Containers
Using Refurbished Containers: A Cost-Effective, Alternative Solution
Many haulers in today’s economy just don’t have the extra capital to purchase new containers. By considering reconditioned containers, haulers can still maintain containers appearance and value, while spending less for necessary replacement units.
Ryan Gawthrop
Another New Year is upon us, and with every New Year comes decisions regarding your containers that are in need of repairs. There will be the containers that just require minor repairs such as lid and lid rod replacement, and these repairs can normally be done right on the route. Then there are the containers that need to just be re-painted—these are classified as medium repairs because they have to be taken off the route and require time grinding/sand blasting and painting of the units to make them look their best. Then there are all the remaining containers in need of major steel work, the re-flooring of the containers, which will require the container to be re-painted as well. Whatever your container may require as far as repairs go, don’t hesitate to get them fixed as all those containers are costly assets to replace. Shouldn’t you get the longest life out of them as possible?
The Benefits of Refurbished Containers
In order to determine if used containers should be repaired into reconditioned units, first determine how much total labor and material are going to cost on an individual container basis. Can you repair such unit and still stay under what it would cost to buy the same unit reconditioned at 30 percent less than new or would it be more beneficial to scrap or trade in the unit requiring repair?
The number one main benefit to a reconditioned container is the cost. Cost seems to be most important to haulers today as it relates to cash flow, and will always be, the most important part of any successful small business. When a reconditioned container costs roughly 30 percent less than a new container, it generally is an easy decision to make. Reconditioned containers do the same thing as new containers—they house refuse at particular locations. With good paint jobs associated with the reconditioned units, they are just as suitable for the job as new units would be.
The Repair Process
When it has been decided to repair a container rather than scrapping it in order to save costs, the first step in the process is to take the lids off, so there isn’t any further damage to those items. The container is then flipped over to get the bottom off the unit, which is most likely why the repair unit is to be repaired in the first place. The bottom surround is tested in order to see just how far up the side of the can the repairs must go—usually 8″ up from the floor is solid. Then the old floor and surrounding metal is cut out and 8″ side patches are tacked on completely around the bottom container. After solid welding the entire outside tying the top of the patches into the container, a floor sheet is tacked and welded. Runners and casters can be added to the bottom of the floor as needed. As the lids/assemblies are put back on, the bad lids or rods are replaced as necessary.
Under the repair process, lids and rods need only to be replaced when they are broken or damaged. For instance in the winter lids will crack and some will start to fill with water, and freeze, thus making the lids heavier and more difficult to lift. The lid rods may bend over time, affecting the lids ability to open or close properly. When either of these things happen, the container can’t be filled properly or the container can’t be dumped properly, the lids and rods must be serviced accordingly.
Cleaning and removing the old dirt and rust to prepare the metal for paint is the next step. This is accomplished with wire wheel grinders and laquer thinner applied to the areas to be painted.
Long-Term Maintenance
Any metal that is protected by paint (or other top coat) will last longer. However, if rust starts to show through the paint either on the interior or exterior, taking care of it in a timely manner will literally make any container last longer. Only when the rust continues to spread over time and is neglected, does the metal eventually begin to thin out and fatigue. Like anything that is broken, fixing it earlier rather than later can save additional more costly repairs. Good preventative maintenance includes keeping the floors painted or lubricated with oil, so that it will maximize the life of the container bottom.
A Viable Solution
All reconditioned containers are suitable for each refuse and recycling application. Reconditioned units may suit the majority of haulers everywhere, however they are not for everyone. For example, a reconditioned unit might not be suitable in a high profile location where you would want to project the best possible image of yourcompany, since it may have some dings and dents. Even though buyers can save money by purchasing reconditioned units, they don’t feel that the cost savings justifies not having a new container at a specific location. It boils down to everyone’s individual preferences and cash flow situations. By considering reconditioned containers, haulers can still keep their containers look and value, while saving money in the long run.
Ryan D. Gawthrop is General Manager at Conte Equipment Sales in Bristol, IN and has been in the refuse industry for about 10 years. He can be reached at (800) 693-5001 or e-mail [email protected].