Repair or Replace? The Benefits of Repairing Versus Replacing Equipment
Filed Under: aggregate equipment , crusher rebuild , crusher repair , crushing equipment , equipment lifecycle , industrial machinery repair , Marion Machine , mining crushers
When your crushing equipment starts showing signs of wear, it’s natural to ask: Should we repair or replace the crusher? At Marion Machine, we’ve seen this question time and again. While new equipment might seem like a quick fix, crusher repair is often the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective choice—especially when partnering with a shop that specializes in heavy machinery rebuilds and repairs.
Here’s why repairing your crusher might be the best move for your operation:
1. Significant Cost Savings
New crushers are a major capital investment. Depending on the size and capacity, a new unit can cost hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. In contrast, repairing a crusher typically costs a fraction of that amount, allowing you to extend the life of your existing asset without draining your budget.
2. Faster Turnaround Times
Purchasing a new crusher often involves long lead times. Between procurement, delivery, installation, and setup, it could take months before your new equipment is operational.
A repair job—especially when handled by a dedicated facility like Marion Machine—can often be completed much faster, reducing costly downtime and getting your operation back up to full capacity sooner.
3. Preserve Existing Plant Layout and Infrastructure
Swapping out a crusher isn’t just about removing the old and dropping in the new. It often requires modifications to:
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Feed systems
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Discharge conveyors
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Electrical setups
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Mounting structures
Repairing your existing crusher allows you to maintain your current plant configuration, minimizing additional engineering and construction costs.
4. Proven Equipment Performance
If your crusher has been performing well over the years, there’s no reason to gamble on a new machine with different specs or behavior. Repairs maintain the machine you know and trust—while restoring it to OEM specifications and performance.
At Marion Machine, our expert team works to restore your equipment to like-new condition with precision machining, weld repairs, and component rebuilds.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Repairing instead of replacing is better for the environment. It reduces:
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Scrap metal waste
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Energy used in manufacturing new equipment
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Transportation emissions
By extending the life of your crusher, you’re also supporting a more sustainable approach to equipment lifecycle management—something more companies are prioritizing.
6. Access to Upgrades During Repair
A major crusher repair is also an opportunity to incorporate performance upgrades, such as:
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Hard-surfaced wear areas
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Improved liners or bushing materials
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Updated lubrication systems
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Modern automation packages
This means you get enhanced reliability and efficiency—without starting from scratch.
Trust Marion Machine for Your Crusher Repairs
With over 80 years of experience, Marion Machine is one of North America’s top crusher repair facilities, specializing in rock crushing equipment.
Our capabilities include:
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Complete crusher disassembly and rebuild
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Ability to service the largest equipment in the industry
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Precision CNC machining and welding
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Emergency repair service
- Metso Authorized Repair Facility (ARF)
We repair crushers from all major brands—Metso, Symons, Telsmith, Sandvik, and more—helping customers save money, reduce downtime, and get the most out of their equipment.
Thinking About a Crusher Repair? Let’s Talk.
Before you commit to a costly new machine, contact Marion Machine to discuss your repair options. Our team will evaluate your equipment and provide a fast, honest quote—so you can make the best decision for your operation.
Christopher Joyce Vulcan Materials of Winston-Salem, NC
Our Metso HP 800 Mainframe had a loose shaft and we re-fit the shaft back to OEM specs with a 2-week-turnaround to get a 3.5-million-ton-plant back up and running.