[jasman]

My Onan has finally gave out, and I have been looking at replacement engines. Has anyone here used a Subaru robin? I have done a little research and they are American made and a 35hp can be delivered to my door for less then $2000. It looks like the dimension should fit under the hood and inside the side covers. Also was wanting to know how reliable the Subaru's are? Thanks for help. John

 

[mikeduwe]

Based on the pictures of the Subaru and the older Generac that is no longer made, my guess is they are the same engine, and in that case this thread applies:

http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/159763.html

Generac

Subaru

 

[knottyrope]

guy in the youtube video makes a kit for 2100 with the 33hp

not sure about a 420 but it would be an interesting repower choice

 

[dr_evil]

Think I'd rather have a Subaru Robin than my B48G Onan. http://www.subarupower.com/about.aspx

Doesn't say who #1, 2, & 3 are, but Subaru Robin is the FOURTH Largest engine mfg. in the World, Million per year. Div of FUJI Heavy Ind.

 

[mikeduwe]

Back when Subaru was just starting...

http://www.kohlerengines.com/about/landing.htm

 

[bob421]

In 1929 Wisconsin Engine started their air cooled engine line. The exact date that Wisconsin started to market the Robin Brand I do not know but years later Wisconsin & Subaru did their deal and now we know the engines as Subaru Industrial Products or Subaru Robin depending on the application.

I have a Robin Subaru EH18V on my Commercial Snapper 21", impressive engine. These engines have ball bearing crankshaft main bearings and cast iron cylinder sleeves.

Bob421

 

[jasman]

I called the guy in the youtube video and he did make a kit for a 420, but he said Subaru bought generac and raised his price for the engines by $1000. The motors are still made in the same factory by the same people, but the rise in price puts his kit at $3000 and that's to much for me. I am a fan of kohler engines but the thought of having 35hp under the hood is so tempting.

 

[jdmaninlouky]

I used a new Robin-Subaru 22 HP engine to swap into a 60" mid-mount Ferris commercial mower for a friend of mine . That was 8 years ago , and the thing is amazingly smooth and powerful . I would rank them over Kawasaki and Kohler . Much thicker castings and very quiet . They are a dream of a motor from Japan . Don't know anything about the new Generac rooted offerings from Wisconsin . Find one of the original Japan made ones if you want a GREAT engine .

My two cents :
Dave

 

[jasman]

Thanks for the info Dave. I am wanting a engine that can handle the 60" deck in high grass with power to spare. I would hate to spend the money and time on a repower and fell like I need more power, the onan was a little bit under powered for me. Could be just because it was old and ready and did give out. My 420 is the mower I use for everything. Glade to hear about your friends experience with Robin-Subaru, definitely helping me make the decision to buy a Subaru.