Kohler · KD Series (Industrial Diesel)

New

Kohler KD1250-4

1250 kW standby / 1130 kW prime · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1250 kW EPA Tier 4 Final diesel industrial standby generator. Dual-certified (emergency and non-emergency) for mission-critical and prime power applications.

Kohler KD1250-4 — product photo
Standby power
1250 kW / 1130 kW prime
Voltage options
277/480V
Frequency / Phase
60 Hz · 3-phase
Engine
Kohler KD36V16 · 36L
EPA / Emissions
Tier 4 Final
Alternator
Kohler KH05520TO4D
data-centerhealthcareindustrial-heavycommercialgovernmentmission-critical

Overview#

The Kohler KD1250-4 is a 1250-kilowatt EPA Tier 4 Final diesel industrial generator from Kohler's KD Series platform. The -4 designation indicates Tier 4 Final emissions compliance with dual certification for both emergency standby and non-emergency (prime power) applications. This makes the KD1250-4 suitable for installations where air quality district rules require Tier 4 compliance or where continuous/prime duty is needed. The KD Series uses Kohler-designed engines and permanent-magnet pilot exciter alternators.

KD Series platform#

The KD Series is Kohler's large industrial diesel generator line, covering 800 to 4000 kW. Designed for mission-critical facilities, every KD Series unit carries UL 2200 listing and meets NFPA 110 Level 1 requirements when equipped with the necessary accessories. Hurricane-rated enclosures with 186 mph wind load ratings are available across the platform.

Our service experience#

OnPoint Generators provides installation, maintenance, and emergency service for Kohler KD Series generators throughout Northern California. Tier 4 Final units require additional aftertreatment system maintenance, including DEF management and DPF regeneration monitoring, which our technicians handle as part of comprehensive PM programs.

Engineering specifications

Acoustic

Sound @ 7m, full load
97 dBA
Enclosure
Open

Photos

Kohler KD1250-4 — product photo

Documents & downloads

Spec sheets & manuals

Request a quote

Get pricing & lead time on the Kohler KD1250-4

Tell us about the application — kW, voltage, application, install timeline — and we'll respond within one business day with budgetary pricing, lead time, and any sizing notes.

Estimate runtime for the Kohler KD1250-4

Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.

Estimate runtime on this tank

Estimated runtime

3.0 hours(0.1 days)

Fuel consumption ≈ 67.50 GPH at 75% load. Estimate based on industry-typical 1800 RPM standby curves (≈0.07 GPH/kW at full load). Actual consumption varies by engine, ambient temperature, fuel quality, and tuning.

Service intervals

Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Kohler KD1250-4 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.

Oil & filter
Every 500 hours or 12 months
Coolant change
Every 6000 hours
Air filter
Every 1000 hours
Fuel filter
Every 500 hours
Major overhaul
20,000 hours
Load bank test
Every 12 months

Common failure modes

What we've seen fail on this platform. Use as a service-planning reference, not a diagnostic — actual failure modes depend heavily on duty cycle and maintenance history.

ComponentSymptomTypical hoursSeverity
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)Regen warning, back-pressure fault, power derate4,380+moderate
DEF system (SCR catalyst)Derate warning, NOx fault, DEF quality alert4,380+moderate
Fuel quality / degradationInjector fouling, hard starting, black smoke under load4,380+moderate
TurbochargerPower loss, excessive exhaust smoke, oil at turbo seals15,000+moderate
Cooling system (hoses / thermostat)Overtemperature fault, coolant loss, high EGT10,000+moderate
Battery (starting)Slow crank, failed exercise, low voltage alarm8,760+minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standby rating of the Kohler KD1250-4?
Per the Kohler spec sheet, the KD1250-4 is rated at 1250 kW / 1562 kVA standby and 1130 kW / 1412 kVA prime continuous at 0.8 power factor, 60 Hz, 1800 RPM.
Is the Kohler KD1250-4 EPA Tier 4 certified?
Yes. The KD1250-4 is EPA Tier 4 Final certified with dual certification for both stationary emergency and stationary non-emergency applications, making it suitable for prime power duty where air quality regulations require Tier 4 compliance.
What alternator type does the KD1250-4 use?
The KD1250-4 uses a brushless, permanent-magnet pilot exciter alternator — Kohler's standard for the KD Series large industrial diesel platform.

Similar models

Kohler KD1250-A backup generator

Kohler

New

Kohler KD1250-A

1.3 MW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1250 kW diesel industrial standby generator. KD Series platform for data centers, healthcare, and large commercial facilities.

Tier 23-phasedata-centerhealthcare
Kohler 1250REOZMD backup generator

Kohler

New

Kohler 1250REOZMD

1.3 MW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1280 kW diesel industrial generator powered by Mitsubishi. Mission-critical standby for data centers, hospitals, and large commercial facilities.

Tier 23-phasedata-centerhealthcare
Kohler KD1350 backup generator

Kohler

New

Kohler KD1350

1.4 MW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1350 kW diesel industrial standby generator. Mid-range KD Series platform for data centers, healthcare, and large commercial applications.

Tier 23-phasedata-centerhealthcare
Kohler 1250ROZMC backup generator

Kohler

New

Kohler 1250ROZMC

1.1 MW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1120 kW diesel 1500 RPM non-certified industrial generator powered by Mitsubishi. Mission-critical standby for data centers, hospitals, and large commercial facilities.

3-phasedata-centerhealthcare
Kohler KD1000 backup generator

Kohler

New

Kohler KD1000

1 MW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1000 kW diesel industrial standby generator. Megawatt-class KD Series unit for data centers, hospitals, and mission-critical infrastructure.

Tier 23-phasedata-centerhealthcare
Kohler KD1500 backup generator

Kohler

New

Kohler KD1500

1.5 MW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled

1500 kW diesel industrial standby generator. KD Series platform for data centers, healthcare, and mission-critical infrastructure.

Tier 23-phasedata-centerhealthcare

Need service or parts for the Kohler KD1250-4?

We service every major OEM and stock genuine parts for the most common models.