backup genset

I've finally decided after 12 years in the country to install or have installed a 20KW backup generator since we've dodged a bullet in a close by tornado this spring that knocked out power for three days just up the road from us and the recent ice storms that went through. I've narrowed the choices down to either a Generac Guardian series or Kohler 20RES w/RDT-200 ASE ATS both are entrance ATS units. My questions are 1.Why does the Generac unit have a what appears to be a Kohler engine with solid valve lifters vs Kohlers hydraulic lifters? Also Kohler offers a plastic cover vs Generac's steel or aluminum option. Plastic vs metal I know UV can be an issue but we do get hail sometimes here. I would appreciate any thoughts you have please. Thanks! CT

We installed an 18000 kohler two years ago.It has a steel case,the generacs we saw had plastic.
We were told by generac that the plastic was better in areas near saltwater like the ocean.The kohler has a better reputation.I've seen several generacs for sale with problems. A family member has had problems with his 3 year old generac,something to do with cheap aluminum windings.

That's good to know, thanks!

Kohler is the 1st choice.

Generac used to be good but they cut costs and over rated the units higher than they should have for continuous use.

Generac gets ripped pretty heavily on here, but that"s not been my experience with them. I have an old 5k unit that has served us very well during hurricanes (run the well, window a/c and fridge, all have to be timed perfectly). I"ve got a local dealer that has always gotten me the few parts I"ve needed. Maybe the new stuff from them is not so good.

(reply to post at 17:11:42 10/10/11)

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I've had a Generac 15KW unit for several years, no problems.

15 kw Genrac House was new 5 years ago .. Have had three major like 6 or 7 day outages ..(ice storms) NO problems.. LP gas powered since we already had lp tank for standby heat. 20 k sounds like a real over kill

I have been a Generator Tech since 1968. Your best choice is Kohler. Good unit and a good company to deal with. People you can talk to if you need help. It may cost more up front. But it will be cheaper in the long run.

While Generac does have some good units. Most are junk. Quality is poor and the price for parts can be a real shocker. I was once given a price of 2500.00 dollars for a starter for a 25 KW unit. Factory support is none. If you are not a dealer they will not talk to you. Getting anyone to work on them can be a problem. I will not work on one since I have retired. Got fed up with getting chewed out by customers. Because their new Generac is not working. Go with the Kohler.

Not sure what you mean by plastic cover.

Got an old 4 cyl Kohler that the power plant cranks it...

Who makes the engines for GENERAC. I"ve heard
that they are now a division of Briggs & Stratten
What engines are on small ones,3 to 5 KW, and
bigger and bigger ones? Does anyone know?
Do any business"s use Generac for Backup?
Our hospital has Caterpillers!

Do you have a tractor? How about a PTO powered generator? All the dairies around here used to have Winpower units- seemed to work fine, and one less engine to buy (and keep running).

They use a mixture of engines. Briggs,Hino,Mitsubishi,Mazda,Nissan,Topaz, you never know what you are going to find. Yes companies do use them for backup units. Some have good luck some do not.Don't see them much around hospitals. Not reliable enough.

I know one hospital in Dallas with a One meg unit. They call it the maybe generator. Maybe it will start and maybe it will not.

Around the service world they are known as Genajunk.

Got a GEN SET out of a Motorhome 4 KW 4CM21 just for standby power. doesn't run hole house. just refer, freezer and a few lights. can heat with wood and have 8 cole oil lamps. It runs at 1800 RPM just above an idle. Love it. Traded for at junk yard. have $200. in it.

I had a 20 minute candid discussion with a Generac service engineer today that services our 350kw Generac plant genset and bear in mind his forte is large commercial units but he had some interesting insight for gensets in general.
(question one)failing to start issues:
(answer): We have found from commercial to residential units especially LP or NG that starting problems are usually caused by incorrect fuel supply installs. Always remember LP and NG vapor units are sized by BTUs not horsepower.
(Question two) The engine specs mimic the Kohler Command engine, is it the same?
(answer): I know the numbers look the same but no it is actually a Briggs based engine from the Vanguard series with Generac improvements.
After most of the conversation he was concerned that the unit I was told I needed will not be big enough since I have a 5T Geothermal furnace plus 3 baths and a 4 bedroom house. The reason is the aircooled engines have small flywheels at 3600rpm which puts a lot of strain on the connecting rods when power demands are instantaneous versus big mass flywheels like water cooled bigger block 4cyl. units running at 1800rpm. more $$$. There was a whole lot more conversation but my memory and typing is getting tired. You can tell he lives and sleeps backup generators he's been doing it since he graduated from college as a EE 28 years ago.I'm just trying to gather facts to make a somewhat intelligent decision. CT