Economical Generator Sets with Kofo and Quartz Engines

Not every generator project starts with the same priority. For a hospital or data centre, the engine make is written into the specification by name and is not up for discussion. For a workshop, warehouse, farm, apartment block or construction site, on the other hand, the real question is: which set will run reliably, be easy to maintain and fit the budget? Our Kofo and Quartz engine sets are among the first options that answer this question. In this article we introduce the two series and explain when they are the right choice and what to look at during selection.

Two series, one approach

In both series, the engine is assembled by Terex Diesel into a generator set together with a TA series alternator, control panel, base frame and, optionally, a canopy. The model code shows this structure: in the code TRX QZ TA 0100, QZ stands for the engine (Quartz), TA for the alternator, and the last four digits for the power of the set in kVA. Codes for Kofo sets start with TRX KF TA.

	Quartz engine sets	Kofo engine sets
Standby power range (in our range)	25–400 kVA	25–550 kVA
Model code	TRX QZ TA …	TRX KF TA …
Standard alternator	TA series	TA series
Application	Residential, commercial, agriculture, small and medium industry	From small ratings to medium-large industrial loads

Quartz is an economical, quality engine brand produced in Korea. Kofo offers a wide engine family extending from small ratings up to 550 kVA, so different power requirements can be met within the same series. In the Kofo series, two different engine options with 4 and 6 cylinders are available at the 110 kVA rating.

TA alternator and standard equipment

An economical set should not mean a set with compromised equipment. On our Kofo and Quartz sets:

• TA series alternators are brushless, work with an automatic voltage regulator (AVR), have 100% copper windings and class H insulation.
• An engine block heater and an automatic battery charger are standard; even if the set stands idle for a long time, it is ready to start at the first attempt.
• The control panel contains the controller required for automatic operation (starting when the mains fails); an ATS panel is supplied with the set on request.
• Canopied versions are built with sound insulation suited to outdoor conditions and noise limits.

For more information on alternator options, see our article generator alternator brands compared.

When is it the right choice?

Economical sets stand out in the following projects:

• Standby use: sets that cut in during mains outages and run a limited number of hours a year. Residential complexes, shops, offices, schools.
• Small and medium industry with a limited budget: the basic electricity needs of facilities such as workshops, warehouses, cold stores and agricultural irrigation.
• Projects needing many sets: if sets are to be installed at several sites at once, the total investment becomes decisive.
• Construction sites and temporary use: sets that will move to another site at the end of the project.

When should another engine make be considered?

For a balanced assessment, we recommend also considering makes such as Perkins, Cummins or Volvo Penta in the following cases:

• If the specification requires a particular engine make: in tenders and public projects, the brand requirement is decisive.
• If the set will run abroad in a remote region: the engine manufacturer’s authorised service network and parts stock in that country become important.
• If very high power is needed: above 550 kVA, the other engine makes in our range come into play.
• At critical facilities: at sites such as hospitals and data centres where an outage is not acceptable, the selection should be made together with the system design.

Our article generator engine brands compared compares the makes by origin, power range and service.

Five questions to ask during selection

1. How many kVA are really needed? This should be calculated with the load list and starting currents; the power calculator gives a first estimate.
2. How much will the set run? Standby or continuous? The standby and prime power on the data sheet are read according to this question.
3. Where will it be installed? In an enclosed room or outdoors? Outdoors, a canopied set is preferred.
4. Who will maintain it? Access to filters and consumables is important for regular maintenance.
5. Is automatic operation needed? If so, the set is planned together with an ATS panel.

Maintenance and spare parts

On Kofo and Quartz engine sets, maintenance is planned by running hours and calendar, as with other diesel generators. We supply consumables such as oil, fuel and air filters with the set or later. For service intervals, see our article on generator service intervals.

Next step

The current model list and technical data are on our Kofo engine and Quartz engine generator pages. If you tell us the power you need, the type of use and the installation location, we can determine the right series and model for your project together.