“When we ReLife a machine, it’s taking a machine that is coming to the end of its useful life, and then refreshing all of the major components," said Tim Stokes, Honnen’s Vice President of Customer Support. "The idea is extending the piece of equipment’s useful life through another whole, or second life. We are excited that we have completed our first one two weeks ahead of schedule.”
Honnen’s Salt Lake City service team recently partnered with Whitaker Construction on rebuilding their 744K-II Wheel Loader. Stokes said that the customer really likes their machine, so they chose to rebuild it rather than replace it.
An integral part of the ReLife process is communication with the customer throughout the project. From determining that the rebuild is the best solution, to the initial inspection, and variables encountered throughout the project, Honnen Equipment collaborated with Whitaker. “Honnen is a partner with us. It’s not a vendor/customer relationship, it’s a partnership,” said Dave Wickham, Whitaker Construction Vice President of Equipment Operations.
During the rebuild, all major components were either replaced or rebuilt back to specifications. This included the engine, engine coolers, transmission, front axle, rear axle, hydraulic pumps, bucket cylinders, wiring harness, safety items, and other items critical to the extended life cycle of the unit. After reassembling the unit and conducting tests, it was sent out for a fresh coat of paint.
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The 744K-II is now back in service with continued support from the Honnen Service and Technical Services teams. It is also backed by the ReLife standard one-year unlimited-hour warranty on all John Deere components that Honnen installed plus the extended warranty that the customer opted in to for the major powertrain components that were replaced.
Honnen looks forward to completing many more ReLife projects across its territory. Honnen Equipment has been serving the Rocky Mountain region for 60 years, with locations in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. The company provides parts, sales, service, and rentals as well as customer support and technology solutions for heavy equipment.
