Not Impressed With Kohler Design

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

I install mostly Generac, but I’ve worked on Cummins and Kohler.

I installed a new Kohler the other day. Design is pretty sad from an installation standpoint.

First, manual looked like it was written by an 8 year old who was mad his mommy made him do his homework, so he did the least possible.

You have disassemble the entire housing in order to access the anchor points, and which time to lid is barely hanging on.

Worst part in my opinion, is the location of the electrical inlets. The only way that I can see to enter the unit, is with an LB and chase nipple, otherwise the lid won’t open all the way. Can’t come straight out with flex, for example.

It would get tricky if you use a preformed pad and have to come out tight to the unit, and then go over far enough to clear the pad.

You have to use a minimum of 2, and sometimes 3, conduits and entries. You can’t use the GenCable like Generac.

The design of the entire electrical compartment is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen. You can’t access your LB with the lid up, and you can’t access the electrical compartment with the lid closed. I’d like to slap whoever came up with that design. Feeding the conductors in is not fun.

And the placement of the main breaker is equally goofy. Its aimed the wrong direction so you can’t see what you’re doing.

I know they are good units and have a reputation, I’m not sure which is better. I’ve removed cummins and replaced with Generac because they had issues with Cummins and never had problems with Generac. I’ve had customers who can’t stand Generac and swear by Kohler.

I don’t drink corporate Kool-Aid, but Kohler should take some lessons from Generac on how to design a unit.

 

[LarryFine]

I’d like to slap whoever came up with that design.

 

[hillbilly1]

Generac is designed for a homeowner to install, so of course it is easier. That being said, all of the Kohlers I’ve installed, have been 30 kw or larger water cooled. The air cooled Cummins/Onan do have poor connection instructions, because apparently they use several different transferswitches. I’ve had a lot of Generac’s fail, but not one Cummins/Onan yet. Kohler seems to have some software issues, as the last one I did, they had to reprogram it. I’m putting in one of three right now, so I will see how the dealer start up goes.

 

[Birken Vogt]

I have installed dozens and never disassembled to access the anchor points. Used long extensions and a little fiddly to get started but it can be done.

I think the install manual is quite good but most just throw it away anyway.

For the electrical inlets, you use 90 degree flex fitting ends, not hard to do.

Yes you have to run 2 conduits.

I haven't had much trouble with landing the wires.

I install mostly Generac, but I’ve worked on Cummins and Kohler.

I installed a new Kohler the other day. Design is pretty sad from an installation standpoint.

First, manual looked like it was written by an 8 year old who was mad his mommy made him do his homework, so he did the least possible.

You have disassemble the entire housing in order to access the anchor points, and which time to lid is barely hanging on.

Worst part in my opinion, is the location of the electrical inlets. The only way that I can see to enter the unit, is with an LB and chase nipple, otherwise the lid won’t open all the way. Can’t come straight out with flex, for example.

It would get tricky if you use a preformed pad and have to come out tight to the unit, and then go over far enough to clear the pad.

You have to use a minimum of 2, and sometimes 3, conduits and entries. You can’t use the GenCable like Generac.

The design of the entire electrical compartment is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen. You can’t access your LB with the lid up, and you can’t access the electrical compartment with the lid closed. I’d like to slap whoever came up with that design. Feeding the conductors in is not fun.

And the placement of the main breaker is equally goofy. Its aimed the wrong direction so you can’t see what you’re doing.

I know they are good units and have a reputation, I’m not sure which is better. I’ve removed cummins and replaced with Generac because they had issues with Cummins and never had problems with Generac. I’ve had customers who can’t stand Generac and swear by Kohler.

I don’t drink corporate Kool-Aid, but Kohler should take some lessons from Generac on how to design a unit.

 

[rambojoe]

Ill suggest again, look into kubota units...