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 June 3, 1999, with respect to the financial statements and
schedules of the Robbins & Myers, Inc. Employee Savings Plan included in this
Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.

                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dayton, Ohio
June 24, 1999