Author: Charlie Chalmers | Rebuild Manager at Carolina Cat
If a machine still has good bones, don’t replace it. Rebuild it! I help Carolina Cat customers every day who love their Cat equipment but want to extend its useful life for years to come. That’s where the Carolina Cat rebuild team comes in.
Today I’ll break down why a machine rebuild can be a good financial decision and lead to better machine performance. Plus, I’ll outline several rebuild options available to you at Carolina Cat.
Full Machine Rebuilds
A full machine rebuild involves disassembling your machine down to the frame, replacing worn parts with Cat-certified components, and rebuilding it with the latest engineering updates.
With any Carolina Cat rebuild, you’ll receive:
- On-demand access to over 7,000 original parts for replacement
- Reconditioning service (if needed)
- A 1-year or 1,500-hour warranty
- Optional 3-year or 5,000-hour powertrain coverage
Engine, Transmission, and Component Rebuilds
Since not every machine needs the same rebuild treatment, we rebuild only what’s necessary at our high-tech Component Rebuild Center. Some machines may require an engine rebuild, while others may only need axles, hydraulics, or a transmission.
By selectively replacing key components, you can expect to:
- Restore power and reliability to older Cat equipment in your fleet
- Avoid unexpected breakdowns by rebuilding what matters
- Save on the cost of replacing a machine with a new model
Work Done Right by Factory Trained Technicians
When you drop off a machine, you can trust all rebuild work will be performed by factory-trained Cat technicians who work in contamination-controlled shops. These high tech shops are outfitted with equipment like engine dynos and transmission test benches.
Each rebuild also meets strict quality standards set by Caterpillar (much higher than what many shops offer), so you can trust all work is done right the first time.
Save Money and Keep Moving: 3 Benefits of a Cat Machine Rebuild
Here are a few cost-saving reasons many customers choose to rebuild their Cat heavy equipment:
- Rebuilding can cost up to 2.5 times less than repairing machines as a result of failure.
- After a rebuild, you can expect less costly downtime and fewer surprise repair bills.
- Added upgrades can improve performance and efficiency for older models.
Why Rebuilding is Often a Smart Business Move
Another core advantage of an equipment rebuild is that you won’t need to retrain operators on a particular machine or overhaul your fleet if you’re not ready. Plus, rebuilds can free up capital for other projects you may need to prioritize.
If you’re not quite ready to invest in new equipment (or need to get work done while a machine is being rebuilt), reserving a rental from the Carolina Cat Rental Store is another great option to keep your jobsite moving.
You’ll have access to newer, well-maintained Cat equipment with the latest technology features in addition to 70+ other construction equipment brands. Many customers are able to try out new Cat models at our rental store before purchasing new or used equipment later on.
Contact Us and Let’s Talk Rebuilds
Curious about if a rebuild is right for you? Contact us using our online form for more information about a full or partial rebuild. My team will be glad to help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation. We’ll consider your machine’s age, condition, and workload to help you choose the best rebuild option.
Carolina Cat has been helping business owners large and small get the most out of their Cat equipment since 1926. We look forward to being a trusted partner for your next project and I look forward to hearing from you.
About the Author
Charlie Chalmers is the Rebuild Program Manager at Carolina Cat. He’s passionate about helping fleet managers maximize the life, performance, and value of their machines through expert-guided rebuild solutions. As a trusted partner to customers, Charlie brings years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of Cat equipment.