The Kohler 26RCA is rated at 26 kW on propane and 24 kW on natural gas. Use the fuel-specific rating, starting requirements and exact transfer package when assessing a quote for your home.
Kohler 26RCA questions answered: sizing, cost, fuel and maintenance
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Kohler 26RCA Specifications (Manufacturer Data)
| Specification | Kohler 26RCA | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rated output, natural gas | 24 kW | 1, 2 |
| Rated output, propane (LP) | 26 kW | 1, 2 |
| Engine | Kohler CH1006 V-twin, 999 cc | 1 |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 47 × 26.0 × 32.3 in (1193 × 660 × 820 mm) | 1 |
| Weight | 670 lb (304 kg) shipping weight, generator set; 681.7 lb with 200 A RXT service-entrance ATS | 1 |
| Sound level | 56 dB(A) during engine exercise; 67 dB(A) full-speed operation (at 23 ft / 7 m) | 1 |
| Natural gas use, ½ load / full load | 180 / 290 ft³/hr (60 Hz) | 1 |
| Propane use, ½ load / full load | 85 / 129 ft³/hr (60 Hz) | 1 |
| Line circuit breaker | 110 A | 1 |
| Transfer switch options | Optional Kohler Model RXT or RDT automatic transfer switch, with load-shed kit and power relay modules available; 26RCAL package includes a 200 A service-entrance-rated RXT | 1 |
| Warranty | Premium 5-year/2,000-hour limited standby warranty (parts, labor and travel); 7-year and 10-year limited warranties optional | 1, 2 |
| Starting MSRP (Kohler product page) | $7,546 | 2 |
Kohler's product page lists a 625 lb weight; the specification sheet gives 670 lb shipping weight. The table uses the dated April 2026 specification sheet.
What the size and fuel figures mean for installation
Kohler says the 26RCA can be placed as close as 18 inches from a home, citing NFPA guidance for clearance to combustible materials, and tells buyers to check state and local codes; the sheet also offers 3 in and 4 in concrete mounting pads and notes its dimensions are for reference, not installation planning. On propane, 85 ft³/hr at half load converts to about 2.34 gal/hr using Kohler's own factor of 36.39 ft³ per gallon, or roughly 168 gallons over a 72-hour outage (our arithmetic). See the propane tank sizing guide. (Source: 1.)
Specification sources, checked October 3, 2026:
Does it fit your backup plan?
Have the installer identify the loads that can operate together, starting requirements and any managed appliances. House area alone does not answer these questions. Use the sizing guide to prepare the load list and ask how the selected fuel changes the proposal.
Request a comparison between the intended simultaneous loads and any proposed load-management approach. A lower equipment price is less useful if the resulting operating restrictions do not suit the household.
Kohler 26RCA vs. Generac 26 kW
The current Generac 7327 also lists 24 kW on natural gas and 26 kW on propane. Equal continuous ratings do not establish equal starting performance, installed cost or reliability. Generac 7327 reference.
Read the Generac 26 kW model guide and Generac vs. Kohler comparison. Compare exact packages and local service arrangements before choosing a brand.
What should the quote include?
Ask for the generator ordering code, transfer equipment, load controls, site preparation, electrical work, fuel work, permits and commissioning. Require inclusions and exclusions in writing. Use the quote comparison worksheet to compare proposals on equal terms.
Keep equipment price, installed cost and ongoing maintenance separate. A dealer’s final price can reflect customization and site requirements that a product-page MSRP cannot capture.
Maintenance and ownership
Use the Kohler maintenance guide to see why oil-service intervals must be matched to the model and manual. Confirm the applicable revision with your dealer and keep the documentation after installation.
This is a document-based buying guide. We have not independently tested this model or measured a population-level failure rate. For broader model selection, return to the Kohler brand guide or the whole-house buying shortlist.
How should you read the motor-starting specification?
The 26RCA motor-starting figure describes a different requirement from continuous kW output. Ask the installer to compare the relevant starting event, existing running loads and allowable voltage dip. A central-air sizing assessment should identify the actual compressor rather than infer compatibility from AC tonnage.