are produced in ten production sites worldwide. Diesel engines were added to the product portfolio in 1984.