The Kohler KG80 is an 80-kilowatt commercial standby generator in the middle of Kohler's industrial gaseous lineup. It bridges the gap between the light-commercial KG60 and the larger KG100/KG125 units, serving medium commercial buildings where loads sit in the 50-70 kW range and on-site diesel storage is impractical or unwanted.
Common deployments: multi-tenant retail strips, boutique hotels, assisted living facilities, schools, houses of worship, and medium cold-storage operations. The 80 kW nameplate gives meaningful headroom over a 60 kW unit for motor-starting events and future load growth.
64 kW continuous at 80% loading (recommended standby maximum)
Motor starting up to 10 HP without soft-start
Step up to KG100 if your load study shows peak demand above 64 kW or you anticipate 20%+ load growth
The KG80 is the most popular choice when a KG60 is undersized by just enough to matter — typically because of a large HVAC compressor or elevator that the KG60 would struggle to start.
The KG80 is one of our most-serviced gaseous units. It hits the sweet spot for urban hotels and multi-tenant retail where gas service is reliable and the building owner wants to avoid diesel tanks. Service patterns mirror the KG60 — same KG6208 V8 architecture and same intervals — with the added attention required by the turbocharger and charge-air cooler (intercooler hose integrity, oil drain lines, post-shutdown idle).
The most common issue we resolve on KG80 platforms: ignition misfire that only manifests under load (not during no-load exercise). A standard-tier load bank test catches this before it matters during a real outage.
Engineering specifications
Physical
Length
138.8 in
Width
45.4 in
Height
65.5 in
Wet weight
2,948 lb
Acoustic
Sound @ 7m, full load
69 dBA
Enclosure
Sound-attenuated
Fuel system & runtime
BTU/hr @ full load
1,202,000
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Configure your Kohler KG80
Lock the enclosure, fuel system, transfer switch, and add-ons — we'll confirm pricing, availability, and lead time within one business day. Prefer a free-form quote? That option is still here.
Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.
Estimate runtime on this tank
Fuel demand at 75% load
840,000 BTU/hr≈ 840.0 cf/min @ 1,000 BTU/cf
On utility natural gas the runtime is generally unlimited provided the supply line and meter can deliver this BTU/hr at the engine's required inlet pressure (typically 5–14" WC residential, up to 5 psi commercial). Confirm against the OEM's published fuel-pressure spec.
Service intervals
Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Kohler KG80 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.
Oil & filter
Every 250 hours or 12 months
Coolant change
Every 4000 hours
Air filter
Every 1000 hours
Spark plugs
Every 1500 hours
Major overhaul
≈ 18,000 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.
Component
Symptom
Typical hours
Severity
Spark plugs / ignition coils
Misfire under load, hard starting, cylinder dropout codes
1,500+
minor
Crankcase ventilation system
Oil consumption, smoke at startup, breather oil drip
4,000+
moderate
Exhaust manifold gaskets
Exhaust leak at runtime, ticking sound, soot at flange
6,000+
moderate
Coolant hoses
Slow coolant loss, soft hose, weeping clamps
5,000+
minor
Battery (starting)
Slow crank, low voltage during exercise
8,760+
minor
Parts cross-reference
starting Battery
Group 31 (recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standby power rating of the Kohler KG80?
The KG80 is rated 80 kW standby (72 kW prime) at 60 Hz. It's the mid-range workhorse of the KG line, sized for medium commercial buildings, multi-tenant retail, and assisted living facilities.
Does the KG80 run on natural gas or propane?
Both. The KG80 is dual-fuel NG/LPG with field-selectable switching, like all KG-series units.
What engine is in the Kohler KG80?
The KG80 uses the Kohler KG6208TSD — a 6.2L V8 turbocharged and aftercooled spark-ignition engine running at 1800 RPM. The same KG6208 V8 platform is used across the entire KG40-KG125 line; KG40-KG60 are naturally aspirated, KG80 and up add the turbo-aftercooler. EPA-certified to 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart JJJJ for stationary emergency engines.
What ATS pairs with the KG80?
At 80 kW / 480V three-phase, a 150-200A ATS is typical. Common pairings: Kohler KCS Series, ASCO 300 Series, or Eaton ATC-300+. At 208V three-phase, plan for 300A.
How does the KG80 compare to the Generac SG100?
Both serve the 80-100 kW gaseous bracket. The KG80 uses Kohler's brushless rare-earth PM-excited alternator (Fast-Response) for short-circuit and nonlinear-load behavior. The Generac SG100 offers 20 kW more headroom. Decision typically comes down to local dealer support, controller/BMS integration, and install logistics.
60 kW commercial standby on NG/LP for retail, offices, and light commercial where diesel storage is impractical or prohibited.
60 kW gaseous-fueled commercial standby generator with Kohler 6.2L engine, EPA Subpart JJJJ certified for stationary emergency. Specs, service intervals, common failure modes, and compatible transfer switches.
53 kW commercial standby on NG/LP for retail, offices, and light commercial where diesel storage is impractical or prohibited.
53 kW gaseous-fueled commercial standby generator with Brushless Rare-Earth Permanent-Magnet alternator. Industrial gaseous unit for commercial backup on natural gas or propane.
