Kawasaki’s New Critical Power” Engine Ratings”

Starting next month, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Engine and Power Products Division will begin rating its engines in accordance with SAE J2723 in an effort to alleviate end user confusion over horsepower labeling and "usable" power.
The move to Critical Power ratings will assure consumers that they are receiving the power they expect for their application needs. Purchasers of Kawasaki-powered lawn care equipment, as well as other related maintenance equipment in the industry, can be assured the production engines will produce at least 98 percent of their rated values, not the 15 percent potential variable permitted under SAE J1940.
Officials from Kawasaki said that end users of original equipment products using engines from various manufacturers have suffered from uncertainty and confusion when comparing and making purchase decisions based on claimed horsepower ratings, and they hope this will help clear up that confusion.