Honda Adds to its V-Twin Commercial Engine Line at World of Concrete

At the 2019 World of Concrete show in Las Vegas, Honda introduced new additions to its GX Series of V-Twin general-purpose commercial engines.

Expanding the lineup are four new Honda V-Twin engines, the iGX700, iGXV700, iGX800, and iGXV800, models that offer commercial construction and turf industry customers versatile power and adaptability with excellent fuel efficiency in a compact package. Providing enhanced performance and quality, the engines are equipped with fuel injection technology and an integrated electronic self-tuning regulator (STR) governor that delivers drive-by-wire remote control capability to manage key aspects of engine operation.

The new Honda V-Twin engines, available in both horizontal and vertical shaft configurations, share the same footprint as existing models. The electronic governor allows the engine to regulate power when the load changes for the demanding commercial applications including concrete and construction equipment (power screeds, hydraulic power units, concrete saws, ride-on concrete trowels, vibratory rollers, generators and pressure washers) and commercial turf equipment (zero-turn radius mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trenchers, stump grinders and chipper/shredders).

Like the current Honda GX630/GXV630 and GX690/GXV690 models, the new iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800 engines feature technologically advanced elements, including a hemispherical combustion chamber, an integrated cylinder and cylinder head, forged steel connecting rods and a 9.3:1 compression ratio, contributing to high efficiency as well as low noise and vibration. The integrated cylinder and head eliminate the need for a head gasket, enhancing cooling and reliable performance. The integration of electronic fuel injection, along with the advanced combustion chamber design and the integrated Digital Capacitive Ignition (CDI) with variable timing, are designed to improve fuel efficiency and enhance operation.

“Honda V-Twin engines, part of our legendary family of commercial grade engines, provide durable and flexible power, excellent fuel efficiency, and quiet operation for industry professionals who depend on the longevity of their equipment to get jobs done in high-demand, heavy-duty commercial, construction and rental applications,” said Will Walton, Vice President, Honda Power Equipment.  “Beyond these respected Honda attributes, the new iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800 models expand our V-Twin lineup while offering a host of added benefits, such as versatile power delivery for larger equipment, ease of operation and reliability for contractors, equipment operators, OEMs and Honda dealers and service providers.”

The EFI configuration offers a number of performance enhancements for the new Honda engines, including:

• Efficient Fuel Consumption: Honda V-Twin engines with EFI offer improved fuel efficiency due, in part, to an electronic control system (ECS) that continually monitors and adjusts the engine’s air/fuel ratio according to variable operating conditions and engine load requirements, maintaining optimal combustion conditions.

• Adaptability and Enhanced Reliability:  In addition to optimizing air/fuel ratios, the Honda V-Twin EFI-equipped engines offer improved ignition timing over the complete range of operating speeds and compensate for other factors to continually maintain optimal performance.

• Improved Starting:  Honda iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800 V-Twin engines are designed for easy starting performance in both hot and cold temperature conditions, such as when the equipment is started cold or temporarily stopped mid-job. The EFI system and high-pressure fuel pump allow for an ideal air/fuel mixture before it is emulsified and vaporized.

In 2005, Honda introduced a generation of intelligent, computer-controlled iGX general purpose engines. Engines suited for a wide range of commercial (and residential applications) would feature an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) that delivered complete drive-by-wire remote control capability and controlled key aspects of engine operation. Today, Honda broadens its existing iGX lineup—the iGX270, iGX340 and iGX390—by integrating the ECU architecture into new GX Series V-Twin models. The newengines represent the pinnacle of Honda’s general-purpose lineup and serve as an extension of the GX Series commercial grade engines. 

Central to the iGX concept on the new V-Twin models is an integrated ECU with a self-tuning regulator (STR) governor system that allows the engine to communicate with the machine it is powering to achieve optimal performance by monitoring key parameters, controlling engine speed and diagnostics. The ECU enables drive-by-wire remote control operation of the engine, and speed of the models can be programed and varied based on the load and speed requirements of equipment applications.  To illustrate, potential new commercial applications and attributes of this technology include:

• pressure washers that idle, then stop, when the user squeezes or releases the trigger handle;*
• water pumps that can be automatically activated based on water level by a remote switch;*
• generators that can automatically start when required and vary engine speed based on electrical draw;*
• lawn mowers that can automatically vary engine speed based on load so the engine does not slow in thick grass.

* requires OEM componentry

Because the new Honda V-Twin iGX engines eliminate the need for manual manipulation of the choke and throttle, they also are ideal for rental applications. Additional iGX design features that users will appreciate include a digital ignition system; long-life air filter; automotive-style starter motor; low-pressure and high-pressure fuel pumps; engine temperature monitoring; and parameter-setting ECUs.

As a result of Honda’s adoption of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J1939 vehicle bus, the recommended practice used for communication and diagnostics among vehicle components, the new Honda V-Twin models offer a standardized method for communication across ECUs.

The new Honda V-Twin models feature a control panel with an LED indicator that informs the user about potential problems with diagnostic trouble codes. This indicator is designed either to stop the engine or alert the operator if any corrective actions need to be taken. These alerts protect and help extend the life of the engine.

The new Honda V-Twin models feature high power output in a compact design comparable to the compact base frame footprints of other high-output Honda engines, ranging from the GX630 to the iGX800.  The design compatibility minimizes changing time, making it easy for the user to install the new V-Twin models when older engines reach the end of their service lives. The design also allows manufacturers maximum flexibility with current tooling and frames.

The Honda iGX700/iGXV700 and iGX800/iGXV800 and V-Twin engines will be available nationally later in 2019. All models will carry a three-year, non-declining warranty. Parts and service will be available through the Honda national dealer network.