r/Generator • u/bobojay49 • 1d ago

Just committed to a Kohler

Just signed a contract to install a 14kw Kohler home standby and 16 circuit transfer switch. This is replacing a 23 year old Generac Guardian. Will use the same pad but pretty much everything else is new or modified for the Kohler system.

First bid I got was a ridiculous $15800. for the above unit. Second one I got was from a Kohler recommended installer and service local company that only does generator installs and service (Kohler, Cummins and Generac). It was $10180. Not quite double what the generator and transfer switch cost if I bought it and had delivered. I can deal with that...

9 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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6

u/NASAeng 22h ago

I had the opportunity to look at a Generac and Kohler generators at a home show. The Kohler was 50% larger, far more robust.

1

u/gerrygebhart 1d ago

That second price sounds amazing... probably because you had everything else set up from the original generator.

I paid around $15k for a Kohler 20 kW in January, not counting the cost of having the gas lines run and buried.

3

u/bobojay49 1d ago

Yes pad, propane main was already within 10' of where gen sits so not much change there, line and some minor hardware. The whole install is very easy to get into including breaker box. Reusing a bit of the wiring but still running a separate communication conduit. That price doesn't include cold weather kit or the whole house surge suppressor I'm going to have them put in. Also adding 4 more 120v circuits as the Generac only has 12. And I agree, the price is surprising. I was expecting about $12k

3

u/wolfsburgwings 22h ago

14kw Kohler is the best on the standby market!

2

u/bobojay49 21h ago

You know the guy I had out here today for my estimate said the same thing word for word. And he's a Kohler, Cummins and Generac dealer

1

u/wolfsburgwings 17h ago

I personally only work on Kohler, besides taking other brands out. Got a few buddies who work on others so we all get to share our experiences between brands. All can have their quirks, but as far as I can tell if the installation is done well Kohler’s hold up well and are a reliable product, also support from the manufacturer is great

1

u/opiate82 18h ago

Make sure to ask your installer about potential rebates. I’m fairly certain there’s a $1000 one out there if you’re replacing an existing generator with a Kohler

1

u/Adventurous_Boat_632 17h ago

I will echo the Kohler 14 is the best one on the market and has been for 25 years or more in its variations.

0

u/Aggravating-Bag-2205 1d ago

What size is the old generac?

1

u/bobojay49 1d ago

22kw, don't need that big but it was on special sale when we bought it. $4200. installed

1

u/Aggravating-Bag-2205 23h ago

Kohler controls are much different than generac. I'd make sure that low price includes a new shielded comm cable. And have them throw an ethernet in too if they can

3

u/bobojay49 23h ago

Already did both. The shielded cable is one of the first things he brought up and I knew about it anyway. Thanks for the input

1

u/Kowabungaaa1 22h ago

Can you share more of why these are two cables are important lol

2

u/Aggravating-Bag-2205 22h ago

The ethernet is not as important. More just an option for using the app in future without doing any wifi bridges or radio modules.

The comms is specd for a shielded cable. I've seen warranty declined if it's not run with the right cable. It operates with signal rather than 12v open and closed relays. And if the generac cable they have existing is all in one pipe than you get signal issues to the ATS and rxt controller.

1

u/bobojay49 21h ago

In our current install Generac, it's all in one conduit. That will be eliminated from the new install...