When managing mining operations, heavy-duty machinery is integral to working life. However, due to wear and tear, components will fail and depreciate over time, leaving operators questioning whether to repair or replace parts or equipment.
Understanding how to make the right decision is crucial for productivity and cost-effectiveness. This feature explains how to go about mining machinery repairs, with expert insights from our mining maintenance solutions team.
Checklist for Repairs or Mining Machinery Replacement
Below is a mining machinery repair or replacement checklist. Each point explains how to evaluate your machinery and determine whether replacing or repairing is the best choice for your team.
1. Access the Extent of the Machinery Damage
Before making a decision, it’s essential to check your heavy-duty equipment. Not all failures are the same—some can be fixed quickly, others cannot. If you have old machinery, then failures may be more common and serious.
The good news is some mining equipment parts can be fixed rapidly. This can then extend the lifespan of your assets.
2. Compare Costs
Consider the costs of a short-term fix and a long-term investment. The former involves repairing or rebuilding your machinery rather than outright buying a new model. Determining the best route can resolve the situation faster while keeping project overhead in check.
3. Consider machinery downtime on productivity
To keep your project on target, and to save money, you should factor in asset downtime. The longer that lasts, the more it impacts on your project. This depends on how long repairs will take, as each component and situation will differ. It may be hours, days, or weeks, depending on the availability of a new part.
Factor in repair lead time over machine delivery times and the impact on your productivity. This way, you can quickly work out the best course of action.
4. Evaluate equipment age alongside technological advances
Older machinery will break down more frequently. They also won’t be as efficient as new machinery, which will boast improved fuel economy, the latest in automation and safety features, plus improved industry compliance.
If you have equipment that is simply past its sell-by date, then that is when begin investing in the latest technology.
5. Analyse resale and disposal opportunities
As part of this process, you may want to consider selling used equipment and parts. This can help fund new heavy-duty machinery. It’ll also determine whether your parts are worth repairing. If they offer little resale value, continuously repairing them will eventually cost you revenue.
When to Repair or Replace Mining Equipment
Here’s a quick breakdown of the above on whether to replace or repair your machinery:
- Repair: If minor, localised damage is present and repairs are cost-effective, this can offer a faster route back to productivity.
- Replace: This option is effective if the damage is severe, compromises safety, and slows production. It is particularly effective if the machinery is outdated or repair costs exceed 50% of the equipment’s value.
The Benefits of Repairing Mining Machinery
Replacement parts for mining equipment can save your business money and quickly restore your machine to working order. The savings you’ll make over buying new heavy-duty machinery will be considerable.
Repairs will ensure that your equipment complies with the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) standards, which can lead to health and safety improvements.
With mining equipment replacement parts you’ll also extend the lifespan of your assets, ensuring you get full value for your money.
The Benefits of Replacing Mining Equipment
Although costly, if you decide to replace heavy-duty machinery with new assets, you have cutting-edge equipment at your disposal. This investment can then provide you with new equipment for your workers to take advantage of.
New equipment packed with the latest technology and features can offer major productivity boosts. If you’re willing to invest, this can provide significant ROI at an upfront cost.
Choose HDD Solutions for Quality Mining Replacement Parts
Access our advanced repair technology, expert knowledge, and fast response times. We’re an equipment specialist ready to shoulder your earthmoving equipment challenges with quick, tailored support to help you work smarter for longer.
We’re committed to ensuring exceptional equipment performance for businesses in Western Australia. Contact us today for immediate support from our expert, welcoming team. Our services are guaranteed to improve reliability and save you time and money.
