Press Release

KOHLER, Wis. – January 2009 – Kohler continues to advance its leadership position in the small commercial engine market with its new line of horizontal-shaft Command PRO®engines.  The new line of engines brings a higher horsepower offering to the marketplace with three models – 7, 9.5 and 14 hp – and offers superior technological features, including ‘Quad-Clean’ a 4-stage, heavy-duty cyclonic air filter that comes standard on these models at no extra cost.

The Command PRO’s patented Quad-Clean^™ technology is a Kohler innovation and the industry’s first four-stage air-cleaning system.  The innovative design makes the Command PRO engines ideal for harsh weather and work conditions. Quad-Clean technology keeps the engine free from debris, ultimately minimizing maintenance and cleaning efforts. In addition, the air cleaner doubles as a warm air intake system for optimal operation in colder conditions.  With one turn of the air cleaner on the Command PRO, the engine is able to recycle the heat from the muffler, all within 15 seconds and without requiring any tools or kits to buy.

“Our intent with these new engines is to offer higher horsepower in a compact engine and include certain features as standard on this line, providing significant competitive advantages to the OEMs who choose KOHLER engines to power their equipment,” said Cam Litt, marketing manager for Kohler Engines. “In short, this is a feature-packed line of engines with the industry-wide interchangeability from a reliable brand.”

Production is scheduled to begin the second quarter of 2009.

The new engines target a range of commercial and industrial applications, including rental outdoor equipment, small concrete mixers, pumps, chipper/shredders, walk-behind trowels, ground pounders, concrete cutting saws, portable generators and air compressors. With the same footprint as competitors’ engines and Command PRO CS, the Command PRO engine can be used as direct replacement with no need to re-work existing equipment upon replacement.

Horsepower        Command PRO Model Number
7.0 hp                    CH270
9.5 hp                    CH395
14.0 hp                  CH440

The larger fuel tank on the Command PRO engines allows users continuous operation for longer time periods, resulting in less downtime and greater productivity. Kohler has also equipped this new line with a larger muffler to reduce engine noise.

Additional features of these Command PRO engines include: a cast iron-lined single slant cylinder and OHV for extended life and better emission control; a larger recoil starter and dual ball bearings that make the engines very easy to start; dual oil fill and oil drain locations for ease of engine service; and a low-oil protection system that automatically shuts down the engine  in case of low oil to ensure engine protection at all times.

About Kohler Co.  (www.KohlerEngines.com)

Within the Kohler Global Power Group, Kohler Co. and its affiliate Lombardini, Srl manufacture gasoline engines from 4-40 hp, and diesel engines from 6.7-64.4 hp marketed worldwide under the brand names KOHLER and LOMBARDINI.  Also within the Kohler Global Power Group are Kohler Power Systems and affiliate SDMO Industries S.A.S, manufacturing generators (marine, residential, industrial and mobile) that are marketed worldwide under the brands KOHLER and SDMO. The group’s Kohler Rental business provides temporary power, climate control and luxury restrooms to the industrial, commercial, disaster recovery and event markets throughout the U.S.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin-USA, Kohler Co. is one of the oldest and largest privately-held companies in the United States.  Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

To download the high-res product images for this product release:

1. Go to: http://www.kohlerpower.com/pr/index.htm
2. Scroll down and click on "photo library" and click on "request a login" in the top left corner toolbar
3. Fill in the form as much as possible. For the "passcode" field type in "kgp0712"
4. In this screen in the field "I am," choose "Global Power Media-Global Power" and click "request"
5. You should be automatically approved. Click "login,” and in with your user name and password
6. Select your image/s from the "Global Power Group" link, specifically the category you're seeking (i.e., residential, marine, engines, industrial, mobile/APU, rental) and add to your cart (choose images in the "Engines" section")
7. When finished selecting images, click on "checkout" in upper right corner
8. Fill out the checkout form and the image/s should be available for download shortly after you submit it.