Customizing an LSI niche: KEM focuses on customization for 1.6 to 8.1 L LSI GM industrialized engines; receives EPA/CARB certification

Diesel Progress North American Edition, Feb, 2008

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In the competitive world of LSI engines, KEM Equipment Inc. has found its niche with a line of 1.6 to 8.1 L gasoline, LPG, natural gas and dual-fuel industrial engines, which it offers in customized packages for the OEM. The company received EPA/ CARB certification for the 1.6 to 4.3 L end of the line for which KEM is the Manufacturer of Record (MOR).

"We build to what each customer wants," said Ed Stevenson, sales and marketing manager at the Tualatin, Ore.-headquartered company. "We're more specialized. We're able to customize engine builds for large and small customers."

Customization is key to KEM as it is able to provide its customers with options such as high-mount fans, exhaust system, bell housing and drive adapters. Engines can be sold as complete power units with gen-set enclosures, cooling packages, frames and skids.

"If you want a 1.6 L with a high-mount fan you get it," said Stevenson. "If you need the exhaust up or down you get it. We can customize the catalytic converter to fit the individual application. The entire engine is customized for orders of any size. We back that up with customer service, engineering and drafting support."

Acting as the MOR for the engines, KEM industrializes the line by adding a certified fuel system and custom bracketing on GM blocks. The 1.6, 2.4, 3.0 and 4.3 L are EPA and CARB certified and each are equipped with a Woodward ECM, Bosch throttle body and Woodward fuel regulator. The 5.7 and 8.1 L GM industrial engines are slated to be emissions certified in the near term, said the company.

The 1.6 L GM engine is available in gasoline, LPG, natural gas and dual fuel for installation in carpet cleaners, aerial lifts, sweepers and generators. This four-cylinder, inline is rated 42 hp at 2800 rpm in natural gas, 46 hp at 3000 rpm in LPG and 50 hp at 3000 rpm in gasoline. Torque output is 81 to 88 Ib.ft. at 2600 rpm and bore and stroke are 79 mm x 81.5 mm.

KEM's 2.4 L is rated 65 hp at 2800 rpm in natural gas, 68 hp at 3000 rpm in LPG and 70 hp at 3000 rpm for gasoline. The engine has four cylinders, an inline design and can be configured for dual-fuel operation. Bore and stroke are 87.5 mm x 100 mm. Torque is 135 to 160 lb.ft. at 2500 rpm. Applications for the 2.4 L include carry deck cranes, carpet cleaners, aerial lifts, sweepers and generator sets.

The 3.0 L, also a four-cylinder, inline engine, is rated 75 hp at 2400 rpm (natural gas), 80 hp at 3000 rpm (LPG) and 82 hp at 3000 rpm (gasoline). Torque rating is 160 to 180 lb.ft. at 2500 rpm, and bore and stroke is 101.6 mm x 91.4 mm. This engine is aimed at carry deck cranes, forklifts, man lifts, sweepers and generators. It is produced for both the marine and industrial markets and is available with a dual-fuel platform.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Moving up the power line is the 4.3 L, which is targeted toward man lifts, forklifts, sweepers, ground support equipment, carry deck cranes and generator sets. Featuring a V-6 configuration, the 4.3 L is rated 105 hp (natural gas), 116 hp (LPG) and 118 hp (gasoline) at 3000 rpm. Bore and stroke are 101.6 mm x 88.4 mm with a torque rating of 212 to 300 lb.ft. at 2300 to 2500 rpm. The 4.3 L is produced by GM in Romulus, Mich. KEM also offers this engine in a dual-fuel platform.

The 5.7 L is a V-8 engine rated 145 to 175 hp (natural gas), 150 hp (LPG), 155 hp (gasoline) at 2800 to 3000 rpm. It is sold for carry deck cranes, forklifts, sweepers and gen-sets. Torque is 275 to 340 lb.ft. at 1800 to 2500 rpm. Bore is 101.6 mm and stroke is 88.4 mm.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Topping KEM's engine line is the 8.1 L V-8. Available only in LPG and natural gas, the 8.1 L is rated 190 to 250 hp at 1800 to 2600 rpm. It has a torque rating of 425 to 545 lb.ft. at 1800 rpm. Bore and stroke are 108 mm x 111 mm. It is mainly used to power forklifts. GM produces the 8.1 L in Tonowanda, N.Y.

With certification on the 1.6 to 4.3 L complete, KEM is ramped up for the next round of emissions requirements that will come with the stationary regulations in 2008. The company has installed two additional dynamometers and an emissions lab at its 60,000 sq.ft. facility, where it will certify the full engine line. It currently operates three production lines segmented by stationary, mobile/industrial and marine applications.

All of the engines are supplied directly from KEM, which Stevenson said helps to maintain its one- to three-week lead times. "Our business is built off customer service. If there is an issue we correct it here. We have an open phone line."

As the OEM for GM industrial and marine engines, KEM also produces a marine engine line under the Kodiak brand. For the Kodiak engines, KEM takes a GM base engine and marinizes it top to bottom. The company has 100 marine and industrial service dealers in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia.

TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ON THIS COMPANY

GO TO: DIRECTLINK @

www.dieselprogress.com