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Reviews For: Kohler 20KW RESC Generator

Category: Emergency/Portable Power: generators, solar, wind, thermal, etc

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Review Summary For : Kohler 20KW RESC Generator
Reviews: 3MSRP: 4,409.00
Description:
Our most popular generators for backup power provide award-
winning reliability and performance. When you lose power
during an outage or storm, a hard-working 14/20 kW KOHLER®
generator keeps your appliances working, the heat or AC
running and your security system on. PowerBoost™ technology
provides power to start large loads such as central air
conditioners without dropping power to other appliances
Extraordinary peak motor-starting capacity: 20RESC at 41kVA
at 240V
Premium power quality delivers exceptional digital voltage
and frequency regulation along with low levels of harmonic
distortion to protect sophisticated electronics
Powered by reliable KOHLER Command PRO® engine, designed
and tested for tough commercial applications; with
hydraulic valve lifters to eliminate need for lengthy
break-in periods and expensive valve adjustments; operation
speed is 3600 rpm (the standard for air-cooled generators)
Compatible with optional OnCue® Plus and OnCue® Plus
Wireless Generator Management Systems, and Programmable
Interface Module (PIM)
Also compatible with Load Control Module (LCM) or Load Shed
kit with single-phase generators only
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.kohlergenerators.com/home-generators/products/20RESC
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0034.3
K8EZB Rating: 2021-03-25
OK but issues Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is our second Kohler generator at our secondary residence since 2008. The first one (17KW) failed massively after 10 years, with little actual run time (more exercise time than run time) and never anywhere near max rated load. The generator itself was the culprit and repair cost estimate was close to the cost of a complete new generator system, so we went with new, a 14 KW Kohler in this series, and utilized the existing transfer switch and wiring/plumbing. We opted to add the OnCue remote monitoring system which allows remote monitoring of generator status via a computer/phone app. This has been a mixed blessing. When it works, its great, however it is down frequently apparently due mainly to messy utility power interruptions which make a reboot of the OnCue transceivers necessary, and this involves a 5 hr round trip to the house if we are not there when it fails . Overall, these systems have never left us with a potential freeze up situation (the main reason for the gen is to keep the heat on in winter) but have been a PITA with the frequent minor issues.
Our principal residence has a 45KW Eaton Cutler Hammer gen which has soldiered on for 13 years without a hiccup, including powering us through an 8 day outage resulting from an ice storm. Both houses are in states with utility power reliability of a third world country, and this likely complicates matters. But then, that's why its called an "emergency" generator - has to work when you need it!


N9CHM Rating: 2021-03-25
Excellent Backup Power Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I had a Kohler 20KW RESC and RXT Auto transfer switch professionally installed 10 months ago. A local Kohler dealer did the initial start up in order to get the full 5 yr warranty. We have an all electric home with a Water Furnace GeoThermal system (3+ ton) for AC/Heat. The Kohler can run the whole house, it does a weekly self-test to monitor proper working condition. We've had several small power outages, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, since installation. It only takes 15-20 seconds to provide power after the grid goes down. I chose Kohler over other brands since it can handle larger gauge wire than other brands (I used 1/0 copper, it delivered 242V to the Auto transfer switch, 36' from the GEN)  and uses a metal wire distribution terminal (as opposed to plastic on other brands). My wife and I are very happy with the Kohler 20KW as it provides seamless power when needed, not to mention it will run my station at full legal power as well.

UPDATE: Going on 4 1/2 yrs now, the Kohler has been flawless, only doing routine oil/air filter maintenance. The super cold snap last month got the temps down to zero, and below freezing for 10 days. Only lost power for 5hrs, but the Kohler did great when the temp was zero. Physics lesson for all the Nerds in class! Propane vapor pressure needed for a 20KW Kohler Generator= 340,000 BTU/hr, Propane vapor pressure of a 500 gallon tank at 0 degrees F=300,000 BTU/hr, Propane vapor pressure of a 1000 gallon tank at 0 degrees F=540,000 BTU/hr And this is why I installed a 1000g LP tank, just in case of a power failure during zero degree weather.
AC4R Rating: 2017-12-24
Top Shelf Kohler 20KW Generator Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Installed a Kohler 20KW RESD Natural Gas Generator in November of 17. This will eaisly run the house with a 10kw headroom including radios and Amp. Auto transfer starts gen and restores power in less than 10 seconds. The price is not bad but add the install required for warranty coverage and the price can double or triple. $12K total for simple installation close to main panel and gas line.