Who would've thought that a company that once manufactured railcars would become a force to be reckoned with in the outboard motor industry?
Tohatsu has done just that.
Founded in October of 1922, Tohatsu Corporation, then named Takata Motor Research Institute, manufactured railcars. Research and development of high-speed portable engine generators and radio-controlled generators began immediately and were brought to production in 1930. In 1956, the now Tokyo-based company ushered in the production of Tohatsu Outboards with an air-cooled 1.5hp engine. Since then, Tohatsu outboards have capably served a variety of marketplaces: commercial fishing, marine transport, recreation and competition.
For the 21st Century, Tohatsu Outboards and Nissan Marine have developed TLDI-Two-stroke Low-pressure Direct Injection-technology and added it to its manufacturer's new generation of powerful direct injection outboards. Tohatsu and Nissan now offer 115, 90, 70, 50 and 40hp TLDI engines, combining a state-of-the-art air/fuel technology with a proven two-stroke engine for outstanding performance and economy.
All TLDI outboards offer exceptional fuel and oil economy thanks to the air-assisted fuel injection system. Tohatsu and Nissan research shows the 70 TLDI engine uses only 6.4 gallons per hour at wide open throttle (5,500 rpm), along with a significant reduction in oil consumption, depending on rpm. There is virtually no vibration at low rpm, and acceleration through the whole range from low to high speed is extremely smooth and sharp. Operation is quieter due to the reduction of air intakes from three to one. TLDI systems shatter fuel into microscopic droplets and position the fuel plume in the optimal location in the combustion chamber at exactly the right time. The tiny (10-micron-sized) fuel droplets burn more completely. This cleaner burn benefits mileage and reduces emissions.
Easy maintenance is also an advantage, as no oil changes or valve adjustments are required-unlike a four-stroke. Another key benefit over competitive four-strokes is a significantly lighter weight (the 70 TLDI weighs 317 pounds with propeller) that adds to the economy of the motor.
All TLDI's are outfitted with an onboard self-diagnosis system, which offers an extremely high level of engine safety. Features include an audible overheat sensor and overspeed limiter at 6,000 rpm, a warning light and buzzer for both water temperature and oil level, as well as a warning light for battery voltage. Also, all models feature five-layer corrosion protection, CD ignition, safety stop-switch and lanyard-mounted cutoff switch. Power trim/tilt, thermostatically controlled cooling system, through-the-prop exhaust and start-in-gear protection are other standard features in all Tohatsu and Nissan TLDI Outboards. A three plus one-year limited warranty is included with all TLDI models.
Already, Tohatsu's award-winning outboard motors have an established reputation for being compact in size while demonstrating highly desired features such as low emissions and high fuel economy that are demanded by the new generation of boaters. Powered by a direct fuel injection system and a 32-bit ECU (Engine Control Unit), precise fuel injection instructions are given in accordance to the operating conditions detected by the multiple sensors located on the motor.
