For Anvil there is a distinct difference between a rebuild and a repair. A repair is typically a fix for one or two issues that are worn or broken. These repairs can usually be accomplished in the field at the customer location, either by Anvil technicians or the customer. If it is a complex problem which requires cranes or heavy disassembly, it may have to be shipped to Anvil's shop to be completed correctly and safely.
A rebuild is a major overhaul of the bucket after years of use. A rebuild typically consist of a complete disassembly of the bucket, replacing all worn and broken components.
In order to maximize the value of your heavy equipment fleet, it is often necessary to decide between rebuilding your clamshells and grapples or replacing with new equipment. Many operators use a 70% threshold to help drive that decision. In other words, if a rebuild would cost more than 70% of the price of a new clamshell or grapple, then strong consideration should be given to replacement.
In most cases, however, a rebuild falls well under that 70% threshold and brings equipment back to “like new” capability. Many of Anvil’s customers have equipment rebuilds scheduled into their fleet maintenance plans and send their clamshells and grapples to our facility regularly.
Once the decision to rebuild has been made, and your equipment is at our facility Anvil begins a systematic and thorough disassembly, cleaning, and inspection process. Components are inspected and tested as needed for fit and function. A job folder is created, and all notes, photographs, specifications, and recommendations are compiled to complete a quote for a rebuild. A quote is then generated and sent to the customer for consideration. The quote will specify all components that need to be replaced or machined and may also recommend options to improve the performance of an older design and/or extend the time frame between rebuilds.
As with any heavy equipment, there are components that typically wear out or fail before others. With clamshells and grapples this is usually a function of heavy wear or high mechanical stress or a combination of both. Typical areas include:
Hydraulic Operated Equipment
Cable Operated Equipment
During the process of a rebuild is a great time to implement design and material upgrades. Anvil is continually improving grab design and these improvements can be implemented into the rebuild, usually at a lower cost than an infield modification. One example is Anvils patented cluster sheave design for cable operated buckets. This design improves cable life up to 3 times over traditional fairlead designs, this improvement can easily be added during a rebuild.
Material upgrades can also be incorporated into the rebuilding process. Materials such as Astralloy pins and manganese are much stronger than standard pins and bushings. These materials wear harden, are less prone to cracking and require less grease.
Before arranging transportation back to the customer each rebuilt clamshell or grapple goes through a rigorous quality control inspection. Rebuilds are checked against the Work Order for the job, some of major items inspected include:
After the rebuilt grab is returned to the customer and put back into service, the customer should resume Anvils recommended maintenance procedure. An updated parts and service manual will be provided with grab.
Customers can expect to gain an up to and additional 90% life of the bucket after a rebuild. This life expectancy will depend upon many factors such as the extent of the rebuild, type of use and condition of the bucket prior to rebuild. An example of this would be a clamshell bucket which had 70% of the material remaining on the bowl, if the customer opts not to repair this portion of the bowl, future life expectancy will be reduced.
All Anvil Attachments rebuild come with a six month manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects.
Please complete this short form an Anvil Sales Specialist will contact you regarding your requirements.