At the time I purchased Power Trac offered the PT418, PT422 and PT425. They had Robin 18 and 22 HP engines and the Kohler Command 25HP engine, respectively. I opted for the Kohler over the Robin for a few reasons.
- I found several Kohler repair shops locally.
- Power Trac suggested the Kohler over the Robin for running the 60" finish mower.
- The Kohler has pressure lubrication. From everything I've read, the Robin has splash lubrication. I don't know if this will make any difference over the life of the engine. Does the Robin have an oil filter? I couldn"t find that information anywhere. <font color="red"> EDIT: It has been pointed out that the Robin has pressure lubrication and an oil filter! </font>
- I never heard of a Robin engine at the time and my dad had good luck with Kohlers.
- At the time, I couldn't find any Robin repair shops locally.
- I really liked that the 400 series Power Tracs fit in the back of my pickup truck with an implement attached. I wanted the largest motor that was available in the 400 series frame. If there would have been a larger one in the same size frame, I would have paid for it. I have read but not investigated that Robin and Kohler measure their torque differently, so it is hard to compare apples to oranges. The 25 HP Kohler lists it's peak torque at 39.9 lbs. ft. (54.1) @ 2800 and the 22 HP Robin is listed as 33.6 lbs. ft. (45.5) @ 2500.
- bla bla bla /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
If I have any facts incorrect here, someone please correct me. I could have missed something and I'd hate to give out bad information.<font color="red"> Thanks, Duane </font>
With that said, no one here on TBN that owns a Robin seems to be complaining about any lack of power. They really seem to like them. There were some issues about the cold weather starting on the Robin, but apparently Robin has been addressing that to the owner's satisfaction. Jack Robin shows up on the board and now we have a factory rep that checks in once in a while and answers questions. I have yet to meet Joe Kohler /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That says something about Robin to me. Someone there is interested in customer feedback. That is really nice and I appreciate it as a consumer.
As for waiting to purchase... all I can say is that every year you wait, you will see improvements. If I had waited a year, I would have gotten a better laid out engine compartment, higher lift capacity and stronger wheel motors on our PT425. But I wouldn't of had my tractor, and I used the heck out of it in that year... I took about 2 years to make up my mind, but eventually took the plunge. I don't regret it one bit. If you can wait, then wait. Power Trac really seems to be developing the 400 series and my guess is it will only get better... more $$$, but probably worth it.
