Trailblazer, Legend 302, & Lets talk Kohler

[Jack@Robin]

Hello All,

It is possible to convert our 20.5 engine to the LP, the engine will run fine however, you have to keep in mind that you're voiding the warranty in the situation where the failure is caused by the conversion.
Converting our engine to LP could cause severe damage to the cylinder head and its components, since the LP runs a bit hotter than regular gasoline.


Regards,

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

[Tailshaft56]

DDA's is right. Tb301d and the instructor loves it.

Dennis

I stand corrected 300D Kobota 302G Onan/Robin- Kohler I wish I could get a diesel bit not on the present budget. Still wishing though...

[wrench3047]

The Army has the TB300D in the newest welding trailer. My guys loved the thing. Ours was borrowed from another unit cause we haven't received ours yet. We had it for a couple of months and they didn't have any complaints. It came with HF 251, a wire feeder (can't remember which one I think it was RVS-8 suitcase), SMAW leads on reels and a CAC lead. Of course all the little tools need for metal work (torch, grinder, drills, etc.) All together It was about $35,000 rig. Only draw back was the trailer it's on, It's a standard Army 8ft bed chassis with an extra little bit for a work bench. Back to the point the welder was great no problems except they so rapped up welding and stuff it ran out of fuel a couple of times, but no problems getting started again. I think they have a switch to shut it down when it run low on fuel. I know for a fact the kubota is a great little motor.

[DDA52]

He might have a TB 301D. They have a Kubota on them. I would love to give one of them a whirl. A bit too pricey for me though.

[Tailshaft56]

Class is Tues. I'll check on the engine then.

Dennis

[Tailshaft56]

Class is Teus. I'll check on the engine then.

Dennis

Dennis, how does he like the units performance? More than likely it's the Kohler engine, the engine options are Onan/Robin & Kohler .
I am swingimg in the wind waiting to hear back from engine tech on the lp option for Onan/Robin.
waiting patiently for reply

[Tailshaft56]

My welding instructor has a new Trailblazer 302. I think he has a kubota engine.

Dennis

My main item of concern is:
1) dependability
2) LP gas compatibility, If I run the unit for a certain company the fuel is free.
3) If there is a problem, how tough is it to get a part?
4) The American made is a final pulling point for the Kohler, but I would go for quality and dependability over point of mfg. My Dodge truck is built in Mexico and I like it just fine. Just have to fill the windshield washer with agua instead of water .
It is interesting that the Onan/Robin produces more hp & is larger displacement with smaller oil capacity.
Getting closer to ordering and the final decision, thanks for the help...

[wrench3047]

John Deere used the that old Onan in a couple of models of lawn tractors. My father had a JD 420 that went thru 3 of them in 2 years. He had a few different operators and the oil wasn't checked as much as it should have. The placement of the oil sensor allowed the motor to run without enough oil and burn it up.

[DDA52]

The old Onan doesn't exist. The new ones are a Robin/Subaru engine that has the Onan badge. Sometime very soon, they are supposed to drop the Onan badge altogether.

Wrench
I've still seen quite a few of those old engines with 5-6000 hours and still going strong. Not bad for a 2000 hour engine.

[Mike W]

I have an old Onan generator. It stills works great.

[wrench3047]

Most of the concerns with Onan motors are from a 20hp opposing cly design they had. This particular motor isn't made anymore. I believe the current motors they make are not even close to the old design others have had problems with. I think the Onan company doesn't exsist as the same company. Bought out or whatever.

[DDA52]

Laurence
I think he has a problem with their warranty work. I seem to recall him saying that they gave him problems with things that should have been covered under warranty. Apparently he did the work and Kohler refused to pay. It was with valves and camshafts. That is the only dissenting opinion I've heard about Kohler. I know a bunch that swear by them. When I was looking for a replacement engine for my Bobcat, I was looking at either Kohler or Onan/Linamar. I would get a Kohler without hesitation. The same goes for the Onan/Robin/Subaru.

Miller isn't going to put crappy engines in their welders. I'm sure that a ton of research went into their choices. Personally, I would like them to get a Honda in the line-up. There were some that said that the old Onan/Linamar engines were garbage and should have never been installed in a welder. I've seen quite a few of them that outlasted their expected lifetime by 2X to 6X. That's pretty good for an engine that wouldn't hold up, don't you think?? I wouldn't fret about this too much. Either engine will have warranty support and parts will be readily available. Just figure out which you want with regards to the LPG issue and get it. You can't make a mistake either way, IMO.

FWIW, I'm sure a LP gas adaption option is available from the engine manufacturers directly, if not from Miller. Not sure what that would do with the warranty, though.