Most forklifts undergo a significant amount of wear and tear on a daily basis. Even with regular maintenance and repairs, you can’t expect the transmission to last more than 200,000 miles. That lifespan will be even shorter if you skip service calls or fluid changes. A faulty transmission isn’t necessarily the end of the line. There are a few options at your disposal.
Should You Buy A New Forklift?
The first option you might consider is buying a new forklift. There is certainly some appeal to having a new, pristine machine around the shop. But there are some serious problems with this solution. You may be better off purchasing a new transmission or investing in a remanufactured model.
Price is going to be the biggest concern if you’re interested in buying a new forklift. Does your business have an extra $30,000 laying around that can be wasted on a new machine? It’s a huge investment that most companies want to avoid for as long as possible. A much smarter investment would require focusing on the problem itself: the transmission.
What About A Used Transmission?
Purchasing a used transmission is another viable option. Once again, this approach has some significant problems that make it less than ideal. The upfront cost may not be the biggest concern with a used transmission, but rather the time it takes and the money you lose along the way.
Used forklift transmissions aren’t exactly sitting on shelves in retail supermarkets. If you have an older model, it can take weeks of searching before finding a suitable replacement. You’ll need to spend a lot of time traveling to auctions and junkyards, and even then, there is no guarantee they will have what you need. Once you find the transmission you need, you could spend another week waiting for the delivery.
During this time, while you are searching for the transmission and waiting for its delivery, your forklift cannot be used.. If your business relies heavily on your forklifts, then that means you’re losing money along the way. That money can quickly add up, and before long, the cost is comparable to buying a new forklift altogether.
If new forklifts and used transmissions are out of the question, then what is the best solution? We believe the answer is a remanufactured forklift.
Remanufactured Forklift Transmission Work Like New
Many people make the assumption that rebuilt transmissions are of low quality. They might even believe it’s just a used transmission with a part or two replaced. There’s actually a lot more work that goes into rebuilding a transmission. It’s better to think of it as a complete overhaul rather than some minor replacement.
Remanufactured transmissions are broken down completely and inspected piece-by-piece. All of the metal components that show signs of wear are replaced. Some of those replacement parts are machined brand new in the shop. They also replace all of the bearings, gaskets, bands, rings, and clutches.
If there are any known defects in that specific model, then the transmission will be updated to correct those issues. It is then tested with a dynamometer to ensure that it is operating at full capacity. A properly rebuilt transmission will have the same functionality and potential as a new transmission. The advantage is that it’s only going to cost you a fraction of the price.
Rebuilt Transmissions Come With A Warranty
One of the significant disadvantages of purchasing a used transmission is the lack of a warranty. A used transmission will have its share of wear and tear. If it breaks down anytime in the near future, then you’ll have no form of protection. You’ll once again need to find a replacement if you’re unable to repair the actual problem. A used transmission is akin to a bandaid that only temporarily fixes your problem.
A remanufactured transmission will often come with multiple warranties. This can vary according to who you choose to rebuild your transmission and what adjustments are made. At the very least, you can expect an extended warranty period for the transmission itself and any mechanical problems. It might also cover the cost of labor if you need to invest in repairs.
Rebuilding A Transmission Renews The Lifespan
Rebuilding transmissions is a business expense that you don’t want to experience too often. That’s why it’s important to invest in a professional company with plenty of experience. With a properly rebuilt transmission, you can expect the lifespan to be comparable to a new model. That could mean anywhere between 30,000 and 150,000 miles depending on the particular transmission.
This new lifespan comes from the fact that every key component in the transmission is replaced with a new part. All of the rubber components that wear down over time are replaced, as are all of the gears that show any signs of damage. A rebuilt transmission has durability, quality, and mechanical tolerances that are similar to a new model.
However, it’s not only the replacement of these parts, but also the quality of the new parts used. Some shops are eager to cut corners and save money with their replacement parts. This can ultimately decrease the expected lifespan of the transmission.
Invest In The Best
If you want your newly rebuilt transmission to last as long (or longer) than the original transmission, then you need to invest in the best. Not only the best parts but the best professionals in the industry. With a company like CIF Transmissions, you can rest assured that your forklift will be as good as new and ready to work after only a short intermission.