When it comes to your construction company, there are ways to cut production costs. One way is to keep your older machines going. One machine many companies will refurbish rather than buy new are wheel loaders.
Keep in mind, the process of rebuilding can be extensive. You can either have your own components rebuilt or you can use factory rebuilt parts. Either way, remanufactured parts cost a lot less than new OEM parts.
Virtually everything on a wheel loader can be rebuilt including the engine, main pump, transmission, cylinders, and axles.
Some rebuilt components are built with OEM parts, others are built with aftermarket parts. Either way, when done right, rebuilt parts should perform as well as the original equipment.
Rebuilding an entire machine is generally only cost effective for the larger models like the models you find in quarries and when it's about five years old.
When you get a part like a transmission or main pump rebuilt, you also should get any updates that come with the part if possible.
If you are considering a component rebuild of any kind, you need to have the work done by a certified rebuilder with the expertise of rebuilding that particular component. A proper rebuild will take approximately two weeks to complete. This includes the inspection process, the work, and diagnostics tests.
Volvo, for instance, will first rebuild the engine and transmission. After that, the customer has the option to update the final drives, differentials, and axles but those components aren't usually needed.
Knowing when to rebuild a machine has as much to do with knowing your machine as it does tracking the data. Oil sampling is part of deciding on what to do with a wheel loader in the fleet.
Hydraulics usually need rebuilding before most powertrain components. The basic order of attention usually begins with transmissions, engines, then axles. Some wheel loader owners will do one section at a time while others will rebuild all components in one shot.
