Robinair Cool-Tech Recovery/Recycling Machines
Meeting the SAE J2788 Standard for Automotive A/C Service
Robinair's Cool-Tech series of machines, including the 34288, 34788, and 34988, are designed to meet the evolving demands of automotive air conditioning service, particularly the stringent requirements of the SAE J2788 standard.
Setting the Course for Change: The SAE J2788 Standard
In June 2005, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) initiated a research program, I-MAC (Improved Mobile Air Conditioning), to reduce R-134a emissions and improve service equipment. This program led to the approval of tighter standards for automotive A/C recovery, recycle, and recharge equipment. The new standard, SAE J-2788, mandates that all service equipment manufactured after December 31, 2007, must recover 95% of the refrigerant and recharge systems to within 1/2 ounce accuracy.
This standard addresses the increasing cost and decreasing availability of refrigerant, as well as the efficiency of modern vehicle A/C systems. The Robinair Cool-Tech machines are engineered to exceed these requirements, offering up to 20% more refrigerant recovery and superior charge accuracy.
Adapting to Modern A/C Systems
Historically, older automotive A/C systems had larger components that acted as reservoirs for refrigerant, allowing for a greater tolerance in charge accuracy (e.g., +/- 1 ounce). However, new vehicle designs feature smaller, more efficient systems that are highly sensitive to refrigerant levels. These systems do not have reserve refrigerant, making precise charge accuracy critical for optimal performance and cabin cooling.
Illustrative Comparison:
- Older Systems (e.g., 2000 Chevrolet Malibu): Featured larger components acting as refrigerant reservoirs. Capacity: 28 oz. Charge Accuracy: +/- 1 oz. (3.6% error on a 28 oz system).
- Newer Systems (e.g., 2006 Chevrolet Malibu): Feature physically smaller components requiring increased charge accuracy. Capacity: 21.6 oz. Charge Accuracy: +/- 0.5 oz. (2.3% error on a 21.6 oz system).
The Robinair 34288, 34788, and 34988 machines ensure vehicle A/C systems are recharged to within 1/2 ounce of the specified capacity, preventing performance issues and costly customer comebacks.
Robinair Cool-Tech 34288, 34788, & 34988 Series
Whether fully-automatic or semi-automatic, these machines are designed for quick and accurate testing, recovery, and recharging of R-134a automotive A/C systems.
Key Features:
- 34288: Semi-automatic operation, two large tool storage areas.
- 34788: Features a new, 2X larger display for easier operation, service prompts, and two large tool storage areas.
- 34988: Fully-automatic operation, includes a printer and database expansion slot.
All models are certified by UL to meet SAE J2788 standards.
Features and Capabilities Comparison
| Feature | 34288 | 34788 | 34988 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully-Automatic Function | - | - | ✔️ |
| Automatic Dye Inject | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Automatic Oil Measure & Inject | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Automatic Oil Drain | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Oil Inject | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Refrigerant & Oil Database | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| A/C System Flush | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Save & Print Service Data | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Indicator Light & Alarm | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vacuum Leak Test | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Automatic Air Purge | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Automatic Refrigerant Refill | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vacuum Feature (Default 15 min, programmable) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Display (Multilingual) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Refrigerant Charging Modes | High or Low | High/Low/Both | High/Low/Both |
| Refrigerant Management System | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Database Expansion Slot | - | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Printer | - | - | ✔️ |
Investing in the Future: Return on Investment
Maintaining profitability and avoiding costly "come backs" requires critical charge accuracy. Refrigerant service equipment manufactured under older standards cannot guarantee this precision. The Robinair 34288, 34788, and 34988 series can offer a significant return on investment, potentially paying for themselves in as little as 2.5 months.
| Metric | National Average | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| A. Price for A/C Service | $149.99 | - |
| B. Value of refrigerant recovered (1 lb. @ 95% efficiency) | - | $6.00 |
| C. Material Cost (1.5 lbs. R134a & PAG oil) | - | -$10.00 |
| D. Labor/Overhead | - | -$50.00 |
| E. Profit per Service (A+B+C+D) | $95.99 | - |
| F. Monthly Profit (25 Services) | $2,399.00 | - |
Note: The ROI calculation is illustrative and based on specific assumptions.
Maintenance Kits
Keep recovery and recycling units operating at peak efficiency with convenient maintenance kits. These kits typically contain a quick-change filter-drier compatible with R-12 and R-134a stations, and premium high vacuum pump oil.
- No. 34724: Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil (16 oz. bottle).
- No. 13172: Spin-on recycling filter-drier for models 34988, 34788, 34288, 34700Z, & 34134Z. Includes premium high vacuum pump oil.
