With a focus on sustainability, an eye on service and the bottom line, many customers rely on the Cat^® Certified Rebuild program for success. The program has certified more than 25,000 machine, power train, commercial engine, hydraulic and component rebuilds around the world since it launched 35 years ago.

Focus On A Better World

“There’s no doubt, that sustainability is a big part of our company’s vision,“ said Dale Johnson, director of sourcing, Summit Materials. “Bringing certified rebuild, remanufacturing components that are at the end of their life to new condition helps reduce overall waste, which is always good for the environment.”

Much Needed Support

Developed during the tough economic conditions of the 1980’s, Cat Certified Rebuild was the perfect solution for customers who needed to upgrade their Cat machines, but just couldn’t afford to buy new equipment at the time. One of program’s keys to success is its emphasis on service.

“They’ve never let me down,” said Jeff Sims, coal handling supervisor, Kentucky Utilities Company. ”We call our Cat dealer, and they’re here the next day if we need them. Whether it’s brand new, certified or anything, we depend on them to keep this place going because that’s what we push our coal with – everything is Cat.”

A Sensible Option

Certified Rebuild is a great option when buying new isn’t in the budget.

“Caterpillar was one of the first heavy equipment manufacturers to provide this type of customer option that highlights the multiple lives built into Cat products,” said John Baptiste, project engineer - Cat Certified Rebuild Products. “The Cat Certified Rebuild Program is designed to provide customers with rebuilt machines that perform, look and even smell brand new. Rebuilding their current machine fulfills the customer’s need for updated equipment for a fraction of the cost of new.”

It starts with a Cat dealer doing a thorough inspection and evaluation where trust is the key. They receive a list of parts from Caterpillar that must be inspected and/or replaced. They also receive engineering updates and machine enhancements that can add capabilities the machine didn’t have when it was new. A dealer won’t do a certified rebuild if it doesn’t make financial or performance sense for a customer.

“If they tell us this machine is not the machine to rebuild, they’re going to tell us it’s past where it needs to be,” said Buck Crumley, area production manager, Midstates Materials. “Let’s take a different one. In that case, they’ve helped us make our decision and to make sure we’re making the correct decision.”

From there, the dealer inspection process includes disassembly, reconditioning, engineering updates, engine/transmission tests, reassembly performance testing, repainting and includes a new  rebuild identification number and a customer evaluation to ensure the machine is just right for their working environment.

“The bottom line for us is sustainability and being able to have good equipment at the cheapest price you can - to make more money,” said Crumley. “So, why not get a new piece of equipment for half the money? Keep the profits up, keep everything moving. We’ve had great luck with Cat Certified Rebuilds. It’s kind of a no-brainer for us.”