Robin Engines on PT Equipment

JackRobin · Nov 20, 2003

Hello All,

This is Jack with Robin America. It was brought to my attention today that such forum even exists. I want to take this opportunity and welcome everyone with Robin engine on their Power Trac machine.

I will be monitoring this forum as much as I possibly can, so if you have any technical questions related to Robin engines on Power Trac machines, please don't hesitate to post them in this forum.

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Scott_F · Nov 20, 2003

Jack,
Welcome to the forum. As one of the Robin equipped PT-422 owners, I'm glad you're here. I hope you get a chance to take a look back through the archives and/or do a search on "Robin" in this forum to get an idea of the issues with the Robin engine. You'll be a valuable member of the forum and we promise not to ambush you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Scott

ernemats · Nov 20, 2003

Welcome to the pt forum Jack , I am one of the pt owners with a Robin engine. I have had it for over three years and 545 hours with no problems. To me it has been a very good machine and engine, it would be nice if it had some more power . What spark plug do you recommend for the 22 hp. engine , mine has autolite 64 which was in the machine when I purchased it. I was wondering if a hotter plug would be available?

newyorktrac · Nov 20, 2003

I also have a PT422 and since jack has sent me the updated starter and coils, my robin engine always starts the first time.
Great service and support. I now have over 400 hours on my PT, with no problems.

Thank you
Andrew

JackRobin · Nov 21, 2003

Thank you for the warm welcome, I'm glad to be here. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Regards,

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.

duane · Nov 21, 2003

Hi Jack,

I echo the welcome, this speaks highly of you and Robin.

Just curious, how does Power Trac go about getting Robin's approval for their tractor design. It would seem that Robin would need to approve the engine placement design to accomodate engine cooling, muffler location, gas line routing for vapor lock considerations, vibration etc.

thanks again for being part of our Forum
Duane

JackRobin · Nov 21, 2003

To answer your question, the application review is done by two of the Japanese engineers that are working with us. Before releasing the project, they're working closely with the OEM's engineers to bring you whatever is that you've got in your machine now.

Regards,

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.

bmkar · Nov 21, 2003

Welcome Jack,

I've got 'bout 85 hrs on my 22hp w/ no issues since the coil/starter update last Feb...I had spoken with you, maybe twice, on the phone back then...
Good to have you here.

Bruce Karrels
Sandwich,Il.

JackRobin · Nov 21, 2003

( Welcome Jack,

I've got 'bout 85 hrs on my 22hp w/ no issues since the coil/starter update last Feb...I had spoken with you, maybe twice, on the phone back then...
Good to have you here.
)

Thanks Bruce, and I'm glad to hear that everything is fine. Just keep on a good maintenance and this puppy will last you forever, unless something fatal will occur. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Have a great weekend!

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.

DHS · Dec 1, 2003

Jack,

I appreciate your presence representing Robin on this board. I had cold weather starting problems lat winter. This spring you sent ignition coils, a larger starter, and spark plugs. This summer I installed the starter and coils but thought I would wait till winter to replace the plugs. I noticed easy starting down to 40 degrees. Last week it 15 degrees and I had problems starting it. I remembered the new plugs and changed them. It cranked up pretty easy at 15 degrees. When it gets colder I cover the back section with a tarp and use an electric heater to warm things up before cranking. I appreciate your help and Robin's interest in successfully resolving my problems.

Now I have a couple of questions.

Will the new spark plugs damage the engine if used in warm weather? I assume it is a hotter plug. How critical is use of the correct spark plug in the Robin engine?

Does Robin have any plans to build an engine with more horsepower and the same footprint? Mine works great but if it ever wears out I wouldn't mine several extra ponies.

What does Robin think of synthetic oil? I started using it this summer with 150 hours. Seems to start easier.

Thanks

Dale /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PhatBoy · Dec 9, 2003

Hi Jack,

I am considering the purchase of a high time PT422. I haven't looked at the engine closely but would like to replace it.

Can I buy a Robin EH65 and drop it in there?

Would a EH72 (25hp) possibly work?

Thanks.

JackRobin · Dec 10, 2003

( Hi Jack,

I am considering the purchase of a high time PT422. I haven't looked at the engine closely but would like to replace it.

Can I buy a Robin EH65 and drop it in there?

Would a EH72 (25hp) possibly work?

Thanks. )

Hello Sir,

Since Power Trac is using 30Amp charging system you'd have to look for a spec with the same charging system. Also, you will have to cut the crank in order to fit the unit into the tractor.
As far as EH72 I don't think this unit would be over powered with this engine /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif , matter of fact I think that Power Trac has a few tractors out in the field with the 25hp engine on it and I didn't really hear any complaints about them.
Please check our website to locate a Robin distributor in your State http://www.robinamerica.com

Best regards,

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.

JackRobin · Dec 10, 2003

(

Now I have a couple of questions.

Will the new spark plugs damage the engine if used in warm weather? I assume it is a hotter plug. How critical is use of the correct spark plug in the Robin engine?

Does Robin have any plans to build an engine with more horsepower and the same footprint? Mine works great but if it ever wears out I wouldn't mine several extra ponies.

What does Robin think of synthetic oil? I started using it this summer with 150 hours. Seems to start easier.

Thanks

Dale /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
)

Hello Dale,

I'm really sorry I'm getting back to you so late but I was quite busy lately. I'll try to answer your questions as clear as I can.
Regarding hotter plugs on our engines - it's no harm to use hot plugs in our engines all year long. Several weeks ago we've tested the hotter plug and the behavior of the engine with one of the NGK's engineers. All the tests came out fine and we've decided to put NGK BPR4EY plugs on all Robin V-Twin engines that are in our production.

As far as implementing a new, stronger V-Twin engine I'm going to be honest and I'll say - I don't know.

Regarding using synthetic oil in our engines, I wouldn't recommend it. However, I've heard reports in the field that some Power Trac users are using synthetic oil in the hydraulics, which makes easier starting. If anyone from the board is using synthetic oil in the hydraulics, please confirm the fact of easier starting.

I hope this helps.

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.

DHS · Dec 10, 2003

Jack,

Thanks for your answers. It is nice to have a Robin represenative looking in on our discussion.

Dale
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Scott_F · Dec 12, 2003

Jack,
Why do you not recommend using synthetic oil in your engines? I have been using it in mine, should I switch back?

Thanks,
Scott

landscapercarl · Dec 17, 2003

Jack we are having problem in the winter in our powertrac with the gas boiling and the engine stalling. We've narrowed it down to when they reformulate the fuel for winter in the chicago area. In the summer we never have a problem even when we run the machine all day, from Nov. thru mid april we can run it 3 hours tops. We always run premium fuel and it helps a little. Any solutions? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

JackRobin · Dec 17, 2003

( Jack we are having problem in the winter in our powertrac with the gas boiling and the engine stalling. We've narrowed it down to when they reformulate the fuel for winter in the chicago area. In the summer we never have a problem even when we run the machine all day, from Nov. thru mid april we can run it 3 hours tops. We always run premium fuel and it helps a little. Any solutions? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
)

I'm going to talk to our engineers about this and I'll get back to you on this sir.

Regards,

Jack Gawecki
Robin America, Inc.
Technical Support Dept.

FOURTEEN · Jan 18, 2004

Thanks!

I plan to get a new PT425 this month. It seems to be the best one for my needs: good Kohler, manageable weight, better quality hydraulics, right size attachments, and a price I can justify. The PT418 is too basic. The PT422 has the Robin!! The PT1430 is too heavy.

I have a 10 acre woods in which the 12/2 NC ice storm uprooted or topped out about 100 of my trees! The Grapple Bucket and Stump Grinder will be getting a real workout! Will just need to add a 2" ball to the rear to pull the DR Chipper.

Hope I have as few problems with the PT425 as most of you guys seem to have! I am in the process of reading all the messages about Power Trac, and I'm amazed to note that most of you are positive and just looking for ways to improve your PT rather than complaining that the %#$@# broke again, or the $%#$@# won't work, and the $#@# dealer and mfg don't care!!

pajoube · Jan 18, 2004

You have the right attitude. No tractor is break proof, especially the way I put it to the test.
The family of PT owners here on TBN have been a wonderful source of help and support. You are in good hands.
PJ