Off-road utility vehicles from Polaris powered by Kohler Engines

Kohler Engines announced Aug. 21 that its 1,028-cc, 3-cylinder Kohler Diesel engine is now powering 2 Polaris off-road vehicles. The Kohler KDW1003 will be standard on 2015 model year RANGER Diesel and RANGER CREW Diesel vehicles.

“We’re excited to partner with Polaris on the rollout of their new diesel utility vehicles,” said Jeff Wilke, product manager for Kohler Engines. “Our KDW1003 is ideally suited for this type of application due to its overhead cam that was designed with automotive characteristics, as well as an advanced fuel-injection system that delivers smooth, quiet power and enhanced fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. Plus, we’re able to provide a high-output 110-amp alternator to drive more accessories, which will be a key feature for users.”

The liquid-cooled KDW1003 engine meets all EPA Tier 4 final, CARB, and EURO emissions standards due to its indirect fuel-injection system and high-efficiency combustion. The engine’s belt-driven, overhead camshaft enables the engine to run at higher speeds (up to 4,200 rpm if needed), and low-turbulence, pre-combustion chambers provide quiet operation. Its low cylinder volume and superior balance produce smooth operation. The KDW1003 offers a robust 110 amps of alternator output to power a wide variety of accessories on the Polaris RANGERs, including lights, heaters, audio systems and more.

 The KDW1003’s overhead cam, a low-profile head design with integrated injectors, makes it a compact package, which is ideal for off-road vehicles and many other applications, including amphibious vehicles, trench rollers, asphalt rollers, light towers, pressure washers, pumps, and wood chippers/shredders. The engine’s heavy-duty, cast-iron crankcase is extremely durable and ideal for rugged conditions. Multiple power takeoff options provide maximum power and flexibility.

“Our designers were attracted to a number of options offered on the Kohler Diesel,” said Steve Schiebel, product manager for Polaris RANGER. “The low-profile overhead cam design offered a lot of design freedom and flexibility. In addition, we didn’t have to sacrifice power and performance for fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The Kohler engine provided the best overall solution for integration and Tier 4 requirements for the new Model Year 2015 RANGER Diesel models.”