Review of AC1234-4 Premier 1234yf A/C Machine Robinair
Brett Anderson Owner at Koala Motorsport Inc
David Portillo Owner at Portillo Automotive
Thank you very much for the info, I was about to get in debt with one of this machines, I guess I will look elsewhere. Thank you again.
Michael Gagnon Owner at Gagnons Tire and Auto Center
I purchased the AC1234-4 in March of 2021. I had a GM truck with a visible condenser leak one week after I bought it so the timing was good. So far we have done dozens of jobs that would have to be turned down if I didn't have it. It has given me plenty of warning so I could replace the filter in due time and has had no malfunctions so far. I charge an extra equipment charge of 80 clams any time it gets used. This to cover the added maintainace Read More...
Bryan Brickson Owner at Kent Auto Repair
The filter lock out is required. They would not be able to sell the machines in the US if they didn’t have that feature. The dessicant would eventually become saturated. Once 300 lbs has been recovered the machine makes you install a new dessicant filter and enter its serial number to confirm. The oxygen sensor is also a requirement as for certification the machines need to have a refrigerant identifier built in. You need to have a replacement f Read More...
Michael Moench Owner/Technician at JB Import Automotive Repair
I have the same machine for 2 years now and have not experienced this yet. I will be on the lookout. It's the only piece of equipment I have ever purchased the extended warranty......I had a feeling it might be trouble. I had a similar issue with my Yellow Jacket machine. It locks you out when it senses time up on the filter. They gave me a Temporary code to bypass and you get a new code with the filter.
Manuel Cid Technician/Manager at Delta Auto Electric
I am glad I read your post. I too have a 134R by Robinaire and it has been a good machine so far. We're looking to get a 1234yf machine but now I'll look elsewhere where they don't pull these stunts John Deere-style.
Ken Palmer Technician at Son's Automotive
Thank for the input....i was thinking about getting on of these machines..i guess i will look elsewhere
You are essentially paying a subscription to own this machine. It will lock you out on a regular basis, regardless of how often it's used, and force you to spend large money on stupid "maintenance". The $1000 "oxygen sensor" has to be replaced every 3 years, for example. I've yet to experience it, but the word on the street is that the filters communicate with the machine, causing it to lock out if you don't use genuine. This machine is already proving to be the single dumbest business decision I've made in 20 years of shop ownership.
We used our $7000 machine ONCE and were then hit with a $1000 price and SIX WEEK wait for a part, with the machine locked out until we fix it. Robinair told us to pound salt when we questioned it. PURE GARBAGE company and equipment.
I chose Robinair because I've had one of their R134 machines for probably 18 years and it's never given us any trouble, and maintenance was inexpensive and easy. Big mistake staying loyal to them.