Replace or Rebuild? The Economics of an Ageing Crane

Start with an honest assessment

Before you spend six or seven figures on a new machine, find out what a proper rebuild would cost. A lot of hard-worked machines are repairable, not replaceable — an assessment, including oil sampling for hidden wear, tells you which.

The numbers

New cranes run from around $450,000 for a 20-tonne machine into the millions. A comprehensive major inspection plus rebuild typically extends a compliant machine's life by more than a decade — for a fraction of that.

What a rebuild covers

Boom rebuilds, undercarriage overhauls, line boring of worn bearing bores, harness replacement, structural refurbishment and engine or driveline overhauls — restoring a machine to look and function as good as new.

The KDI difference

Because inspection, fabrication, machining, hydraulics, electrical and rebuild are all in-house, a rebuild lands on time and the scope holds — no waiting between five subcontractors.