Kato Engineering motor-generator (MG) sets offer many advantages over solid-state systems:

• Long life: 100,000 hours on the MG set before major overhauls. Components are standard and available. Many MG sets built by Kato have been running successfully for decades.
• Low maintenance cost: The equipment can be maintained by electricians and/or mechanics; no specialist is required. Also, on horizontal, single-shaft MG sets, there is no coupling, gear nor belt to wear out. Exciters are brushless; there are no commutators or brushes to replace.
• Low harmonic content on the input and output of the MG set from no load to full linear load.
• Low impedance for harmonics.
• High overload capability and a sustaining short circuit capability of 300% of nominal amps for 10 seconds.
• 1.0 power factor at the input without power factor correction.
• Simple, rugged construction for tolerance to voltage sags, spikes and noise, as well as complete isolation input to output.
• Gradual failure mechanisms (MG sets usually do not fail abruptly).
• Tolerance to heat, dust moisture and other environmental conditions.
• Built with the latest technology and backed by over 90 years of experience in building rotary MG sets

Solid state systems:

• Have a life that would typically be shorter than the rotary MG set: The electronic components that are essential to the static converter become obsolete faster than those on a rotary MG set.
• Will likely require an electrical expert for service: This expert will probably only be available from the manufacturer.
• Have harmonics on the input and output: harmonic filters may have to be added on the input and output, and this is normally quite costly.
• Are sensitive to voltage sags, spikes and noise and do not provide isolation input to output, which is obtained with an MG set.
• Have electronic components that are sensitive to heat, dust and moisture.
• Are not proven technology and are often supplied by relatively small companies with limited experience.