Robin Warranty clarification

JackRobin · Nov 9, 2004

Hello All!

I have been viewing a few posts that some of you quoted my post regarding Robin standing behind 3,000 hrs. of operation. As a clarification, I wanted to add, that this statement does not refelect the fact that the Robin warranty is based on a time frame and not the operation hrs. The Robin warranty is 24 months from the date of purchase.

According to the EPA regulations, we as a manufacturer are required to stand behind 3,000 hrs of emissions warranty and engine's durability as far as the emissions.

I am writing this as I received a very nasty phone call from a dealer regarding a warranty denial on the engine that was out of warranty. He claimed that he read on this board that I've said that the warranty on this engine is 3,000hrs, well it is not. As a dealer he should be familiar with our warranty policies before he does the job to the unit, don't you agree?

Best regards,

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

MossRoad · Nov 9, 2004

Yes, I agree. BTW, the warranty time period of 2 years is very good for a small engine.

So what is emissions warranty?

JackRobin · Nov 9, 2004

( Yes, I agree. BTW, the warranty time period of 2 years is very good for a small engine.

So what is emissions warranty? )

I will try to link a .pdf file later that explains emissions warranty policy.

I was talking to our managment about a lifetime warranty for all of our engines. In my personal opinion it would be a great marketing move to implement lifetime warranty to our engines. That would of course boost our sales but also started a new era in small engine warranty policies. The managment didn't agree, I think it's a terrific idea. First, we still wouldn't be able to warranty engines that would fail due to wear of parts etc.

So again, it didn't work out. I'll keep pushing because I really think this would help our company out, but also it would be a great addition for all of you using our engines. Oh well, if they'll ever agree to this change, you'll be the first to know! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

MossRoad · Nov 9, 2004

That would be a fantastic marketing device.

BobRip · Nov 9, 2004

If this is possible without you going out of business then you must have a very good engine. Can you give us a typical life on your engines. I hear 1000 hours from some people, but this seems very low. It would also be nice to know how synthetic oil impacts the life. I know these are not easy to answer, but I hope you have some data.

pequeajim · Nov 9, 2004

I agree that some kind of increase in warranty would for sure boost sales. I guess you have to look at the ROI on the increased sales compared to the cost of support for warranty work. (did I just say that?) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

You might even consider a different warranty for homeowners compared to commercial work. Look at the Hyundai/Kia warranties. They are selling more cars than ever. You know it is working for them when the other auto makers are pressured into increasing their warranties too.

Jim!

cqaigy · Nov 10, 2004

I was talking to our managment about a lifetime warranty for all of our engines. 

I agree, that would be a great marketing tool. After all, it could be argued that now days, most failures are due to abuse or simple wear rather then manufacture error.

MikeCorcoran · Aug 26, 2005

Jack,

Just got a Polaris Ranger today with your E65HD engine. Boy is this thing great fo my small farm!

The Polaris warranty is 6 months. Sounds like the warranty for the Robin engine is longer, or does the Polaris warranty period take precedence?

Boy was today a hoot!!
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Thanks,
Mike C.

funpilot · Aug 26, 2005

Part of the reason I bought my unit is that it had a Robin and that someone from Subaru haunts these boards. The easy way to compromise on the issue of a life time warranty, is to simply offer it as an option at an attractive price. For example, you might say for $75.00 more, you can have a lifetime warranty up to the "life of the engine", which we claim is 3000 hours. The low cost offer alone would accomplish the marketing advantage you want ... and the income covers the added risk you might incur. If you wanted very strong dealer support, you would say the fee is waived for the customer that has all scheduled routine maintenance performed by the dealer. (That should be worth a life time warranty for me.)