FAQs: Remanufactured components

Did you know there’s an affordable and more sustainable alternative to buying new parts for your Hitachi Construction Machinery equipment? Read on to find out more about our remanufactured components…

What is ‘remanufacturing’?

Remanufacturing is defined as ‘the process of returning a used product to at least its original performance with a warranty that is equivalent to that of the newly manufactured product’.

Remanufactured components are parts that have undergone the remanufacturing process. HCM offers this product as an affordable replacement solution, to keep machines running at the same high reliable standard in a sustainable way. Our remanufactured parts are of the same standard and specification as new parts and come with the same warranty.

How does the remanufacturing process at HCM work?

When a customer discovers that a part needs renewing, they can exchange it with us. Our local dealer will collect the core component and replace it with a remanufactured component so the machine can continue working. The core part is then sent to a dedicated Hitachi Construction Machinery Remanufacturing Centre. When the process is complete, the remanufactured component then becomes available again for a new service life.

During the remanufacturing process, every component is disassembled and inspected to check it meets our OEM specifications, then cleaned and updated to include latest modifications. All gaskets, sealers and wear parts are also replaced with new inner parts, and the product is reassembled before being tested against OEM standards once again. Following this final check, they are painted, packed, and shipped.

What is meant by a ‘circular economy’?

Using HCM Group’s remanufactured components contributes towards creating a more circular economy. By this we mean to offer an alternative to our current, linear economy – by recycling and reusing materials, to reduce waste. A circular economy encourages all individuals and businesses to change their processes to minimise consumption and waste. This greener approach means production can continue at the same pace but in a more environmentally friendly way.

HCM Group’s approach to remanufactured components contributes to this goal by getting the most from our machinery and parts, then recovering parts of these products for re-use after they’ve served their initial purpose.

What are the benefits of using remanufactured components?

As construction machines work in tough conditions, replacement parts will be needed at some point, and remanufactured options can prove more economical and sustainable than new parts.

These products also become more durable, saving customers money over the long-term, while creating more skilled jobs within the industry – further benefitting the local economies.

Another main benefit of using these components is the environmental impact – reducing waste and limiting pressure on the earth’s resources. Notably, remanufacturing uses up to 85% less energy than original manufacturing. Quality parts can also be remanufactured more than once, further limiting waste & landfill.

Is remanufacturing similar to recycling?

In essence, yes – remanufacturing is a form of recycling. The process involves re-purposing machine components, rather than adding to landfill.

However, while recycling involves breaking a product down and reprocessing it into something new, remanufacturing preserves an entire product or part and returns it to the manufacturer’s original factory specification.