[en] We present results of theoretical and experimental studies of the electronic structures and magnetic properties of RFe_4Al_8, RMn_4Al_8 and RCr_4Al_8 compounds with non-magnetic elements, R = Sc, Y, La, Lu. The calculations of electronic spectra and field induced magnetic moments, and also their dependences on the unit cell volume, were carried out for the paramagnetic phases of RT_4Al_8 systems. These calculations were supplemented with measurements of magnetic susceptibilities of representative RT_4Al_8 compounds as functions of temperature and hydrostatic pressure.