Repairing Heavy Equipment: Four Factors to Consider

1. HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO OWN THIS MACHINE?

Your ownership plans are the first factor to consider when repairing heavy equipment. The longer you expect to keep a machine, the more time you have to recoup your repair costs.

Planning to run equipment for the long haul? It might make sense to invest in a bigger, more thorough repair. Talk to your dealer about options like a Cat Certified Rebuild, which can reset your machine’s clock back to zero, essentially giving it another life.

Planning to sell or retire the machine soon? In that case, you probably want to stick with a less expensive repair. Your dealer can provide alternatives like a rebearing or reseal to help address component wear and extend life.

2. HOW MUCH OR HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE THIS MACHINE?

Next, consider equipment utilization. Both the number of hours a machine works and the tasks it performs affect your repair decisions.

Repairing one of your primary production machines? If so, you likely have two priorities. First, the repair needs to get done fast to minimize the cost of downtime. Second, it needs to be highly durable and reliable because you work this machine hard.

For high-utilization equipment, your dealer may recommend addressing component wear with new or Cat Reman parts. That’s because they’re the strongest and longest-lasting options. They’re also readily available, so you can get back to work fast.

What if you’re repairing a utility machine that works fewer hours or on less critical jobs? You may be able to afford more time in the shop, and your dealer can suggest options to lower your repair costs.

3. WHAT IS YOUR COST EXPECTATION?

Affordability is always a consideration when it comes to repairing heavy equipment. Cash flow is fluid, so what you can afford today may be different than what you could afford six months ago (or six months from now).

Your Cat dealer understands that. If cash is tight, inquire about simple options that can get you back to work for the lowest repair costs. For many less complicated jobs, you can choose routine maintenance kits, parts kits and Self-Service Options. When you do the work yourself, you can avoid paying labor charges.

Keep in mind that financing to repair and maintain equipment is available, too. With the Cat Card, you can buy the preventative maintenance parts and repair services you need now, make low monthly payments, then pay in full when your finances allow.

4. HOW QUICKLY DOES THIS MACHINE NEED TO GET BACK TO WORK?

The final factor to consider as you make your repair decision is turnaround time. That often depends on the size of your fleet and the status of your jobs.

Can you take this machine out of service without missing any project deadlines? Do you have a backup machine that can take its place? Or can you rent a temporary replacement from your dealer? In these situations, you can choose a repair that takes more time — and one that may come in at a lower price point.

However, if getting this machine back to work as quickly as possible is the only priority, rest assured your dealer has options that will reduce your downtime.

TAILORED OPTIONS FOR REPAIRING HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Think of these four repair factors — ownership, utilization, affordability and turnaround time — as a continuum. Where you fall on that continuum helps determine the right choice for you. On one end, you’ll find simple and less expensive solutions like rebearings, reseals and inspections. On the other end are more complex repairs like overhauls and rebuilds.

The good news is, whatever your priorities, there’s a wide range of repair options available for engines, drive trains, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and more. You won’t find one-size-fits-all repairs at your Cat dealer. Instead, you’ll have access to customizable options, tiered pricing and all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Once you’ve selected an option, you can repair and maintain with confidence. The work is performed by factory-trained dealer technicians. And all new Cat and Cat Reman parts used in your repair are backed by a 12-month Caterpillar Limited parts warranty*.

^{*Warranty can vary by model and application; limitations may apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.}

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

To narrow in on the right repair, use our online repair selector. It walks you through questions about ownership, utilization, affordability and turnaround time — then provides recommendations based on your answers. This tool isn’t meant to take the place of a conversation with your dealer. But it is a quick, easy way to view your options.

You may also want to weigh the differences between repairing, rebuilding and replacing heavy construction equipment. This article offers a deep dive into the pros and cons of each choice.

Once you’re ready to start a more in-depth discussion about repairs — or get your repair on the schedule — just get in touch with your local Cat dealer to get the process underway.

CONTACT DEALER