Rehlko DemoDays 2026: a Winning Formula

Engines, machinery and so-called networking – by now seemingly the enduring soul of any trade event – were all present at Rehlko’s DemoDays, along with plenty more besides. Paraphrasing what Nino De Giglio told us, if last year’s edition marked a newfound maturity – “the best one yet” – this year’s went even further. Despite the oppressive heat of the Reggio Emilia summer, the formula was replicated flawlessly: a morning programme of presentations followed by field trials in the early afternoon. On the evening of Monday 13 July, a guided visit took place to the Basilica della Madonna della Ghiara, a fine example of early Emilian Baroque architecture, linked to the miracle of 29 April 1596, when the young Marchino – deaf and mute from birth – was said to have miraculously regained speech and hearing while praying before an image of the Madonna painted by Bertone. The visit was followed by dinner in the cloister.

At DemoDays 2026, the KDI 1903TCR becomes High Power

DemoDays 2026 was not limited to networking and running through application case studies. Abhiroop Garg, Product Manager, Diesel Engines, outlined a significant power increase. The KDI 1903TCR now carries the HP (High Power) designation, bringing it up to the attack power of the 4-cylinder units. The three-cylinder from Reggio Emilia now delivers 50 kW (67 hp) and 250 Nm at 1,500 rpm, banking on the KDI family’s winning card: compactness. It represents a considerable power jump over the previous range-topping version.

The performance curve has already caught the attention of several OEMs, starting with Wacker Neuson, present at DemoDays 2026, which has selected the engine for its WL 750 wheel loader. Abhiroop Garg also gave us an update on the KSD’s progress, which started out quietly but has since gained real traction, even in a highly crowded segment dominated by Japanese manufacturers, leveraging its flexibility: available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, including with aftercooler, it gives OEMs freedom over peripheral placement according to layout and application requirements.

Straight from the Source: Comments from the President of Rehlko Engines

We will return to this event on several occasions on powertrainweb, with a full account in POWERTRAIN International’s November issue. For now, we leave you with the comments of Eric Fontaine, President of Rehlko Engines: “The best way to understand an engine isn’t to read about it—it’s to experience the machine it powers. Demo Days reflects the way we work with our OEM partners every day. We engineer engines as part of a complete machine, helping our customers deliver greater productivity, reliability and value to the people who depend on their equipment.”

OEMs and machines at DemoDays 2026

• CORMIDI: The CMF1500 is powered by the KSD 1400 NA.
• MDB: The LV400X robot is fitted with the KSD 1403TC.
• PALFINGER: The FLM 25 features the KSD 1403NA. The BM214 runs on the KSD 1403TC.
• VERMEER: The ML100 mini loader, a compact skid loader, is powered by the KSD 1403TC. The SC552 stump cutter uses the 56 hp KDI 1903TCR. The RTX250 walk-behind trencher runs on the 25 hp ECH740 EFI petrol engine.
• WEIDEMANN and WACKER NEUSON: The 2090T telehandler is powered by the 50 kW KDI 1903TCR HP. The WL750 wheel loader uses the 42 kW KDI 1903TCR.

How long has Eric Fontaine been in charge?

Eric Fontaine has been President of Rehlko’s Engines business since 2025. He brings extensive experience in industrial markets, having most recently served as Vice President of the Industrial Systems Segment at Regal Rexnord Corporation. His career also includes key leadership roles at Danaher Corporation and Brunswick Corporation. He holds a degree in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

When was the first edition of DemoDays held?

The event held at Rehlko Engines’ headquarters in Reggio Emilia on 13 and 14 July 2026 was the fourth edition. Manufacturers present at the first edition included Avant Tecno, CELA, Cormidi, JCB, Kramer-Werke and Wille Machines.

Are Rehlko engines reliable?

The KDI 2504TCR won Diesel of the Year in 2012, the KDI 3404TCR in 2015, and the KSD 1403TCA in 2022. On 16 May 2026, the 999cc Command PRO entered the Guinness World Records for the fastest time to mow the area of an American football field.

Does Rehlko only make engines for earthmoving and gardening applications?

The line-up present at DemoDays is only a sample – predominantly for construction applications – of Rehlko’s broader engine portfolio. The Reggio Emilia-based company has historically also held a strong presence in specialised tractors, telehandlers and generators, as well as a significant footprint in marine auxiliary power units and sailboat propulsion.