Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Kohler Home Generators

Does anyone have any real world experience with Kohler Home Gens? I’ve had Kohlers in several boats and they are pretty bullet proof. After hearing some unfavorable reports of reliability with Generac, I am strongly leaning towards a 20 kW Kohler. They reportedly outperform the Generac 22 kW Guardian series plus has a peak capacity that exceeds the Generac 22 kW gen.

The wait times for generators are horrendous at the moment (hardly surprising). Accordingly, I made a deposit a few weeks ago, so I have time to decide as my installer carries Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton.

Any ideas?

Of those three I would go with the Kohler from reports I've read about reliability issues with the other two. If I had my choice though, I would go with an Onan . They cost a bit more, but they have been making these things for RV's and other uses for a very long time and have them down pretty well by now. I used to install these when I was an electrical contractor and the Kohler's and Generac's were just reaching the market.. so all I know about them is anecdotal.

Have you considered what bells and whistles you are going to order with the unit? There are a couple I would strongly suggest you invest in - automatic exercising, oil level alarm, block heater, engine overtemp alarm, starting battery charging, remote start. Several of these options would require an automatic transfer switch for your install but I've always considered these options well worth the investment...

Bob

Those Germans up there in Wisconsin in the Sheboygan area not only make good sausage but they are pretty good at designing & making other things too.

I have about a 7 Kw LP Kohler Backup Generator as part of my solar electric system at my off-grid cabin in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I use it to condition my batteries, and during late grouse season and deer season when there's little sun it runs to charge the batteries about once every other day for two hours. Just sits there from the end of November to the 1st of May when I can't get in due to snow. I had it installed about 2010. Change the oil and filter each spring, and the battery once every 3-4 years. Never had a problem with it.

I have a 12 year old genrac 17kw whole house gen.Never one single problem with it.

I'd probably grab one of those solar trickle chargers for the battery for when you aren't there.

My 20KW Generac quit on day 6 of Laura aftermath, had to use gasoline generator for the next 18 days

I am a certified service tech on these unit and hands down without a doubt in my mind I would choose Kohler over Generac. The older series 1 generacs were great units. Last 7-8 years they have went downhill faster than an Olympic skier. Very few calls on Kohler. Sitting here waiting for this storm to hit and I know once it does i will get at least 4 calls on Generacs not starting.

100% Kihler. I have a 35KW.. Been running it for 13 years. Zero issues. Had to replace a transfer switch once (not a Kohler problem). Just ran 100 hrs straight ftom H. Ida. H. Gustav it ran 96 hrs straight. That big V8 engine just rolls! Runs 4 AC units, 4 freezers rest of house with no problem! You will pay on the front end, but I know of 4 friends who bought what the installer said and ended up with a Generwreck yard ornament in this storm. 98 degrees and 98% humidity is a beast with no AC for 4-5 days (or as they are telling some neighbors-6 WEEKS without power!!)

Of the three your only going to hear about people who have problems. When I have a rifle built I ask the gunsmith what barrel he likes. That’s what I use. I would do the same with my generator selection. Ask dealer, installers what they like.
I have the Generac 22 kw. It has only ran during one power outage that lasted 60+ hours. No problems.
Hasbeen

Kohler has been making a good unit for a long time. Check the KVA ratings of the units KW ratings can be a bit deceptive depending on power factor. Natural gas or diesel or gas driven? I know of several generac natural gas units that seem to do a good job.

Good luck and shoot straight y'all

What was wrong with it?

Just curious. What caused it? Generacs use oil and will shut down on low pressure but your engine is in trouble by then. I have a Generac 22KW that uses about a pint every 48 hours. With less than 2 quarts capacity and a 10 day power outage bad stuff can happen. My neighbor kept restarting his 17KW without adding oil and had to rebuild the engine. Mine is 4 years old and good so far. Kohler or Onan are probably better machines.

What about the Cummin/Onans?

Do you also service the Kubota diesel generators?

Thanks for this. It matches exactly with what I am being told by my electrician & generator guru. They love the new Generacs as it keeps them flush with expensive service calls. Great for the service technician, not so great for the homeowner.

Kohler!

Fuel mix valve

My only experience with Kohler is the 26hp engine in my Craftsman garden tractor. It's been run hard for 14 years and it's been bullet proof. I wish I could say that for the rest of the tractor.

I have a 22kw generac. That is at least 7 years old. Works great.