New compact gen-sets from Subaru Robin

Subaru Robin has introduced a new line of compact gasoline generator sets that incorporate the company's premium EX series OHC engines. The RGX series covers three outputs and target a range of commercial markets including contractors and rental applications. With maximum 60 Hz ratings of 2.9 to 4.8 kW, they are also suitable for home standby, according to the Wood Dale, Ill.-headquartered company.

This is the first application of the EX engines in the company's conventional generator sets. In 2004, Robin used two models of the EX series in its Silent Series RG3200iS and RG4300iS inverter gen-sets.

Looking at the new units, the RGX2900 gen-set is rated 2.9 kW maximum (2.4 kW continuous) and is driven by an EX17 engine with a displacement of 169 cc. The RGX3600 is powered by a 211 cc EX21 engine and has a maximum rating of 3.6 kW (2.9 kW continuous), while the RGX4800 is rated 4.8 kW maximum (4.1 kW continuous) and is equipped with a 265 cc EX27 engine.

All of the engines are single, slant cylinder OHC configurations with cast aluminum blocks, float-type carburetors and mechanical governors. The combustion chamber features a very high efficiency pent-roof design in which the top of the combustion chamber is angled to position the intake and exhaust valves at a 45 [degrees] angle relative to the center of the cylinder. This design, which also incorporates a redesigned intake and exhaust system, intensifies the air intake and fuel-air mixing, while reducing dead volume and eliminating flow losse

Other premium engine features include special heat dissipation fins on the inner and outer crankcase surfaces and cooling passages and fins in the mounting base; a splash lubrication system with an oil scraper on the connecting rod that supplies oil to the cam chain.

The engines directly drive self-exciting, brushless, two-pole single-phase Taiyo generators that deliver 120/240 Vac at 60 Hz. The units also offer dc output of 12 V/8.3 amps and 12 Vdc charging, with a 1.0 power factor. The main panel incorporates Hubbell receptacles with fuseless circuit breaker protection.

Other standard equipment includes a condenser-type voltage regulator, oil sensor, recoil starter, spark-arresting Lo-tone mutter and Hobbs hourmeter. The two larger units also incorporate an automatic idle control system and a full power switch.

Another interesting standard feature of the RGX gen-sets is an integral air cleaner warmer that provides for improved operation and better startability in cold weather. In operation, air warmed by the engine is directed via a tube directly into the air cleaner. There is no interaction required by the operator. "One of the most frustrating things that can happen is when ice knocks out the power from the utility and then ice builds up on die gen-set and knocks out the gen-set," said Brad Murphy, vice president of sales and marketing at Subaru Robin. "This system pulls warm air from under the valve cover and uses it to keep the intake clear of snow and ice. It's a simple thing, but it really adds value."