honda GX vs. Robin EX

[JHZR2]

Hi,

For a power washer application of 5-7hp, can anyone give me good reason one way or another for a Honda GX vs. Robin EX engine?

Itll have a CAT pump one way or another.

Ive heard lots good about Honda GX engines, but have never ever heard a single bad thing about a robin engine, and it seems that those who have them in equipment have been more than happy... Plus, they tend to be about $100 less for a similar output engine.

Ive always been happy with B&S products, and we have multiple B&S items that get weekly use and run very strong at nearly 20 years, with not necessarily the best maintenance. Canrt beat that... So I dont have any real reason to go away from them, except that there are no real decent B&S power washers in the HP range that I desire (I dont have the space or need for a 11+ hp monster) that have CAT or general (or even AR) pumps.

So, any real benefit to a Honda GX over a robin EX engine? Any pros/cons for either?

Thanks for the insight!

JMH

 

[Schmoe]

I personally believe you get what you paid for. Sure, there are sleepers out there, but not many in the engine world. I've been really happy with Honda engines. They've been around for a while also. I got a 3600 psi, 3.5 gpm power washer with the Honda engine. Easiest cranking motor I've ever owned, period.

 

[JHZR2]

as I understand it, Robin (wisconsin) engines have been around forever and are similar though.

From what Ive read, both are high end industrial grade engines.

It seems that for gensets, robin is actually preferred by a lot of folks...

Thanks!

JMH

 

[Master ACiD]

i will say up front that i have basically no expierence with robin engines.
however i do know that robin parts, like air filters and carb rebuild kits, drain plugs, replacment recoil springs etc are harder to come by than honda parts.

keep in mind that these type of part are basically maintence items. with a honda you can go to any lawn and garden place and get the parts you need, usually of the shelf. even home depot sells parts for hondas.

you might have a bit tougher time finding robin parts, although you can probably order them online somewhere, or a larn and garden dealer would order them for ya. perhaps some dealers keep robin parts in stock. maybe in other parts of the country robin parts are easier to come by. like i said not much expierence with robin, but i hear they are every bit as good as a honda. heck they are made by subaru, they have to be good engines! they just arnt as popoular as honda thats all.

 

[GoldenRod]

I love Robin engines....(heart beating fast)

 

[GoldenRod]

A Robin engine with GC oil....(beginning to faint)

 

[Slick17601]

I would go with the Robin.

 

[HEV]

Love my Robin EX 21. Easy to start, very powerful, quiet, and well made. I also love my Honda's! But, I really like the fact that Subaru lets you download the Service Manual for their engines. Honda doesn't do this. I bought a Ryobi 3000 psi 2.7 gpm pressure washer from Home Depot. I got it on discount for $300. I figure the engine is worth more than that, and when the cheap Chinese pump wears out, the engine will be broken in, and I'll buy a CAT pump.

I don't think you will go wrong either way.

 

[Locomotive]

Either engine will be a good choice. My generator has a 7.5 flathead robin engine filled with mobil 1 0/30. It runs smooth, starts easy and is quiet. Parts might be tough to find but I havent had to replace anything but the pullcord on mine. Order anything you might need such as an air filter off the net and dont sweat it.

 

[Jim 5]

I can't remember who said it here on Bitog, but I believe the quote about Robin/Subaru engines was something like...

"Think of a Robin/Subaru as a Honda engine with forged internals".

The downside of the Robin is going to be parts availability since it's just not as common as the honda...I've heard great things about the Robin.