If your heavy equipment has been lagging or experiencing downtime — or you’re seeking ways to boost your business’s output and efficiency without buying all new machinery — consider restoration.
The machine rebuild procedure is intricate and adheres to the stringent standards of the Cat® Certified Rebuild Program. Here’s what you can expect when you work with Thompson Machinery.
When to Consider a Rebuild
Heavy equipment refurbishment is a great option if you or your business:
- Experience unplanned downtime: If your machine spends more time out of service than in operation, machine rebuilding could be the solution. As parts wear down, performance can decline, leaving you behind schedule.
- Want to boost efficiency: Take your projects or business to the next level by revamping your heavy machinery to enhance performance and improve overall efficiency.
- Need to reduce costs: Many of today’s upgrades — such as fuel system or hydraulic enhancements — can shorten project times and even lower operational costs. Rebuilds can offer the benefits of a new fleet without the overhead expenses.
Still not sure which option is right for you? Thompson Machinery can help. Reach out to our team today!
Benefits of Rebuilding Over Replacement
Opting for an equipment refurbishment from Thompson Machinery means you get all the software and component upgrades needed to improve operation without investing in and retraining for all new equipment. You’ll experience benefits like:
- Versatility and customization: Upgrading existing equipment lets you choose which areas are most important to your business, such as track performance or emissions reduction.
- Attachment compatibility: You’ll save even more money by retaining attachment compatibility.
- Environmental sustainability: Restoring equipment instead of replacing conserves the materials and energy it would take to manufacture a new machine while reducing waste associated with out-of-commission equipment. Certain upgrades may also improve sustainability and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Increased longevity: Increase your machine’s life span with critical engineering and operational upgrades.
- Extended warranty: The Cat Certified Rebuild program includes extended warranties on your equipment. Thompson Machinery also offers a warranty on any new parts we install during the process.
The Machinery Restoration Process
Here’s how machine rebuilding works if you choose the Cat Certified Rebuild Program in seven straightforward steps:
1. Initial Inspection and Evaluation
Trained technicians will inspect each machine component to evaluate its current condition — this includes reviewing your machine’s fluid analysis and all maintenance and service records. They will note where improvements make the most sense and list any optional upgrades to consider.
2. Machine Disassembly
Once we’ve worked with you to determine the most beneficial upgrades, we’ll begin disassembling your machine part by part. We’ll base each component’s improvements on the Caterpillar Parts Reusability Guidelines. All refurbished machines come with new versions of the following as part of the required parts replacement:
- Hoses
- Belts
- Gaskets
- Seals
- Bearings
3. Reconditioning
We’ll then recondition your machine by:
- Repairing the frame: This includes straightening and reinforcing or welding if necessary.
- Replacing worn parts: All worn parts, such as linkage pins, are updated.
- Hydraulic reset: We’ll adjust the hydraulic system to its original levels to prepare it for further upgrades.
4. Parts Replacement and Engineering Updates
This is the equipment refurbishment step, where the bulk of the changes are made. We’ll upgrade the entire machine as needed and pay special attention to engineering components to incorporate any updates that have been released since the original manufacturing date.
This process could include several enhancements:
- Mechanical systems: We’ll overhaul the machine’s mechanical system, including the brakes, fuel system and hydraulics.
- Structural components: We’ll fix structural issues, like cracks, rust and weak spots. We’ll also replace worn or damaged tracks on the undercarriage and finish with a corrosion-resistant coating to ensure longevity.
- Electrical and control systems: Technicians upgrade electrical and control systems as needed, including installing new wiring, changing or upgrading sensors and updating the control panel and onboard software.
- Operator comfort and safety: Operator comfort is paramount for performance and safety. We’ll upgrade the interior cabin cooling system and replace seats and controls with more ergonomic options. We’ll also upgrade lighting and any audio equipment if necessary.
- Environmental compliance: As environmental regulations change, so should your equipment. We’ll make sure your machine is equipped with the latest exhaust improvements to minimize harmful emissions.
5. Engine and Transmission Testing
How your machine operates makes all the difference between profiting and losing valuable time or money. Our technicians will remove, replace, restore or update the following operational components:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Torque converter
- Radiator
- Axle
- Final drive
We’ll then bench-test all parts to confirm they meet Cat Certified Rebuild Program standards.
6. Reassembly and Final Performance Testing
We’ll reassemble the equipment and record all clearances and pressure settings. Once together, technicians begin performance testing. This critical step ensures your machine meets all Cat Certified Rebuild Program standards and satisfies operational and efficiency expectations. The process includes filtering fluids to eliminate contaminants that could hinder performance and longevity according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for that system.
We’ll also tackle component painting. Your refurbished equipment will look like a new machine after our team repaints it and applies all necessary graphics.
7. Post-Rebuild Support
We’ll walk you through all the enhancements we made so you can evaluate your upgrade machine. Once you’re satisfied with its reliability and productivity, the equipment is ready to rejoin your fleet with all the improvements needed for efficient, streamlined operation. We’re always a phone call away if you need assistance because we value our clients.
You can also take advantage of the following services to get the most out of your refurbished equipment:
- Condition monitoring systems: Your local full-service Cat dealer will utilize Product Link™ to remotely monitor your machine. The system will analyze all operating data to keep you informed about your equipment’s condition.
- Cat Equipment Management: Track and access all equipment data for your worksite. This includes equipment location, usage hours and overall machine health.
- Equipment certification: Thompson Machinery offers online and in-person equipment operation certification courses. Enroll in training for earthmoving, operator and aerial equipment so your team can operate your rebuilt machine.
Equipment Rebuilds From Thompson Machinery
If you want the benefits of a new machine without the overhead, equipment rebuilding with Thompson Machinery is the solution. Our team is certified to complete total restorations on Cat equipment. We also offer Cat Certified Power Train Rebuilds if you want to target power train engineering. We’ll even help you find a rental to use while your machine is refurbished so you can continue working.
Contact us today to start the process and get one step closer to improving your operations.
