PacB Group // Reliable Generator Repairs and Service

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Reliable Generator Repairs and Service

Today, due to the tougher financial circumstances in which a lot of South Africans now find themselves, many have become eager to find ways in which to economise. However, while it could definitely save a few Rands to skip an oil change or two, or to delay replacing a troublesome gearbox, the consequences of a subsequent breakdown could not only cause some serious inconvenience, but the cost of fixing the problem is likely to be a lot greater than any initial saving. Imagine the possible consequences to the factory, responsible for manufacturing those vehicles, when experiencing a generator failure, as a result of neglecting necessary repairs and services.

Some industries, such as mineral exploitation, will often be required to operate off the beaten track in remote, rural locations that are well-beyond the reach of Eskom’s power reticulation network. To operate drills, jackhammers, dewatering pumps, and headgear, and to provide power to kitchens and workers hostels, the companies that conduct these remote mining operations have no option but to rely solely, for electrical power, on that which can be generated on site.

Given this degree of dependency, and the risk that a breakdown could endanger lives, they must either provide the personnel and facilities to carry out their own generator repairs and service, or arrange for the equipment supplier to do so. While it may be practical to carry a few basic spares, and to fit them when necessary, for anything more than basic maintenance, it will probably be wiser to rely on the expertise and field experience of the genset supplier.

In practice, many companies now choose to keep a unit in reserve, which may then be put into service in the event of an unexpected breakdown, or when some downtime may be scheduled for another unit that is due for some scheduled, preventative maintenance. With the aid of a suitable, programmable control panel, it is possible to automate the process of powering down a generator that may be in need of minor repairs or a service, whilst simultaneously powering up the backup unit. The process is essentially seamless, and is designed to have no discernible effect on the plant’s normal productivity.

Incidentally, where mains electricity is the primary power source, a programmable control panel can also automate the transition to emergency power in the event of an outage, reversing that process when mains power is restored. With the technology to handle these contingencies in place, there is no reason to delay proceeding with generator repairs and service, regardless of whether they may be just routine or mission-critical.

There can be no doubt that it is a good idea to choose products that have been tried, tested, and met all expectations. In this case, that means sticking with some of the iconic international brand names, such as Perkins, Cummins, Mitsubishi, Volvo, and Scania. Whichever of these brands and their models one may choose, it is certain that the manufacturer will have compiled a schedule of recommended preventative maintenance, which, if implemented as directed, should minimise any need for costly generator repairs, and ensure reliable service for as long as the schedule is maintained.

Rather than opting for a third-party service contract, in order to save money, some owners prefer to keep a few essential spare parts in stock for their own use, while only summoning the help of the professionals on an ad hoc basis, when absolutely necessary. Given that these units often run for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, wear and tear is inevitable, as is occasional generator repairs and service on a regular basis. Furthermore, any spare parts that one may decide to keep on-site should be obtained from a reliable source, and guaranteed to comply with the genset manufacturer’s specifications.