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134 E&MJ; • JUNE 2014 www.e-mj.com Rebuild or New? Tips for Making the Right Equipment Choice By Eric Taylor S U P P L I E R S R E P O R T With the pressures of a challenging economy and the current price tags of new equipment, more and more mining companies are deciding to rebuild rather than to buy new. Here are some guidelines to consider to determine which way to go, especially as it per- tains to magnetic separation, vibratory feeders, metal detection, suspended electromagnets and magnetic drum separators. However, these basic guide- lines can also be applied to all equip- ment used in your mining operation. Track Performance and Service Life Companies can find out from the man- ufacturer what the predictable effective life may be for a certain type of equip- ment. Based upon this forecast, they can schedule the appropriate inspec- tion to help them decide whether repair or replacement is needed. Optimum operating efficiency and product longevity depend greatly on the individ- ual piece of equipment and its working environment. Routine tests can deter- mine when it's time to upgrade or replace components or purchase a brand new model. Annual maintenance checks can be performed by qualified plant personnel or an outside party. The goal is to limit costly downtime and make sure equip- ment is operating at peak performance. Once an inspection is completed, the service center will be better able to determine the next course of action, whether this means replacing one com- ponent or remanufacturing the equip- ment to original specifications. In some cases, a total replacement is needed, but that is only after consideration is given to several scenarios to get that equipment back on line. Consider the 'Buy New' Price Compared to the Rebuild Price When all is said and done, the price tag for new equipment may be beyond budgetary constraints. At Eriez's 5-Star Service Center, for example, they have been able to provide economic guide- lines for these products when it comes to rebuilding compared to buying new. Research New Features As time goes on, manufacturers develop product enhancements that may be sought by the management team. Sometimes these innovations can be added during the rebuild process. Other times, these improvements can only be enjoyed if a new product is purchased. One example of an innovation is related to suspended electromagnets (SE). Eriez has incorporated an external oil Source: Eriez At the Eriez service center in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, remanufactured equipment leaves the facility with an 'as new' warranty. A typical rebuild of a suspended electromagnet, as shown here, can include the coil, core, stud seals and oil expansion tank. Product Typical Rebuild Savings Compared Warranty Components/Service To New Suspended Electro Coil, core, stud seals, 30% – 50% 1 year Magnets oil expansion tank. 5 years on coil Magnetic Wet Drum Bearings, seals, shaft 40% – 60% 1 year Separators ends, drive chain (if applicable), magnetic element. Scrap Drums Heavy-duty bearings, 50% – 60% 1 year coil, sprocket, drive 3 years on coil chain (if applicable). Vibratory Feeders Tray, coil, springs, 40% – 60% 1 year wear items. Metal Detectors Calibration, cleaning 30% – 40% 1 year and certifying. EMJ_pg134-135_EMJ_pg134-135 6/2/14 3:54 PM Page 134