When you experience problems with the hydraulic equipment at your food processing plant, you need to call your machine shop to get it up and running as soon as possible. The equipment is essential for a safe production line, so you will need to decide whether to repair or replace the system. Here are some important considerations to help you make the right choice for your budget and your business's future. 

3 Considerations for Repairing or Replacing Your Hydraulic Equipment

1. Lead Time

When a machine shop rebuilds hydraulic equipment, they take it apart piece by piece and inspect, clean, and refurbish each component. Though this will take some time, it takes less time to get up and running than a replacement does in most cases. This is because waiting for specialized replacement parts often has a much longer lead time since the part has to be sourced, manufactured, and delivered. 

2. Quality

One concern for business owners is that if they repair their equipment, they won't be getting the same type of quality. However, a rebuild includes a full inspection with all the parts evaluated and seals replaced. 

When a knowledgeable machine shop performs them, the repairs can give you equipment with life spans of 75% of brand-new replacements. You can maximize this duration by properly maintaining the equipment, utilizing an inspection log, and keeping all the high friction parts well-lubricated. 

3. Cost

A rebuild typically costs less than half of the price for a replacement piece of equipment. In turn, this investment gives you a piece of equipment that can last up to 75% as long as a new part. If your equipment is in relatively good condition overall, then the cost of a repair is the smarter investment.

If you've decided that a repair is right for your equipment, leave it to the team at R.A. Heller Co. in Cincinnati, OH. This machine shop serves commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal clients throughout the Midwestern and eastern United States. They utilize cutting-edge equipment to handle all types of work, from precision grinding to hard chrome plating. Learn more on their website or by calling (513) 771-6100.