Owner’s Guide to Rebuilds
Rebuild to Like-New Condition for About Half the Price of a New Purchase.
When you buy a Cat® machine, you’re buying something built to last. And thanks to the Cat Certified Rebuild Program, that investment doesn’t have to end when the hours rack up.
At Quinn, we have an entire division dedicated to bringing your equipment back to life. These units are fully rebuilt, fully warrantied, and fully ready for another 10,000 hours of peak performance.
Is your machine approaching the end of its first lifecycle? Has it already had a major failure? Then it’s time to consider a rebuild.
Rebuild Benefits At-a-Glance
- Around 50% of the cost of a new machine
- Full warranty and dealer support
- Restored performance
- Updated to current standards
- Increased resale value
How Does a Machine Rebuild Work at Quinn Cat
We build these tractors to be rebuilt. Along the way, we’re going to help you extend the life of that tractor. And when its first useful life is over, we’re going to help you relife that tractor.
— Justin Relaford, VP Product Support Resources at Quinn Cat
Cat machines are premium pieces of equipment and Cat’s world-class engineers designed them to be rebuilt. This radically extends the total lifetime you can expect out of a machine. It also means you can rely on the process to deliver a like-new unit at half the cost or less of a new machine.
Our team has an entire division that works on rebuilds. They tackle two main tasks: component rebuilds and machine rebuilds. Let’s look at both in a bit more depth.
Component Rebuild
Whether it’s an engine that’s gotten tired or had a failure, whether it’s a transmission that’s not shifting right, a leaking wheel seal, hydraulic issues… We can take those components out of the machine, factory rebuild them to new specifications and put them back in the machine after we test them. The customer is back to 100%.
— John Fredericks, Branch Manager at Quinn Cat
Between the 5,000 and 10,000 hour range, a machine will begin to show major signs of use. At that point, transmissions, hydraulic pumps, and engines may need to be rebuilt.
To understand the process, let’s take an engine as an example.
Every single component in your machine has an expected lifetime. This is measured in machine hours (the time you run the equipment). So, if you are reaching the end of an engine’s lifespan, it might be time to rebuild.
But sometimes, those plans aren’t in place, and an engine failure occurs.
Either way, the machine winds up in our Service Department, where the team begins work on a complete component teardown.
Once we’ve rebuilt it, we take it to the Dyno Room. Here, our dynamometer measures the engine’s speed, torque, and power. This is the moment of truth to make sure the repair process was a success.
Machine Rebuild
Sometimes you need more than a single component fixed, and it’s time for a full machine rebuild.
That usually happens at 10,000 hours and beyond. At that point, this is the single best way to extend the life of your equipment. That’s why we call it “re-lifing.”
In this process, we go down to the frame. It’s rebuilt entirely with Cat certified parts. That makes it basically brand new, and at just at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Just how thorough is this process? Let’s hear from our Branch Manager, John Fredericks:
We have a Certified Rebuild where we take every nut and bolt off the frame… Everything gets touched. Everything gets painted. Everything gets inspected. We do welding work and fabrication work to replace pieces that are worn, and we put the whole machine back together.
We do this for everything from tractors to skid steers to off-highway trucks (watch our rebuild of a Cat 777 here) and beyond. Chances are, if Cat makes it, our Certified Rebuild program can re-life it.
Along with a like-new machine, you get all the benefits, like a new serial number and a new warranty.
Are Machine Rebuilds Worth It?
Our Cat Certified Rebuild program brings components and entire machines back to life, but you may ask if the process is worth it. The resounding answer from those who’ve done it? Yes.
Let’s look in-depth at the main benefits.
Performance
Rebuilds reach or exceed previous performance benchmarks. That’s because any part that isn’t fully up to standard will be replaced. That gives you practically brand-new equipment.
But how could this exceed previous performance? Sometimes, we are able to swap in improved technology to get even better output.
Cost
This process is less expensive than buying new because it involves lower costs in both labor and parts.
Labor is minimized because Cat engineers their machines to be disassembled and rebuilt. Plus, our specialized division has the expertise and resources to efficiently get the job done.
You also save money by not replacing pieces that don’t need to be replaced. Some parts can last tens of thousands of hours more than other parts. By rebuilding, you only spend money on the parts that need replacing.
Upgraded Equipment
This is the perfect time to upgrade your machinery. You can get a new payload system or an updated hydraulic system. Maybe install a backup camera, new cab features, or better lighting.
These kinds of upgrades are the smart way to make the most out of your Cat Certified Rebuild.
Resale Value
Quinn gives you a brand-new warranty and fully re-certified unit. That drastically improves the resale value of your machine.
Some clients opt for the Cat Certified Rrebuild program specifically to resell their Cat machine.
Support
At the 10,000-hour mark and beyond, it’s nice to know you can power up your machine’s performance. But it’s even better to get a new warranty.
This gives contractors ultimate peace of mind that they’ll have maximum uptime.
Sustainability
Choosing a Cat Certified Rebuild also reduces environmental impact.
The process reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reusing existing materials. For example, reusing steel avoids up to 2.33 metric tons of CO₂ per ton, and using remanufactured components cuts emissions by up to 87%. (source)
You can even use the process to stay compliant. A rebuilt machine has better fuel efficiency and emissions performance than before the repairs were made. And some upgrades might bring that emission number even lower.
Get Your Rebuild Now
Don’t let machine hours call the shots. Reach out today to talk with a specialist and find out if your equipment is ready for its next life.
Machine Rebuild FAQs
How much does it cost to rebuild a Caterpillar engine?
Engine rebuild costs can vary depending on the model and condition. Most fall between 40-60% of the cost of buying a new engine.
How long do Cat machines last?
With proper maintenance and timely rebuilds, Cat machines regularly last 15,000 to 30,000 hours or more. They’re engineered for longevity and designed to be rebuilt, making them an ideal long-term investment.
What is Cat Certified Rebuild?
The Cat Certified Rebuild (CCR) Program is a rigorous process that restores your machine to like-new condition. It includes more than 350 inspections, replaces approximately 7,000 parts, and results in a new serial number and warranty.
When should you rebuild a Cat engine?
Most customers consider a full rebuild around 10,000 to 15,000 hours, depending on usage. Signs that it may be time include power loss, increased oil consumption, engine noise, and poor fuel efficiency.
Individual components might be rebuilt once engine hours near their typical lifespan. This is a great preventative measure to fully ensure against downtime.
What is the warranty on Cat rebuilds?
Cat Certified Rebuilds come with a warranty comparable to new equipment.
What is the difference between rebuilt and remanufactured?
A rebuilt engine has a mix of new and serviceable parts.
A remanufactured engine is rebuilt to factory specs using only OEM-approved parts. This is often done on a production line.
Cat Certified Rebuilds meet or exceed reman standards and are performed to exact OEM specifications. They also give you a chance to install upgrades.
What’s cheaper: rebuilding or replacing an engine?
Rebuilding is almost always cheaper than replacement, usually around 40–60%.
How many hours will a Cat engine last?
With proper care and rebuilds, Cat engines can last up to 30,000 hours or more. It depends on maintenance and operating conditions.
Do rebuilt engines run like new?
Yes. A properly rebuilt Cat engine performs like new. In fact, many meet current factory performance standards. And with upgrades, your unit might perform better than ever.
What are the problems with rebuilt engines?
The most common issue is only with non-certified rebuilds. That’s because these rebuilds might cut corners. You could end up with worn components left in place, incorrect tolerances, or poor assembly. That’s why choosing a Cat Certified Rebuild at Quinn makes a difference.