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Whole home generator experts - Kohler 30kw vs Briggs 35kw vs. Cummins 30kw?
Posted on 10/24/20 at 10:53 am
Posted on 10/24/20 at 10:53 am
I’m considering installing one of these units sometime soon.
I like that the Briggs has a 4.3L V6 but have also read really good things about the 2.2L 4 cylinder Kohler unit.
Both would adequately power my house.
I have some concern that the turbocharged 4 cylinder may have some issues down the line that wouldn’t be prevalent with the GM V-6.
Conversely, I like that the Kohler has smaller dimensions and is quieter.
Any feedback on those familiar with long term ownership of either?
All would be bought, serviced, and installed by someone I trust.
I like that the Briggs has a 4.3L V6 but have also read really good things about the 2.2L 4 cylinder Kohler unit.
Both would adequately power my house.
I have some concern that the turbocharged 4 cylinder may have some issues down the line that wouldn’t be prevalent with the GM V-6.
Conversely, I like that the Kohler has smaller dimensions and is quieter.
Any feedback on those familiar with long term ownership of either?
All would be bought, serviced, and installed by someone I trust.
This post was edited on 10/24/20 at 10:31 pm
7
Posted on 10/24/20 at 11:36 am to Politiceaux
No knowledge of either. When I see Briggs...I walk away.
Posted on 10/24/20 at 2:34 pm to Politiceaux
Kohler all the way. It’s a superior engine
Posted on 10/24/20 at 3:38 pm to Politiceaux
I had a 30KW cummins at my last house for 4 years. Perfect service during that time.
Very quiet operation; it was about as loud as an air conditioner compressor.
I would buy again.
Very quiet operation; it was about as loud as an air conditioner compressor.
I would buy again.
Posted on 10/24/20 at 3:47 pm to CoachChappy
quote:Thanks. What makes the Kohler 4 cylinder superior to the GM V-6, in your view?
Kohler all the way. It’s a superior engine
Posted on 10/24/20 at 3:48 pm to ruzil
quote:Thanks. One of the service guys is really high on that unit.
I had a 30KW cummins at my last house for 4 years. Perfect service during that time. Very quiet operation; it was about as loud as an air conditioner compressor. I would buy again.
Posted on 10/24/20 at 4:33 pm to Politiceaux
I am a Onan/Cummins guy, so if you can spring for one of theirs (water cooled only) you will not be disappointed.
If I have to pick between Briggs and Kohler, I would go Kohler.
I currently have a 70s vintage Onan 30 EK, bullet proof unit even with its age. Runs a basic Ford inline 6, parts available at any autoparts store. Onlything Onan I buy is anything for the controls side / generator end side.
If I have to pick between Briggs and Kohler, I would go Kohler.
I currently have a 70s vintage Onan 30 EK, bullet proof unit even with its age. Runs a basic Ford inline 6, parts available at any autoparts store. Onlything Onan I buy is anything for the controls side / generator end side.
This post was edited on 10/24/20 at 4:36 pm
Posted on 10/24/20 at 5:10 pm to CoachChappy
quote:
Kohler all the way
This
Posted on 10/24/20 at 5:26 pm to td1
quote:
I am a Onan/Cummins guy, so if you can spring for one of theirs (water cooled only) you will not be disappointed. If I have to pick between Briggs and Kohler, I would go Kohler.
Thanks. I don’t have to pick between Briggs and Kohler, that’s just where I am right now. The Cummins is a little cheaper than the other two in the quote I have. I’m waiting to hear back from two other guys.
quote:This is the big appeal of the Briggs to me right now - it runs a GM Vortec V-6. Obviously a common vehicle engine that should make for simple repairs for a long time.
I currently have a 70s vintage Onan 30 EK, bullet proof unit even with its age. Runs a basic Ford inline 6, parts available at any autoparts store. Onlything Onan I buy is anything for the controls side / generator end side.
Totally open minded, though. Want to make the best decision when spending this much money.
Posted on 10/25/20 at 9:50 am to Politiceaux
Had two GM 4.3 engines go bad ,will never buy another one
Posted on 10/25/20 at 10:50 am to GBFINC
quote:
Had two GM 4.3 engines go bad ,will never buy another one
I had a 4.3 in a '98 Blazer. The engine gave me no problems, the rest of the car did.
Posted on 10/25/20 at 11:18 am to Politiceaux
Another factor to consider: Briggs & Stratton just emerged from a bankruptcy reorganization, and is now owned by a private equity firm (KPS Capital Partners).
Posted on 10/25/20 at 12:24 pm to Unobtanium
quote:Thank you. I didn’t realize that.
Another factor to consider: Briggs & Stratton just emerged from a bankruptcy reorganization, and is now owned by a private equity firm (KPS Capital Partners).
Posted on 10/25/20 at 1:44 pm to Politiceaux
One good thing on the larger units is the use of regular industrial engines and generator ends. Even in the worst case situation there are tons of aftermarket control units for each. Probably more than you want to deal with but I know a few people that have scrapped the OEM controls for cheaper off the shelf controllers vs buying the higher dollar OEM replacements when they had problems. Not simple but doable vs trying to accomplish the same on one of the small air cooled units.
That Vortec V6 is a reliable industrial engine overall. They are a hell of a lot more efficient than the older inline 6s they used to use. I know my in-line 6 sucks down the natural gas. One of my friends has a Koehler with the vortec. Never checked but I would bet he burns a lot less than I do.
That Vortec V6 is a reliable industrial engine overall. They are a hell of a lot more efficient than the older inline 6s they used to use. I know my in-line 6 sucks down the natural gas. One of my friends has a Koehler with the vortec. Never checked but I would bet he burns a lot less than I do.
Posted on 10/25/20 at 10:37 pm to Politiceaux
Kohler or Onan/Cummings. Onan and Kohler both were big in marine/commercial applications. Keeping a ship full of expensive fish cold required great reliability. Over the years Onan's quality and profits went down. That's when Cummings bought Onan and is restoring quality.
Kohler has a better service availability in Louisiana.
Also Kohler's housing is rated at 181 mph. It does no good to have a generator for hurricanes if it loses it's cover and gets soaked.
So Kohler.
Kohler has a better service availability in Louisiana.
Also Kohler's housing is rated at 181 mph. It does no good to have a generator for hurricanes if it loses it's cover and gets soaked.
So Kohler.
This post was edited on 10/25/20 at 10:38 pm
Posted on 10/26/20 at 7:26 am to Swazla
quote:Thank you. You bring up a good point about service availability. There are two in my area who service cummins, but only one that I really like a lot. There are several with Kohler. Both housings are rated for 180 MPH.
Kohler has a better service availability in Louisiana. Also Kohler's housing is rated at 181 mph. It does no good to have a generator for hurricanes if it loses it's cover and gets soaked. So Kohler.
Posted on 10/26/20 at 7:27 am to td1
quote:Good to know. The Cummins OEM controllers seem quite pricey.
Probably more than you want to deal with but I know a few people that have scrapped the OEM controls for cheaper off the shelf controllers vs buying the higher dollar OEM replacements when they had problems. Not simple but doable vs trying to accomplish the same on one of the small air cooled units.
Posted on 10/26/20 at 12:15 pm to Politiceaux
(no message)
This post was edited on 1/11/21 at 12:57 pm
Posted on 10/26/20 at 4:50 pm to td1
quote:
I am a Onan/Cummins guy, so if you can spring for one of theirs (water cooled only) you will not be disappointed.
Genset I am fixing to have installed is a 24KW with a Kohler water cooled engine. Know anything about them?
Posted on 10/26/20 at 9:55 pm to fishfighter
quote:Very good unit. I’m going 30 since it’s not much more expensive. A 24 could handle my house, though.
Genset I am fixing to have installed is a 24KW with a Kohler water cooled engine. Know anything about them?
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