Kohler's diesels benefit from Ricardo know-how

The new Kohler KDI 3404 engine has been developed in partnership with Ricardo and features the revolutionary Ricardo Twin Vortex Combustion System.

Kohler Engines is promoting the new KDI 3404 engine as being unique for its technical innovation, performance, total ownership costs, operational and environmental benefits.

Produced by Kohler Engines at its diesel production facility at Reggio Emilia in Italy, the new KDI 3404 four-cylinder engine is available in two models and four power ratings (55.4 (74bhp), 75 (100bhp), 90 (120bhp) and 100kW (134bhp), providing peak torque of 375, 475, 480 and 500 Nm respectively). 

In each case the new engine provides performance that is equivalent to larger displacement engines while delivering low fuel consumption.

The KDI 3404 complies with Tier 4 Final – Stage IIIB / Stage IV – regulations without the use of a diesel particulate filter. For sub 56 kW applications after-treatment is solely using a diesel oxidation catalyst while the higher power versions additionally use selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

By eliminating the need for a diesel particulate filter, the KDI 3404 provides a compact and cost effective solution extending the engine maintenance intervals and enhancing the productivity of the machines powered by the new eco-friendly engine.

Ricardo assisted Kohler’s engineers in the development of the KDI 3404 engine from initial systems specification through design and simulation – including use of the Ricardo WAVE performance simulation and VECTIS 3D CFD tools – to final calibration and validation testing.

In common with the other KDI family and other leading off-highway engines, the KDI 3404 engine benefits from the use of the Ricardo Twin Vortex Combustion System, enabling the engine to achieve the toughest international emissions standards for this class of product, without the need for a diesel particulate filter.

“We are proud to have assisted Kohler’s engineering team in the design and development of the new KDI 3404 engine,” noted Dr Andy Noble, Ricardo head of heavy duty engines. “The KDI 3404 is a best-in-class new product that benefits from the incorporation of Ricardo’s state-of-the-art Twin Vortex Combustion System low soot technology.”