Mining Equipment Refurbishment: 7 Tips from an Expert

Refurbishing mining, aggregates or recycling equipment is a decision that involves several factors. Choosing a supplier with a track record in this type of service is one of them.

Service, laboratory analysis for diagnosis and possibilities for improving machine operation must be included in the mining or quarry checklist.

The items were highlighted by mechanical engineer Wagner Francisco da Silva, from Furlan's Services area. Wagner has experience on both sides of the counter in the segment: he worked for 14 years at a client in the recycling area, but he also worked for 34 years at Metso, a global supplier of mining, aggregates and recycling equipment, including managing the refurbishment area.

Check out Wagner's tips.

1. Medium and heavy corrections: keep an eye on them

Due to the nature of the work, mining is one of the industrial segments in which equipment suffers most from natural wear and tear. Therefore, the mining or quarrying company must perform adequate maintenance, within the manufacturer's recommendations.

This prevents excessive wear.

Correction can be divided into three types: light, medium and heavy. Light corrections are the easiest to perform, with the recovery of areas of the machine that have become deformed over time and work.

The most complex ones are the heavy and medium ones, when a crash or breakage occurs. They can cost half the price of new equipment.

However, Wagner recommends refurbishment even in these situations. “A crusher, for example, regains its original design, with the same performance as before,” he says.

2. Define clearly what to expect from the renovation

Máquinas Furlan carries out a field visit to understand the scenario in which the machine is used. The customer presents basic information, such as the performance and history of interventions carried out on the machine. And they must make it clear what they expect from the renovation, so that the decision is the most effective, according to Wagner.

It is also worth monitoring the wear of components – such as the eccentric bushing, the countershaft bushing and the crown pinion.

The “before” and “after” are important, as we have shown on this page on our website.

3. Laboratory tests help to expand the diagnosis

The expertise of the renovation supplier is important. In the case of Furlan, it has been operating in the market for 62 years, starting with renovations for quarries. This allowed the company to create its own methodology for meeting renovation requests.

But the technological investment made by the machine manufacturer still weighs heavily. At Furlan, the diagnosis includes laboratory tests, such as metallographic, ultrasound and liquid penetrant.

If, for example, there is a crack not detected in the initial analysis, the information is presented to the customer, together with the technical report.

4. The ranking of the most refurbished equipment in mining

It doesn’t matter whether the final product is aggregated for construction, mining or recycling. “Even with preventive maintenance, there is natural wear and tear on the equipment,” says Wagner.

The most common refurbishment requests are for jaw crushers and cone crushers, while ball mill bearings and hammer mill rotors lead the ranking among parts and accessories.

The project may involve several pieces of equipment from a plant or even an entire plant.

5. Take advantage and upgrade your equipment

As time goes by, new technologies emerge. This can be seen in mining equipment, which has a long service life.

Then, there is the chance for an upgrade. “Along with the renovation, we can install a more modern hydraulic unit or a new motor that consumes less electricity,” explains the mechanical engineer.

The steel grade of the castings can also be re-evaluated.

6. Complete solution: rent until the retiree returns

A collegiate group works to improve Furlan's Services area, based on suggestions made by customers. As a result, many new developments are coming.

One of them is the possibility of renting, from Furlan, a semi-new piece of equipment until the refurbished one is delivered.

It is worth noting that a Furlan professional will personally monitor the startup of the refurbished machine. This monitoring increases the customer's safety, in items such as compliance with the requirements set out in the refurbishment project.

7. The structure of the renovation supplier is different

Choosing the company that will carry out the renovation must involve many factors. An ideal proposal must be made quickly, but also include the best technical procedures. This is where the reliability of Furlan products and services comes in.

Anyone looking to invest in this type of service must also take into account the provider’s structure.

“Máquinas Furlan has a state-of-the-art industrial hub to produce equipment, including Foundry. The company’s board of directors encourages groups of excellence in various areas so that we can seek to reduce costs, extend the useful life of products and innovate in the materials used in solutions,” says Wagner.

This allows the generation of the best reform proposals, whether for Furlan equipment or other national and international brands.

So, it's time for your mining or quarry company to talk to one of our representatives. If you prefer, send a message on WhatsApp, which is on our website, or email here .