Whether you just purchased new machinery for your business or are still using an older model, finding replacement parts can be a challenge. Depending on how old your car is, the parts may even be discontinued.
Once manufacturers believe a part negatively impacts their profit margins or they’ve created a more innovative model, they stop production. This makes it harder for you to find them. Depending on how hard you look, you may be in luck. Here are some ways to keep your machinery, even if the parts are no longer manufactured.
Search Locally
Sometimes, you’re fortunate enough to find a spare part locally. A maintenance repair place may keep your part in stock until they run out for situations like this, even if it’s been discontinued. For smaller pieces like nuts and bolts, you can contact your local hardware store to see if they still carry it.
Keep in mind, this is not always a guarantee. However, it’s always worth a try, especially if you’re looking for a part that’s crucial to your car running.
Check Online
The beauty of the internet is you can find virtually anything. So, if all of your local search efforts fail, you may be able to find someone via Craigslist or eBay willing to ship it directly to you. Look at reviews left by previous buyers to ensure that you are getting exactly what you are paying for without any unwanted surprises. Purchasing from reputable sellers will help you find quality parts that will last for a long time.
Utilize Metal Fabrication
If you live by a machine shop, speak with them about metal fabrication. This process recreates metal objects, making it a viable option if your part is no longer available. Remember, recreating a part creates a replica that may or may not be a perfect match. Nonetheless, it’s worth a try.
Reconsider Your Options
Sometimes, the odds are not in your favor. As hard as it’ll be to part with your equipment, that may become a reality. If this happens, consider trading it in for another piece of machinery that is similar to it. If you believe your equipment can still be used, consider keeping it. Even if you are unable to use it immediately, you may be able to sell it in the future.
Eventually, most machinery and parts will be discontinued in order to make room for newer models. If you’re currently dealing with this, just know you have options. If you don’t want to get rid of your car, be sure to try each of the previously mentioned items before throwing in the towel. Doing so will help your tools remain functional.
If you rely on heavy equipment to get the job done, maintenance and repairs are going to be needed to keep the machinery running and get work done on time. The repairs that you need to do to your heavy equipment can help reduce the downtime that costs your business money. Maintaining your equipment will help you avoid having to replace certain parts as often.
Understand Failing Hydraulic Manifolds and Controls
One of the first problems you will want to deal with when it comes to heavy equipment is failing hydraulic systems that lack some of the controls. This is often due to problems with the hydraulic manifolds and the controls. To solve these problems you should focus on rebuilding or replacing hydraulic manifolds to ensure that the controls have all the movements and prevent failures of the hydraulic systems.
Engine and Mechanical Complications
The heavy machinery that you use to get work done on a daily basis also includes engines, transmissions, and pumps. It is important that all these components of your equipment are well-maintained to avoid problems with mechanical problems that can lead to failures and downtime that can be costly to your business. In addition, if you use machinery during the colder months, you may want to talk to a heavy equipment repair service about using lubricants like oil that is formulated for cold temperatures and improvements like heaters that will improve equipment functionality during the winter months.
Pistons, Hoses, and Fittings Issues
There are also pistons, hoses, and fittings of heavy equipment that can be damaged during routine operation. These parts often fail when doing work, so it is a good idea to have the extra hoses, fittings, and other materials to do quick repairs on the job site when you need to. For problems like bent or severely damaged hydraulic pistons, you may want to have a heavy equipment repair service help with the repairs to ensure these problems are fixed correctly.
Tuning Up Your Heavy Equipment
You will also want to tune up your heavy equipment routinely to ensure that a lack of maintenance does not lead to failures and downtime. Sometimes, these tune-ups need to include repairs like replacing worn bearings, pistons, and other parts that wear out due to regular workloads. Replacing these parts before they fail can save your business from costly downtime when parts stop functioning.
These are some heavy equipment repair tips to ensure minor problems do not lead to issues that can be costly to your business. If you need help with repairs before downtime costs your business money, contact a heavy equipment repair service company to keep your machinery running when you need it most.
