The news around Barrette's Small Engines Inc.

First to Fill Growing Consumer Desire for Commercial-Grade Products

October 1st, 2007:

KOHLER® Courage PRO

Marketing trends show that a significant number of consumers want more from the lawn and garden power equipment that they purchase. As a result, the zero-turning radius mower is rapidly gaining appeal and becoming the latest status symbol consumers are yearning for. Kohler has responded to this developing market niche with the introduction of the Courage®PRO line of twin-cylinder engines.

"We're the first engine manufacturer in the industry to introduce a product specifically intended to fill consumers' demand for entry-level commercial products," says Dan Luhman, Senior Product Manager for Kohler, "Courage PRO is a cross-over from our commercial line, and it is aimed at satisfying the increasing expectations of consumers for premium products."

The design architecture of Courage PRO comes from Kohler's highly successful line of Command® commercial engines. These engines have proven durability, reliability and performance in a variety of challenging commercial applications.

"OEMs have been seeking this type of crossover engine to fill the gap between heavy-duty commercial engines and less hearty consumer engines," Luhman explains. "Several OEMs are already testing Courage PRO engines on equipment that will be introduced in the 2008 model year"

Available in four models (20, 23, 25 and 27 hp), the vertical-shaft, twin-cylinder KOHLER Courage PRO engines feature larger, commercial-grade air, oil and fuel filters.

"The air and oil filters are 60% larger than those found on engines used in typical consumer applications," Luhman points out. "This adds protection and allows Courage PRO engines to be operated in the dirtiest and most challenging conditions."

OEMs also appreciate that the KOHLER Courage PRO engine line carries a one-year limited commercial product warranty and a two-year limited consumer product warranty.

"The fact that this line of engines has a true commercial heritage is appealing to OEMs and their customers," Luhman says. "While it's a new line of engines, it employees proven commercial-grade technology and design."