The Complete Guide to Kawasaki 70Z Series Engines

Kawasaki 70Z Series (5.9L & 6.7L)

The Complete Guide to Kawasaki's Cummins-Powered Wheel Loaders

Kawasaki 70Z Cummins Long Block

Industrial Strength: The Kawasaki-Cummins Partnership

The Kawasaki 70Z series has long relied on Cummins powerplants for high-torque performance. Whether you are running a legacy 12-valve 5.9L or a modern Tier 4 Final 6.7L, these engines are designed for the high-impact demands of aggregate and earthmoving applications. At Choate Performance, we build our Kawasaki long blocks to specific industrial standards, utilizing Rear Gear Train (RGT) architecture and 24-volt electrical systems to ensure a true drop-in replacement.

5.9L / 6.7LDisplacement
12v & 24vConfigurations
24-VoltElectrical System
FGT & RGTGear Train Options

Identify Your Generation

Matching your machine to the correct engine displacement and emission tier is the first step in a successful replacement. Kawasaki transitioned from the 5.9L platform to the high-torque 6.7L during the ZV series update.

Kawasaki Model Years Engine Model Valve Count Emission Tier
70Z-II / 70Z-III / 70ZIV 1986–2000 Cummins 6BTA / B5.9-C 12-Valve (Mechanical) Tier 1 / 2
70ZV 2001–2008 Cummins QSB5.9 (Electronic) 24-Valve (FGT) Tier 2
70ZV-2 / 70TMV-2 2008–2014 Cummins QSB6.7 (Electronic) 24-Valve (RGT) Tier 3
70Z7 / 80Z7 (Early) 2014–2015 Cummins QSB6.7 (Electronic) 24-Valve (RGT) Tier 4 Interim
70Z7 / 80Z7 (Late) 2016–Present Cummins QSB6.7 (Electronic) 24-Valve (RGT) Tier 4 Final

The Choate "Daily Driver" Build

We don't just rebuild engines; we re-engineer them. Every Kawasaki long block is built with these premium upgrades as standard features:

Precision Machining

  • Full CNC Blueprinting Included
  • Precision Crank Balancing Included
  • Line Boring & Decking Included

High-Load Hard Parts

  • Heavy Duty Head Studs Standard
  • Upgraded Valve Seats Standard
  • Industrial Gasket Sets Standard

Machine Compatibility

Find your replacement engine based on your machine's model and serial number prefix.

Modern 6.7L Loaders

  • 70ZV-2 (Serial Prefix 70C5) T3
  • 70Z7 (Tier 4 Interim) T4I
  • 70Z7 (Tier 4 Final) T4F
  • 80Z7 (High Torque 6.7L) T4F
  • 70TMV-2 (Task Master) T3

Legacy 5.9L Loaders

  • 70ZV (Serial Prefix 70C4) QSB5.9
  • 70ZIV (Mechanical) B5.9-C
  • 70Z-II / 70Z-III 6BTA

Serial Identification

  • 359 Cubic Inches 5.9L
  • 408 Cubic Inches 6.7L
  • 24-Volt Electrical ALL
  • Rear Gear Train (RGT) 24V MODELS
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Verify Before You Buy: ESN & CPL

To ensure 100% compatibility, we require two specific numbers from your engine. Always check the Engine Data Plate, located on the top rocker cover or the side of the gear housing, for your ESN and CPL.

Missing your engine data plate? The ESN can be found stamped directly into the engine block casting.

Troubleshooting & Fault Codes

Dealing with Code 559 (Rail Pressure), Code 2372 (Filter Restriction), or Code 1922 (DPF High Pressure)? We've put together a comprehensive guide for both mechanical and electronic Kawasaki engines.

READ THE TECH GUIDE

Stop Losing Money to Downtime

Restore your loader's breakout force and reliability with a Choate Daily Driver long block. Built to outlast and outperform OEM replacements.


View Inventory & Pricing

Speak with a Kawasaki Specialist: 901-553-9847