REBUILDS & REPAIRS
Extras and enhancements
Paul Moore looks at various offerings in the booming mining equipment rebuilds and repairs sector , from battery conversions to complete rebuilds and upgrades using enhanced replacement parts
Underground mining equipment major GHH , currently part of the German-owned Schmidt Kranz Group but set to join Komatsu Mining in H1 2023 , has long been a well known player in new machine sales of loaders and trucks , but in order to provide even better customer service and be a part of the total solution , it also repairs and rebuilds machines as part of its customer support strategy . It told IM : “ The key take away is the flexibility in service offering that GHH can provide its customers . GHH has the flexibility to offer customised solutions to ensure the solutions are fit-for – purpose for customers .”
As part of GHH ’ s service offering to customers in various countries around the world , GHH offers a rebuild program that is tailored to best suits customers ’ needs . “ We are adaptable and can offer complete rebuilds or mini rebuilds of equipment , either at their premises or onsite for customer ease and logistical sense , as well as service exchange and component repairs , either through their stores or their own Vendor Managed Inventory ( VMI ) program . Older fleets of equipment can also be modified or upgraded , through a full rebuild process , to include some of the newer technologies or developments . All documentation for the rebuild equipment is also updated accordingly .”
A complete rebuild is done according to OEM specifications all with strict quality controls and processes in place to ensure highest quality products . Rebuilt machines are stripped and then follow a similar process to the new machine manufacture and assembly processs . Full rebuilds are stripped down to the frame . The
Fully Rebuilt Sandvik LH621 at QME Ltd ' s facility in Navan , Ireland
steel work is repaired or replaced , condition dependant , and all major components are repaired . The majority of the rest of machine is replaced with new . “ GHH also support our rebuild machines under warranty . A flip side benefit of the GHH rebuild programs it that it helps with internal development and learning too , in order to offer the best upgrades and developments through R & D .”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic , GHH says it has seen a dramatic increase in new machine leadtimes and shortages throughout the supply chain around the world . “ GHH has taken the opportunity to use our rebuild & repair facilities to service , repair and maintain various drivetrain and hydraulic components to keep customers fleets running while awaiting the arrival on new components or the completion of newly built machines . These serviced or repaired components are also backed under a service / repair warranty .”
GHH also manages various fleets of rental equipment in different countries around the world , again based on customer needs and requirements . In certain cases , the GHH rental fleets offer a short-term solution for customers while they await the arrival of their new equipment . Rentals are also used on a project basis for limited duration or as a swing machine for the rebuild program .
GHH also offer various maintenance and service contracts through , for example GHHMM Technical Services business , on their own rental fleet and can include these running costs in the rental fee . “ GHH also manages these service and maintenance contracts based on tailoring them to specific customer needs ranging from onsite support and over-inspections or full service and maintenance staff onsite . Based on customer requirements , GHH also offers a comprehensive rental solution where we provide all spares , services and maintenance included .”
Before and after rebuild of low profile GHH loader , carried out at its South African facility
52 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2023