Do you fit remanufactured parts? Volvo Trucks advises
Your choice will be motivated by your business model and specific needs. Remanufactured parts are readily available and can be significantly cheaper than a new part, however.
Commercial transport is tough and competitive, and downtime for repairwork on fleet vehicles can cause unnecessary destruction to that bottom line.
Fleet operators need to constantly scrutinise operational expenses like fuel, financing, labour, insurance, maintenance and repair. And sometimes the decision of whether to repair, buy new, or go for a remanufactured part is not an easy one.
“Buying a new part could be your first instinct when something breaks down; after all, you want something that works, has a warranty, and is guaranteed to fit your truck. A new part will also come with the latest technology, have the longest life expectancy and work efficiently. But it will also mean a higher price tag, and you will have to evaluate how this will impact your operating costs and total cost of ownership of your truck,” said Eric Parry, the sustainable solutions manager of Volvo Trucks South Africa.
When you repair, replace or fit a new part, downtime is inevitable.
“Remanufacturing is a standardised industrial process in which worn-out parts are returned to a condition that is as good as new in technical specifications and performance. It is usually a good idea to replace heavier components with remanufactured parts as these tend to be more expensive. Engine, chassis parts, transmission brakes and steering are just a few of such components. When it comes to electronics, starter motor, control units and alternators can be replaced using remanufactured parts as well.”
“When we remanufacture parts at Volvo Trucks, this process includes dismantling, cleaning, remachining, assembling and testing the equipment. The process is much like the original manufacturing process, except that some of the components have had a previous life,” said Olga Naert, Volvo Truck’s remanufacturing business development manager.
There are a few reasons why a remanufactured part might be the right investment if you are facing the breakdown of a critical component.
“The most obvious is the lower cost compared to a new part. When you buy a reman unit, all parts will be updated with the latest technology,” said Naert. “Quality is another plus, as remanufactured parts meet OEM standards for performance and always come with a warranty.”
“Using remanufactured parts also saves energy, reduces landfill waste and means that dangerous residuals inside worn components are taken care of,” said Parry. “The process of remanufacturing, which is labour-intensive, can also be seen as sustainable from a societal perspective, as it creates demand for high-skilled jobs.”
Source: Tanya Wandrag
