Kohler Marine Generators

The Kohler Brand of Marine Generators

Kohler marine generators have become very popular, more so than their other generators. This is due in part to increased designs to lower emission levels and increase efficiency. With good features like Fast Response™ voltage regulators, a four cycle engine, and aluminum sound shielding panels that are less likely to corrode. Kohler marine generators also come with a transferable 5 year warranty that comes in handy when selling or trading boats. Other features like automatic shutdown for certain conditions, helps make Kohler marine generators worth purchasing.

Types of Kohler Marine Generators

Kohler offers gasoline, diesel, and special low CO Emission generators that vary in frequency, power, and engines. Kohler diesel marine generators vary come in 50 Hz and 60 Hz. The 50 Hz diesel model ranges from 3.5 kW to 125 kW wattage ratings with engines designed by Yanmar and John Deere. The 60 Hz diesel model ranges from 4 kW to 150 kW. Kohler gasoline marine generators also come in 50 Hz and 60 Hz. The 50 Hz gasoline model has wattage ratings ranging from 4 kW to 16 kW with engines from Kawasaki and Ford. The 60 Hz gasoline model also has similar engine manufacturers but higher wattage ratings between 5 kW and 20 kW. Kohler also offers a new Low CO Generator with a 5kW and 7.3 kW wattage rating. The Low CO Generators reduces emission of CO levels from other models by 99% and meet EPA and CARB standards. All Kohler generators come with some standard features but lack other useful features which come as option add ons. This is where Kohler generators lack a little. Optional add-ons that should be added to standard ones include remote digital gauges, sea water strainers, and sound shields.

Kohler Marine Generator Issues

Kohler has had some major issues with some of their marine generators. Kohler loss a lawsuit because of cheap design on the company's part which could have contributed to possible deaths. The faulty part was a black iron exhaust that deteriorated from the inside while looking normal on the outside. This could have lead to increased CO buildup leading to CO poisoning and death. Initial generator designs called for a brass exhaust tube costing $8 more but denied by Kohler. Kohler has started a voluntary replacement of gasoline generators manufactured from 1950 to 1989. The replacement consists of replacing the iron exhaust with a solid steel exhaust pipe. For more information on model numbers and contact information, visit Kohler's Marine Exhaust Pipe Replacement Program