When equipment breaks, deciding whether to repair or replace a major component can be a tough call. But for busy loggers who cannot afford the downtime that goes with major repairs—especially on critical machines—purchasing an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) remanufactured component is often the best option.
The first step toward making the right repair-or-remanufactured component decision is often a call to a local dealer who handles both OEM repair parts and OEM-remanufactured components. An at-a-glance maintenance-and-repair record of all work done on a particular piece of equipment can also be good to have on hand when talking to your dealer about whether to repair or replace a component.
Here are some things to keep in mind when evaluating equipment repair and remanufactured part options.
Repair
Repair often seems like the lowest cost choice for getting a piece of equipment going again, but it’s not necessarily the least expensive when you consider downtime.
Service technicians can often make the repair in the field.
Repair is particularly cost-effective for older equipment, especially for machines used as backups and not critical to everyday productivity.
Replacement
OEM-remanufactured components such as engines, transmissions, axles, fuel pumps and hydraulic pumps are typically priced 25 to 35% lower than new components.
Remanufactured components are often recommended over repair to deal with major failures of machines that are the backbone of a logging operation. Downtime is typically the critical decision-making factor. These recommendations are based on the likelihood that a problem with one part may lead to subsequent issues with related parts.
Newer models of forestry equipment have sophisticated and complex systems that can be difficult to repair. Remanufactured components installed by a qualified technician are, therefore, important to ensure optimum component performance.
As with repairs, component replacement can often be completed in the field. As the repair becomes more complex, repair is less likely to be the best choice.
Remanufactured components are built with the latest deign enhancements that can improve product reliability.
Because remanufactured components have been disassembled, inspected and cleaned, all worn parts are replaced with OEM parts and tested to new performance specifications. OEM-remanufactured components typically come with warranties equal to or better than new, depending on the OEM. Check with the equipment dealer for details.
For minimum downtime, maximum productivity and long-term confidence, it’s well worth a logger’s time and effort to explore the value of OEM-remanufactured replacements whenever a serious equipment failure occurs.