425 with the Robin Engine ... good/bad

FFC_Fencing · Nov 24, 2004

We now use 422's in our business. I have always thought the 425 would be a much better because of the cold starting problems that we've had with our 422's. We are in need of another PT and I called to order a 425 only to find that they now also had Robin engines. Have they solved the cold starting problems? Anyone out there have a new 425 with the Robin?

PowerTrom425 · Nov 24, 2004

Good morning Chuck,,,,,I have a 3 month old 425 with about 115 hours on it. I live in southern New Hampshire, and we've had a colder than normal fall, with morning temperatures on several occasions in the twenties. I have started the pt each morning even when now planning on using it just to check out the starting. Granted the twenties are just a hint of what's to come, but Henry has started up each time with a smile. I choke it fully, turn the engine over for 2 seconds, rest it for a half second, then turn it over again and she fires right up. I'm not sure if this is the best starting procedure, and I'm sure others will chime in with their 2 cents, but it works for me! Have a great Thanksgiving, and good luck with your purchase. Tom

Charlie_Iliff · Nov 24, 2004

As I recall, you and others got good results from the coil change on the Robin. Was that a short-lived fix?

stray · Nov 24, 2004

When I bought my 422 form Mckat, he said that it had cold starting problems until (under warranty) the STARTER was replaced with a larger one and the COIL was replaced with a larger one. My 422 has a 22 horse Robin.

MuncyBob · Nov 24, 2004

I've had some minor trouble starting on cold days...I may have the same problem as I have the same model/engine as you. Was this something you went through Power Trac on or through Robin?...I'll know for sure soon if I do indeed have a prolonged problem as ole man winter is knocking at the door! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

stray · Nov 24, 2004

The person I bought my 422 had this work done. This is what he wrote and I Quote.
"This tractor was purchased in January 2003. The tractor was equipped with one of the Robin engines plagued with cold weather starting problems. I contacted the local Robin Engine Distributor, Sullivan Brothers located in my home town of Downingtown, PA, to perform the warranty work. The work was completed by a competent shop and the tractor has no starting issues"

MossRoad · Nov 24, 2004

So far, no one with a PT425 with a Robin engine has reported any starting issues, or any other issues, for that matter, that I know of. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

PowerTrom425 · Nov 25, 2004

Chuck, I agree with MR. You can trust that if anyone was having problems with the new Robin engine on the 425's that it would have been discussed here, and more than likely solved! Now go put the turkey in the oven!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TanSprFarm · Nov 25, 2004

I had some concern with the Robin at first but I have had no problems at all. The weather is not cold enough to verify cold weather starting. I happened to be at a large rental yard near us a month or so ago. I noticed they were changing out a blown Honda engine with a Robin. (It was smaller than a 25 but I don't recall the horse power.) I asked about it and they said they have had better performance, parts availability,and longevity from the Robins. I have always had high regard for Honda but they swear by Robin.

pajoube · Nov 25, 2004

That's a high recommendation for Robin. I tested a 425 with the Robin engine while attending the 2003 Expo in Louisville. I would be hard pressed to tell any difference between the Kohler or Robin.
PJ

landscapercarl · Nov 26, 2004

I would opt to spend for a different brand motor if you plan to use this machine to earn a living. We had to rebuild our Robin at 900 hours the rings froze to the pistons and the muffler was completely burnt out and the inards were falling out and did fall back into the valve cover but not in the engine. Robin stands behind the motor warranty for 24 months at 27 months we footed the bill. They did pay for parts ( gaskets & rings, 2 valves). The labor we ate $000.00. PowerTrac has changed the muffler desing somewhat. I would love to hear from some owners with more than 1000 hours on their machines and see how the motor hold up. I think an extra $1,000 for a different motor would be wise considering the repair bill and lost time we had this year makes the extra money seem small. We have a 2422.

JackRobin · Dec 2, 2004

( ( I would opt to spend for a different brand motor if you plan to use this machine to earn a living. We had to rebuild our Robin at 900 hours the rings froze to the pistons and the muffler was completely burnt out and the inards were falling out and did fall back into the valve cover but not in the engine. Robin stands behind the motor warranty for 24 months at 27 months we footed the bill. They did pay for parts ( gaskets & rings, 2 valves). The labor we ate $000.00. PowerTrac has changed the muffler desing somewhat. I would love to hear from some owners with more than 1000 hours on their machines and see how the motor hold up. I think an extra $1,000 for a different motor would be wise considering the repair bill and lost time we had this year makes )

As I have told you over the phone, I have to follow the guidelines and procedures that are set by our company and not myself, if it was up to me I'd cover the entire job under warranty, but we just paid for the parts, that's all I could have done for you. You have to keep in mind that if it was a Honda engine, you'd end up with the entire bill for this job, one way or the other. I'm sorry we couldn't help more, but you are clearly out of warranty.

By the way, how is the new fuel pump performing?

Jack

JackRobin · Dec 2, 2004

( We now use 422's in our business. I have always thought the 425 would be a much better because of the cold starting problems that we've had with our 422's. We are in need of another PT and I called to order a 425 only to find that they now also had Robin engines. Have they solved the cold starting problems? Anyone out there have a new 425 with the Robin? )

Dear Sir,

As a Robin rep, I can promise you that all the issues have been addressed to our V-Twin engines. There was a time that I was bombarded with phone calls in regards to the cold start issue, we have helped anyone that have called for the help, customers with or without the warranty received the parts to fix this problem.

Currently our V-Twin line stands strong in the market, this engine has been nothing but success for us, we have these engines powering Miller and Lincoln welders and we outstand Kohler in performance. Both of these welder manufacturers are happy with this engine, the warranty ratio went down almost 40% within last two years on V-Twins, that's a huge improvement.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Jack Gawecki /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.
800-277-6246

pajoube · Dec 2, 2004

Jack,
Thank you for the information, very impressive.
You are an outstanding member of the TBN community and we appreciate your being on the board representing the Robin company.
PJ

BobRip · Dec 2, 2004

Jack, I have a 422 which I bought about 4 years ago. I park it in a garage that it very rarely below 60 deg F. I did not have starting problems. I parked it in a shed for a few days and had starting problems at around 25 deg. I replaced the plugs which had gapped out to 0.040 inches. Since then I have kept it in the heated garage and it starts easily at 60 degs. How can I know if the problem is there.

Thanks for all or your input on this website. Please keep watching it.

FOURTEEN · Dec 3, 2004

"" We now use 422's in our business. ""

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Per the Power Trac website: "PT-422 800 lbs. Lift Capacity NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE". /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif What prompted you to "use 422's in our business"??!!?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

JackRobin · Dec 3, 2004

( Jack, I have a 422 which I bought about 4 years ago. I park it in a garage that it very rarely below 60 deg F. I did not have starting problems. I parked it in a shed for a few days and had starting problems at around 25 deg. I replaced the plugs which had gapped out to 0.040 inches. Since then I have kept it in the heated garage and it starts easily at 60 degs. How can I know if the problem is there.

Thanks for all or your input on this website. Please keep watching it. )

Dear Sir,

Please check if your starting motor has a part# 263-70503-00 on the side of it.
This is a heavy duty starting motor for hydraulic application engines.
If you have a cold start problem, we would like you to use this starter. Why? Because it seems that the other starter is not capable of turning the engine with at least 310rpm for the coils to pick up on the initial start up. The new starter takes care of the problem. Also, please make sure that your ignition coils have white paint marks on them. If you need more help, please don't hesitate to call me.

Regards,

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.
800-277-6246

blackwell · Dec 3, 2004

We have had good success with our Robin engines. One 25hp now has over 2000 hrs, and no problems. Robin seems stronger than Kohler in our PT's.
EB

MossRoad · Dec 5, 2004

What prompted you to "use 422's in our business"??!!?? 

They probably do a real good job for his needs for less money. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

(I'm a shrewd observer of these kinds of things, aren't I? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif)