Replacing certain heavy equipment parts should be part of your routine maintenance routine, not just when a part breaks down.
Replacing parts before they break down keeps your machine in top condition and extends its life. Construction equipment that is not maintained depreciates over time. Replacing worn parts on the spot will:
- Improve your heavy equipment uptime
- Reduce your overall operating costs
- Achieve superior performance
When one part of your heavy equipment machine breaks down, there’s a chance that other parts are damaged as well. Damaged parts can cause downtime. If you have parts readily available, being prepared ahead of time can keep you working and avoid delays.
Replacement Part Options: New, Used, Refurbished, or Replacement
You can choose from new, used, or refurbished parts. While each has its own pros and cons, the right replacement part for your heavy equipment depends on your needs. Here’s a guide to the different replacement part options:
1. New Parts
New parts are manufactured by the original manufacturer and are guaranteed to fit your equipment perfectly.
Advantages:
- New replacement parts are easy to choose because there’s only one option. Just match the part number. Whether you are replacing an air filter, spark plug or hose, each part is perfectly matched to your equipment.
- New parts are always identical to the part you are replacing.
- They are usually backed by a warranty.
- New parts are usually kept in stock for faster delivery, which reduces downtime.
Disadvantages:
- Brand new parts usually cost more than used or refurbished parts.
2. Used Parts
Used parts can provide high quality and value like other replacement parts.
Advantages:
- Compared to new parts, used products are about one-third the price of new parts.
- Hyunkook’s used parts department rigorously tests all used parts to ensure that they are at the best performance level and thoroughly inspects them to ensure that they are fully functional.
- Installing used parts in heavy equipment is ideal for parts that wear less severely and at a slower rate.
- Used parts are guaranteed to perform at the same level as new parts, but at a lower cost.
Disadvantages:
- Although used parts are fully functional, they have a certain degree of wear and tear.
- Warranties and return policies on used products are often shorter or nonexistent compared to new parts warranties.
3. Refurbished or Remanufactured Parts
Refurbished or remanufactured parts are when a machine’s faulty components are taken apart and reassembled with new parts to factory specifications. Quality is not compromised in remanufacturing the parts to “new” condition.
Advantages:
- Remanufactured parts perform the same as new parts and meet the tolerances, durability, and quality standards of the original manufacturer (OEM).
- Remanufactured parts cost less to replace worn parts with refurbished parts.
- Refurbished parts are a sustainable option that reduces waste.
- In most cases, you will receive the same warranty as a new part.
Disadvantages:
- After refurbishment, some parts of the part are new and some parts are old. Every part may not need to be replaced, but refurbished parts will wear more than new products.
- Depending on the part, the refurbishment process can take days or weeks, increasing downtime.
4. Replacement Parts
Replacement parts perform the same as new parts but cost much less. With replacement parts, you can bring in your old worn parts and get a readily available refurbished part.
Advantages:
- Replacement products are the most cost-effective alternative to new and used equipment parts. They provide your machine with high performance and durability at a lower price than new parts.
- They are tested and meet quality acceptance standards.
- Replacement parts are more convenient than refurbished worn parts because they are refurbished in advance and can be picked up and installed immediately.
Disadvantages:
- Replacement parts are not brand new and may need to be repaired at some point.
Common Replacement Parts for Heavy Equipment
The most common parts that need to be replaced in heavy equipment machinery are those that are subject to the most wear and tear. There are some general “rules of thumb” that can help you keep your equipment performing at its best and keep downtime to a minimum. Common parts that may need to be replaced more frequently include:
- Air filter
- Battery
- Belts
- Engine oil
- Engine starter
- Fuel filter and fuel injectors
- Hoses
- Hydraulic filter
- Hydraulic fluid
- Oil filter
- Transmission fluid
Heavy Equipment Part Replacement Tips
Depending on the type of part that needs to be replaced, a new or reconditioned part may be more ideal than a used part. The type of part that is right for your machine depends on your standards and expectations.
1. Air filter
You should replace your air filters based on their appearance, not on a set schedule. When they become dirty, replace them with new ones. Air filters keep dust and other particles out of the engine and allow clean air to pass through.
2.Batteries
Diesel engines are typically equipped with two batteries to power the starting system and to power the electrical components in heavy equipment. The most common causes of battery failure include:
- Improper charging
- Loose cables
- Corrosion
- Low alternator output
3.Belts
Off-road heavy equipment often uses serpentine belts to drive the air conditioner, power steering pump, compressor, air injection pump, and cooling fan. If the serpentine belt breaks, the engine will stop working and may overheat, which can seriously damage the engine. If your machine’s belt is cracked, worn, and peeling, replace it with a new one immediately.
4.Engine oil
When changing the oil in your heavy equipment, use new oil. The oil absorbs heat while lubricating the engine, allowing all the internal parts to run efficiently. Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating and absorbing high temperatures. Recycle used oil and dispose of it as follows:
- Pour the oil from the machine into a clean oil pan.
- Pour it into a container with a leak-proof lid.
- Take the old oil to a recycling point for recycling.
- Engine Starter
The engine starter gets the machine’s pistons, crankshafts, and other parts running.
5.Fuel Filters and Fuel Injectors
The job of the fuel filter is to keep dirt and other components from getting into the machine’s fuel pump. As the fuel is delivered from the tank to the fuel pump, it passes through the fuel filter to ensure it is clean. Harmful particles that build up in the fuel system can clog the system and potentially cause engine failure. If the fuel filter ages and becomes contaminated with debris, the dirt can prevent fuel from getting into the engine. The clumps of debris can affect the fuel efficiency of your heavy equipment and affect the overall performance of the machine.
The fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the machine’s engine and determining the exact amount of fuel required. If a fuel injector becomes clogged, it will not be able to deliver fuel to the engine.
6.Hoses
You should replace your hoses about every 4 years – but if you use your heavy equipment frequently, your hoses may wear out faster. Hoses deliver fluid to the engine, power steering rack, hydraulic system, and calipers. Coolant hoses are used to carry pressurized fluids and withstand extreme heat and cold. Inspect the hoses for cracks, bubbles, or a stiff texture. Rubber is susceptible to dry rot and wears more easily than other materials.
7.Hydraulic Filters
Hydraulic filters protect hydraulic systems from contaminated oil and debris. Maintaining a clean hydraulic filtration system ensures machine efficiency.
8.Hydraulic Fluid
The primary function of hydraulic fluid is to transmit power to the hydraulic system. It is also used for:
- Heat transfer
- Lubrication
- Removal of contaminants
Hydraulic fluid can be petroleum-based, water-based, or synthetic. Changing the hydraulic fluid in heavy equipment requires replacing it with new hydraulic fluid.
9.Oil Filters
Oil filters help remove harmful contaminants and debris that enter the engine of heavy equipment. Unfiltered oil can cause particles to wear away engine surfaces and damage dirty oil pumps. The process begins with dirty oil flowing through the filter and then returning to the engine through the center hole.
10.Spark Plugs
Spark plugs create the ignition force that initiates the combustion required for heavy equipment. Spark Plug Replacement:
- Maximizes fuel economy
- Helps the engine start smoothly
- Reduces harmful emissions
- Enables optimal engine combustion
As spark plugs age, deposits form in the air-fuel mixture, causing rough starts.
11.Transmission Fluid
The primary function of transmission fluid is to lubricate the transmission system. It also protects metal surfaces from wear, reduces high temperatures, and increases the rotational speed within the transmission. Automatic and manual machines use different types of transmission fluid. You should always replace your transmission fluid with new transmission fluid. Once you remove the old transmission fluid from the machine, recycle it.
12.Suspension Components
Buy new or reconditioned suspension component equipment parts.
Repair your heavy equipment with the best quality parts
Hyunkook Machinery is a full-service excavator equipment dealer. We carry a comprehensive range of replacement parts for your equipment. Our inventory covers all the parts needed for major brands. Our staff’s excellent expertise can help you throughout the repair process.
The best choice for you depends on your budget and the needs of your heavy equipment. Hyunkook Machinery offers new, used, refurbished and OEM replacement parts. Equipment is only as strong as its weakest link. Having replacement parts on hand can reduce downtime and ensure your equipment is running at its best.
What is the best replacement option for your heavy equipment?
We are here to support you before, during and after your search for the right heavy equipment replacement parts. When purchasing certain parts, it is crucial to determine the exact option for your equipment. Do you want to choose a quality part that will last for a long time, or a lower-priced part for the short term?
Choosing between different replacement parts can be difficult. Hyunkook Machinery is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our replacement parts.