Kawasaki debuts EFI engine with Vortical Air Filtration at GIE+EXPO 2017
Kawasaki Engines, a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., introduced an all-new engine and accompanying air filtration system at GIE+EXPO. The FT730V-EFI is the first engine from Kawasaki to employ Vortical Air Filtration (VAF), an air-intake methodology that significantly combats many of the ongoing issues faced by lawn care professionals and homeowners.
VAF, which provides longer engine life due to its inherent debris-cleaning effects, also requires less maintenance as the pre-filter and filter can run for up to 50 hours before requiring cleaning. The VAF technology incorporates air intake methodology that is engineered to focus on getting clean air into the engine without also introducing external debris, such as loose grass clippings.
This advanced, high-efficiency air intake system uses centrifugal air movement to move heavy grass, dust, and debris away from the air filter, then ejects accumulated debris out of the engine through a duckbill debris ejection valve. Once the ejection process is completed, only fine dust is left, which is easily trapped in the filter. The benefits of this system are many, with cleaner intake air contributing to longer engine life, reduced maintenance, and improved performance.
Grass entering the cooling air path system under normal mower use is easily removed through the large clean-out ports located over cylinder heads. The cover for these clean-out ports is neatly integrated into the VAF cover.
Kawasaki’s new FT730V-EFI system employs an integrated e-governor (eGov) that immediately adjusts engine power-to-load for maximum cutting power at higher speeds, cleaner mowing when units are used in heavy turf, as well as minimizing the need for re-cuts. The same EFI system is currently available on three other Kawasaki engine models from the company’s FX and FS product lines.
Kawasaki’s single, sealed ECU — the heart of the company’s EFI system — is sufficiently protected to avoid exposure to weather, dirt and vibration.
The open loop design, which avoids the need for an oxygen sensor, maintains low engine temperatures, which in turn helps reduce oil consumption and contributes to a longer overall engine life.
Utilizing the proven 730-series engine block that has been part of Kawasaki’s lineup for 10 years, this newest engine is a welcome addition to the company’s ever-broadening line of general-purpose powerplants.
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Kawasaki Engines distributes gasoline engines for landscape, industrial and consumer markets. The division sells to and services customers through a network of more than 40 OEMs; 15 distributors; and more than 7,500 independent dealers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, select countries in Central and South America, and the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, including Guam.
