WALBRO ANNOUNCES THEIR NEXT GENERATION ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FOR CONSUMER ENGINE APPLICATIONS
(Many of you had questions last year about the EFI engine that Cub Cadet was using in the XT2 LX42″ EFI Lawn Tractor. Here is a little more info on this. I mentioned this on the Today’s Mower Facebook page a while back but it’s worth repeating here.)
Tucson, Arizona, 16 January 2017 – Walbro is pleased to announce the production launch of their next generation EEM®Injection system designed specifically to bring the benefits of electronic fuel injection to both single and twin cylinder consumer engine applications. The system features a small, light-weight Engine Control Unit that is integrated with a throttle body and designed to fit within the space of most traditional float carburetors on engines ranging from 5 to 30 Horsepower. Walbro worked with MTD Products, a global leader in outdoor power equipment and the first equipment partner to utilize this highly cost effective technology, to develop a new 679cc V-Twin fuel injected engine for the Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro Series Lawn Tractor, now available through the Cub Cadet dealer network.
“We worked with Cub Cadet to launch the first consumer EFI lawn tractor in 2015,” says Chris Quick, Walbro’s Senior Vice President of Global Business Development and Strategy
. “Now that we have added twin cylinder engine control, we expect the demand for EFI in cost-sensitive consumer applications to grow very rapidly. Homeowners who purchase lawn tractors, generators, snow blowers and other power equipment want the same ease of starting and performance benefits that professionals have long demanded, and our system delivers those benefits at an affordable price point,” adds Quick.
“Our latest EEM®Injection system makes it easier for OEM customers to offer fuel injection on their engines because the integrated ECU and throttle body is sized to fit within the space of a traditional float carburetor,” says Eric Zbytowski, Senior Engineering Manager for Walbro. “And by keeping the number of system components and connections to a minimum, we were able to hit the cost targets necessary for large-scale consumer adoption.”
WALBRO EEM™: AN ALL-AROUND IDEAL FUEL INJECTION SOLUTION
The first ever electronic fuel injection (EFI) system for a consumer lawn tractor was displayed by Walbro at the GIE+EXPO 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky for use in the Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro 
Series Tractor. Cub Cadet sought out Walbro as a partner for this groundbreaking project based on Walbro’s impressive history, unrivaled system integration capabilities, complete fuel system solutions, and its technology position with a competitive EFI system optimized to reduce components, connections, and overall system cost. Walbro’s low cost, bolt on EFI solution featuring its electronic engine management (EEM) fuel injection system provides customers with improved starting, running quality, fuel economy and ethanol compatibility for emissions standards.
The initial cost of an automotive-based EFI system may be difficult for many small displacement engine manufacturers to accept, but the technology will be needed to improve fuel economy and meet future exhaust emissions regulations. It also provides a better user experience with faster and easier starting and better run quality in all weather conditions.
“The major advantage of Walbro’s EFI technology is that it allows customers to meet the exhaust emission standards – but with an easy-to-install package that eliminates many of the engine tooling changes and expensive sensors required in typical automotive-based designs,” says Eric Zbytowski, Engineering Manager at Walbro.
Walbro entered the automotive fuel injection industry in the 1980s, and transferred that knowledge of automotive EFI technology to expand its small engine product portfolio. Its successful application of the automotive technology to the small engine market has provided customers with the products necessary to meet both technical and regulatory challenges for Outdoor Power Equipment, Marine, and Powersports applications. Walbro EEM™ Injection is one of these derived technologies. Backed by Walbro’s global technical resources and manufacturing centers, Walbro EEM™ Injection is not only an industry leading technology, it is supported by the knowledgeable, experienced, and customer-focused Walbro team. With a wide range of support including project planning and application engineering, calibration and design validation, and assistance with emission certification procedures, the experts at Walbro have you covered.
EEM™ is a cost-effective solution that requires minimal engine modifications to meet Euro 4 and other similar standards. Beyond ensuring compliance, it improves starting, cold engine performance, emissions, fuel economy, and storage. Factor in the cost savings that come with the Walbro EEM™ fuel injection system and you have an all-around ideal fuel injection solution. As a global leader of engine management systems for outdoor power equipment, recreational, marine, and two-wheel markets, Walbro has earned its stellar reputation as an innovator and provider of high quality engine products. Visit Walbro.com for more resources, solutions, and an in-depth look at our product lines.
About Walbro:
Walbro is a global market leader in engine management products and fuel systems, and a leading supplier of high pressure aluminum die casting to customers around the world. Walbro’s products have powered over 435 Million engines since 1950 in the lawn and garden, recreational and marine, construction, agriculture and outdoor power equipment markets. Walbro manufactures carburetors, ignition systems, fuel injection systems, pumps, valves and fuel storage and delivery systems. Walbro is a global organization, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with over 2300 employees worldwide. The company has ISO certified manufacturing and engineering facilities in the United States, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and China. Additional information regarding Walbro is available at www.Walbro.com.
Yes, You need a new Gas Can!
With today’s fuels you need a gas can that seals tight. It helps the fuel last longer and the escaping vapors won’t wreck the environment. But the biggest problem is find one that works. The cheap ones ($20 or more now) don’t have vents so it takes forever to fill the tank on your lawn tractor. The cheap ones are also flimsy and the spouts break after the first year.
Well, I’ve found one brand that works great! It’s vented inside the spout so it pours fuel quickly yet seals tightly when not in use. I’ll give you links at Amazon for two sizes. I suggest buying the size so that you don’t keep more than a month of fuel around the house.
No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can. A good size for snow blowers and push mowers.
No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant) This one has a second handle in the back so it is very easy to use and hang onto when pouring into your fuel tank. A good size for lawn tractors and zero-turns.
If you have a problem holding a gas can the SureCan is a great can. It’s very comfortable to use to use and built well.
SureCan – Gas Can with Rotating Spout.
Fuel Stabilizer: When I go to the gas station and buy fuel I always put fuel stabilizer in the storage tank. It helps keep the fuel fresh and some also clean your carb and fuel system without messing it up. There a man good brands but I’ve used
SeaFoam for years and it’s always worked well. I use 2 tablespoons per gallon of fuel.
Other fuels stabilizers to check out: Fuel Stabilizers
Have I helped you? If would you like to buy from your local dealer or store but still want to support TodaysMower just click on this link and buy anything you need. I’ll make a small commission from the sale. Buy at Amazon. TodaysMower.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and we get a commission on purchases made through our links.
mark
I’m interested in the new EFI system. I adds some problems,such as a fuel pump and pressure required. My biggest concern is the closed loop system,expensive O2 sensors, and air flow meters in these systems.
On top of that; If you jump start the mower because the the never ending bad batteries are you going to be stuck out there if the generator goes out on the back forty.
Paul
Hi Mark, Like your car the L&G EFI systems require power to operate. (We’ve had to add a battery to snow blowers in order to start up the EFI engine)
That said, alternator and solid-state regulator failures on lawn tractors happen so seldom that it’s nothing I would ever be concerned about.
And yes, I have one ZTR here that eats batteries. I’ve just decided that every spring I just go out and spend $35 on a new 230 AH battery and be done with the hassle.
Groo
Mine has been fine after 4 years.My recently dead Chevy truck lost a total of 2 O2 sensors over 15 years, and that was directly after hitting big puddles after getting hot. They also weren’t expensive. That truck has 4 O2 sensors. My vtwin walbroro efi mower has 1. Carbs are much more complex. I recent years I haven’t had anything with a carb go 2 years without carb problems. My riding mower has been flawless with its EFI system on its 4th year.
Dave
Paul,
My question is not related to the EFI but about ordering the Sears 50″ mower #27048. I have the option to have it shipped to my home or to the local Sears store. If I have it shipped to my home do you know what do I have to do to get it into operating condition? I’m trying to determine what is the best option… ship it to home or to Sears.
Thanks for taking time on my question.
Paul
Hi dave, Did you request free delivery or free shipping? With free delivery and If you live near a city or near a full-line Sears store they usually ship it to the store, take it out of the crate and then deliver it to you. If you live near a hometown store it may get delivered to you in the crate. It takes about 30 minute to take it out of the crate and put the steering wheel/seat on it. Read the front of the operator’s manual in the crate and it will tell you about adjusting the tire pressure, checking the oil, charging the battery (if needed) and starting it.
Dave
I live close to a main Sears store. The sales rep said the mower would be shipped to Sears.They would then inspect and set it up. I would then have to come pick the mower up from them. Is he right about Sears not delivering it me afterward?
Also, they have two protection agreements 5 yrs $939.99 and 3yrs $599.99. I would think 5 years might be overkill… Paul, what is your opinion as to what would be the better option? Any other thoughts on either agreement etc?
Paul
Hi Dave, Interesting that the store sales associate can’t give you free delivery. Some stores – even though they say Sears on the outside can’t give you all the special offers you can get when you order it through sears.com. That’s just the way Sears works. Anyway, since you live near a large Full-Line store I can give you a better answer than I did before.
If you order the tractor through this link: Craftsman Pro Series 50″ 26 HP V-Twin Kohler Hydrostatic Garden Tractor Model 27048 you will get free delivery to your home. The tractor will be delivered to your home ready to put gas in it and go.
It’s been a while since I’ve discussed the Sear Protection Plan so I’ll go into a little detail for you. First, you never take your tractor anywhere for repairs – Sears always comes to your home to fix it.
The standard Craftsman warranty covers all defects for two years. So any part that is defective because of it’s design or manufacture they will replace. The labor and trip charge for the repair is covered at your home. You are familiar with these warranties. Even your toaster has one. What you do need to be aware of is if you have a problem with your tractor and you call Sears Repair to come out they will ask for $100 up front. That $100 covers the trip charge if the repair IS NOT a warranty item. For, example, you hit a stump and broke the deck belt. If the repair is under warranty the $100 is reimbursed. If you can replace your own belts, mower blades, etc. this may be all you need.
Protection Plans: First, you do NOT have to buy a protection plan when you buy your tractor. You can buy it anytime in the next 30 days after your purchase if you decide to get it later. You can buy the tractor online and then later go into the store with your receipt and the kid you talked to will gladly sell you the plan (they make a commission on the plan)
The plans cover all trip charges to your home and labor. The plan also includes a free replacement if the tractor has the same repair three times in a year. The plan includes many wear and tear items not covered by the warranty – Belts, battery, torn seat, faded hood and so on. It does not cover normal maintenance like oil changes, oil filters, air filter and mower blades. It covers tires but not punctures. It does not cover running into a tree, acts of nature or garage fires. It also covers engine starting issues but I don’t think it covers stale fuel or water in the fuel anymore. The plan does give you the peace of mind that it covers most everything that could go wrong not considered wear and tear.
The tractor itself is one of the best Craftsman has ever sold. We are having absolutely no issues with it.
The 3 or 5 years starts the day you buy the mower. You have to decide if it’s worth $200 a year for that extra coverage.
Chris
Paul, How would you say this new EFI engine compares to the Kohler 7000 or the Kawasaki FR, also offered in the Cub Cadet XT2 series? I am especially interested in reliability over the long haul.
Paul
Hi Chris, I don’t know because the engine has not been out that long and it’s only in one tractor at the moment. But, the company that makes that engine has been making ALL of the engines for MTD this size and smaller for well over 10 years. When you look at the number sold (in the millions) verses the actual engine failures (you can’t count fuel issues) the reliability is among the best. The 679cc EFI does have advantages over the Kohler 7000 and the old Kawasaki FR.
– It uses 25% less fuel, which means less emissions and less fill-ups needed
– Less time spent on maintenance — it has no carburetor and requires fewer oil changes
– It accepts fuel that is a gasoline-ethanol fuel blend. The Kohler and Kawasaki are only rated for E10. If you live in an area that has E15 you may use it in this engine. It will handle up to E20 fuels.
– It has the close coupled governor like the Kohler 7000. It responds to loads quicker and doesn’t bog down in tall grass like the Kawasaki.
– It has been tested to twice the normal life of a typical residential lawn tractor engine.
To me it’s a toss up between the Kohler 7000 and the Cub Cadet EFI. I have a Kohler with the Smart Start and like it a lot but I’d like to have the EFI and not worry about fuel. I would NEVER pay extra for the Kawasaki FR. The commercial Kaw’s have the great reputation – not the residential FR series
Peter
I just purchased a Deere x738. It has a fuel injected kawasaki twin. It uses about half what my sears gt5000 used.. we will see how efi hols up when it is ten years old… that’s what really matters!
john
Thank you Paul, I’m sure you’re right, Just maybe once it hits the market we will see a universal product for our older engines and machines. Just think of the headaches that would prevent also.
john
How much is cost effective and will these be available to those that want to use them on other applications?
Paul
Hi John, this press release basically was saying that Cub Cadet and Walbro have developed a good working EFI that should not add too much to the cost of an engine. It’s now ready for others to implement. So when will we see more? No word right now but I’ll bet that within 5 years more engines sold will have EFI than carbs.