Business owners know the high cost of purchasing, repairing, and maintaining heavy equipment. When purchasing, they consider the long-term costs and the initial price. Many companies rely on Caterpillar products because they know they are getting a machine that will offer the performance they need and be reliable. No company can afford downtime today, as competitors are waiting to take their customers away.
However, even with proper maintenance and timely repairs, machines undergo wear and tear. This ongoing stress can lead to a mechanical breakdown. The machine may continue running for a period, but it won’t offer as much power and will reduce the efficiency of the company’s operations. In addition, the company will constantly worry that it could fail during a major project and harm its relationship with the customer.
When the time comes to repair a c16 cat engine, a company has choices. It may continue operating the machine until it fails, paying high maintenance costs. Another option involves replacing the engine with a new or rebuilt unit. However, companies shouldn’t overlook the option of overhauling the existing unit. Doing so comes with numerous benefits. How can a company know which option is right, and when should they make this call?
Buying New
Many business owners assume it is always better to buy a new engine. They know what they are getting, and the engine has a warranty. However, they may not realize the actual cost of purchasing a new engine. In addition to the price of the engine, they must factor in how much they will pay to have it installed, the downtime the company will experience during the transition, and other elements.
When the company chooses to have the engine overhauled, there will be downtime. The difference is that the money saved by having the unit overhauled can be spent to rent replacement equipment until the machine is running again. Any money they saved by choosing the overhaul option can be used to offset the rental costs. The company could rent a machine if they purchase a new engine, but the cost will be much higher, as they will pay full price for the new engine and incur the rental costs.
A Professional Rebuild
When a professional overhauls an engine, they strip it down to the bare block. They then inspect each component and determine its condition. The mechanic replaces or refurbishes any parts that aren’t in optimal running condition and adheres to strict guidelines when doing so. As they rebuild the engine, they work to restore it to like-new condition so the owner gets an engine that will offer the desired performance and reliability.
Extended Engine Life
Caterpillar has been around since the 1920s, which shows the company’s dedication to producing quality products that last. Overhauling an engine ensures a company gets the most from its heavy machinery investment. The overhaul kit contains items needed to replace worn components and address wear and tear. Once the overhaul process is complete, the engine will have like-new specs, so the owner can count on it to perform reliability for years.
Many owners wonder if the machine will meet performance benchmarks. The engine will perform as expected when a trained professional completes the overhaul. Once again, the owner will have a powerful, efficient, and reliable machine so that projects can move forward quickly.
Lower Maintenance Costs
When heavy equipment breaks down, it can be costly to repair. Maintaining an older machine also costs more, as it needs maintenance more often. Overhauling the engine replaces worn components while eliminating any problems within the machine that led to frequent breakdowns. Maintenance costs decline once the engine has been overhauled, as the components are new.
Decreased Downtime
Business owners know how costly downtime can be. A trained mechanic can often complete an engine overhaul in less time than it would take to install a replacement unit. Less downtime equals higher revenue and fewer disruptions to daily operations.
An Environmentally Friendly Solution
Many people don’t realize that overhauling an engine is better for the environment. They think installing a new unit will protect the planet. However, overhauling the unit leads to less waste because the components are refurbished and reused. They won’t end up in a landfill, and resources won’t be used to make new ones.
Lower Cost
A business owner can learn exactly how much it will cost to rebuild or overhaul an engine versus the cost of buying a new engine and having it installed. This information makes budgeting for regular maintenance easier. In addition, a company spends less for the overhaul and can use the savings elsewhere.
Warranty
Most companies offering overhaul kits or completing the work on the engine offer a warranty. Look for a technician trained to work on these machines to ensure a quality overhaul. Ask about support options if problems arise once the work is complete to ensure help is available when needed.
Why Wait?
Many companies wait until an engine fails before looking into repair and replacement options. They worry about downtime and the associated loss of revenue. However, being proactive helps keep repair costs down. When one part starts to fail, it affects other parts within the machine. Acting quickly when a machine shows signs of early failure helps keep repair and replacement costs minimal. If the engine must be overhauled or replaced, overhauling the machine often takes less time and costs less.
Don’t wait until a problem arises to learn more about repair and replacement options. Gather information early so it will be easy to decide if the machine needs replacement or if making repairs or replacing the engine will suffice. A quality overhaul helps extend the engine’s life while restoring its performance. Maintenance costs will decrease and the risk of downtime will lessen.
Furthermore, overhauling the engine will minimize the company’s environmental impact, which is important to many consumers today. Learn more today about the different options so you won’t be playing catch-up when something goes wrong. You can take decisive action and restore normal operations quickly.
