Web Exclusive: Finding the right fluid power remanufacturing service

When a component breaks, it is critical to get a new part or have it fixed immediately, to avoid machine downtime and costs. That’s why most users of hydraulic and pneumatic technologies tend to use remanufacturing services to get their machines up and running — it’s easy to get a new part within just 24 hours if you work with a good remanufacturer you know and trust.

Members of the industry offer these tips when it comes to finding the right remanufacturing service:

Todd McIntyre, Eaton-ReMan Division: When looking to buy reman, we encourage people to consider the quality of the product they are using. Using genuine remanufactured parts directly from the original manufacturer is the best way to ensure the pump will perform to the same level as the new pump. Speed and delivery is always a very important aspect of any aftermarket product as well. When a machine is down, you don't always have to wait for a part. So availability and consistency of delivery is key.

Pat Callahan, Weber Hydraulics: Picking a reliable repair facility is critical for anyone looking to have a piece of equipment repaired. Some of the questions to ask before selecting a repair house include:

• Do they have the equipment to do the repair that I need?
• Are their technicians qualified to do the repair that I need?
• How long have they been in business?
• What is their reputation in the industry?
• What is their warranty?
• Do they have qualified people to help with installation if necessary?

Mel Maynard, Bosch Rexroth Corp., Service Business Development: If I were a Rexroth customer, and as I would in my personal life, I always seek out the most qualified, giving me the confidence that I can put the product back into service and expect it to run as new.

Important aspects to look for include:

• A properly designed test that stands to meet the specific test protocol
• Specially designed support tools for proper measurement and assembly procedures, and
• Shop equipment such as parts, washers, lapping machines and tables, cleaning tables for contamination removal, to mention just a few.

Doug Hanson, Hanson Hydraulics Ltd., and Paddison Heavy Industries Ltd.: Finding a shop that you can trust could be a challenge. Go in and talk to the foreman. If he gives you a used car salesman feeling, it might not be good.

Cleanliness in a shop is critical. If there is dirt on the floor, or worse, on the workbench, then there is going to be dirt in your component. If you’re having a piston pump or motor rebuilt, ask to see their lapping table. If they don’t have one, they have no business rebuilding your pump. A shop that can run your component up on a test stand should get preference.

If it looks like a shady outfit that might not be there to honor a warranty claim next month, keep looking. Don’t be afraid to ask for a customer name that will give them a reference. Just to keep them honest, request that all parts that are replaced are returned to you with the repaired unit.

Wick Harwick, Western FluiDyne: In looking for a remanufacturing house, there are several key issues to look for:

• Customer service that is knowledgeable and can answer questions and decode the part number correctly and completely.
• Technical customer service to assist with questions on commissioning, start-up, and adjustments.
• A shop that is experienced with the specific brand and the eccentricities of building these exact pumps or motors.
• A shop that uses a combination of remanufactured parts and high quality aftermarket. Some parts (like the swivel connection between pistons and shoes) can never really be remanufactured properly. In these situations, aftermarket piston assemblies provide lower cost and longer in service component life. A high-quality remanufacturing house use a combination of new and re-surfaced components.
• A shop should have in-house grinding, lapping, machining, and reverse engineering functionality. Remanufacture of larger older components often requires a mixture of skills to bring the pump back to original operating condition.
• A shop with high horsepower and full flow test stand with oil cleanliness specifications on the test fluid. Test stands see very high ingression rates for debris as each pump tested flushes assembly debris into the fluid. Planning and care is needed to keep test stand fluids clean and proper for hydraulic applications.
• A company that has the confidence and reputation to provide a 2-year warranty for it remanufactured products.
• An ISO 9001:2000 (or other) internationally accredited shop to ensure that engineering, manufacturing, and quality procedures are in place to ensure consistent quality and availability
• A company with a history of success and a reputation for quality in the industry. A company’s web site is often the best way to check out and understand the capabilities of an individual remanufacturing operation to see if they are the right place for you to place your trust.

Make contact

• Mel Maynard, Bosch Rexroth Corp., Service Business Development, Fountain Inn, S.C., (864) 237-1801, www.boschrexroth-us.com
• Todd McIntyre, Eaton-ReMan Division, Eden Prairie, Minn., (952) 937-7288, www.eaton.com
• Doug Hanson, Hanson Hydraulics Ltd., and Paddison Heavy Industries Ltd., British Columbia, (250) 803-2124
• Pat Callahan, Weber Hydraulics, Darien Center, N.Y., (585) 547-9931, www.callahanmc.com
• Wick Harwick, Western FluiDyne, Fraser, Mich., (586) 296-7200, www.westernfluidyne.com