1

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1










                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-61893) pertaining to the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Employee Savings Plan
of our report dated May 29, 1998, with respect to the financial statements and
schedules of the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Employees Savings Plan included in this
Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.

                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dayton, Ohio
June 22, 1998