Time for a New Engine?

[ClintBlake]

I have also struggled with the cold starting and many of the other problems with the Robin engine. My PT422 stays in an unheated shed. In the winter, I put two mangnetic heaters under the hydraulic tank and leave them on (for atleast 24hrs) if I think there is any chance I may need the tractor. Between that and using a battery charger on engine start mode, I have been able to start it. If it is really cold (teens or below), I will also throw a couple of moving blankets over the tractor to help hold in the heat.

My tractor has about 700hrs on it and I have literally had to put the engine back together several times. When the Robin finally gives up, I am going to look seriously at the Kawasaki and Kohler engines to replace it, even if it means significant modifications.

I love the little tractor, but the Robin engine and limited wheel torque have always been problem.

 

[atwood]

Thanks to all of you for your insights. In a perfect world it would be nice to be a able to put a 3 cylinder diesel into the 425. Unfortunately even the 1430's diesel (2 cly) is loud and according to Terry cannot be fitted with glow plugs. I've tried most of MossRoads suggestions but I like the jumper pack idea , beats pulling the truck up for a jump. Perhaps a bigger CCA battery and I'll look into changing the coil. BobRip's practical common sense advice is also noted. The Kohler engine suggested does look sweet. I passed the Ventrac dealer today on the way home and I really don't think it would be the answer. Although I'm sure the B&S diesel is a nice power plant. Any ideas on how to quiet down the 425 with the Robin engine?

 

[Bob999]

Unfortunately even the 1430's diesel (2 cly) is loud and according to Terry cannot be fitted with glow plugs.

While the Duetz diesels don't have the capability to be fitted with flow plugs it is my understanding that Duetz does offer intake air heaters which are an alternative approach to cold weather starting used on many diesels.

 

[Marks481]

1. Replace the muffler. Find a decent glass pack.I replaced the stock mufler with a supertrapp muffler with the 6" resonator. it made the sound deeper, but I don't think it changed the dB much. My recommendation: find a different muffler.

2. Install sound insulation or just neoprene rubber underneath the ROPS. the ROPS reflects the noise and makes the tractor seem a lot louder then it is.

Model 5S Mufflers

3. mount sound insulation on the inside of the front of the engine canopy. It is about the only spot any would fit; anything that stops the noise from bouncing around has gotta help.

 

[BobRip]

2. Install sound insulation or just neoprene rubber underneath the ROPS. the ROPS reflects the noise and makes the tractor seem a lot louder then it is.

I noticed on a friends 422 without the ROPS that his machine was much quieter than my identical 422 (same engine, same model year, same muffler). I have added some foam under the ROPS. I can't tell you how much change it made, but I think it's a good idea. I also wear ear protection with a radio. This helps a lot and is a good idea for any machine like this.

 

[American Bulldog]

I noticed on a friends 422 without the ROPS that his machine was much quieter than my identical 422 (same engine, same model year, same muffler). I have added some foam under the ROPS. I can't tell you how much change it made, but I think it's a good idea. I also wear ear protection with a radio. This helps a lot and is a good idea for any machine like this.

That makes a whole lot of sense. The plate steel on the roof surely will reflect the sound. Never even thought about that. Good call on the foam.

 

[horticattleman]

I have a 425 with a Kohler form the factory. I changed the engine at 1200 hrs and even though I really really really dont like Kohler, I chose the replacement engine because it would have been sooooo much trouble to re-route all of PT cables, etc. I think the Honda 24-26 hp line is great also.

 

[SpringHollow]

Deutz calls them glow plugs (they do glow) but they are air intake heaters. I really like them.

Picture of mine glowing here:
USA Discount Generators - Standby and Portable Gillette Generators

 

[MossRoad]

Very nice.