Posts Tagged ‘Machine Rebuild’
Steel Revival: A Step-by-Step Machine Rebuild
Friday, May 23rd, 2025
Did you know that Brunette can refurbish or even rebuild your old machine? When a customer asks about this option, we offer them a “steel revival” to give their machine a second life.
But what does it mean to rebuild an entire machine? Refurbishing a wood-processing machine such as a wood waste grinder, BioSizer, or a drum chipper includes disassembling, sandblasting, replacing all worn items, updating the electrical systems, repainting the entire frame and more.
Our service technicians are experts in mechanical, hydraulic, lubrication, pneumatic, electrical, and control systems. Not only do they have experience with these systems, but they also understand how each of our Brunette machines performs.
Let’s look at the rebuilding process for our CBI Grizzly Mill Hog.
INSPECTION REPORT
The first step in our rebuild process is to supply an inspection report. Our service technicians visually inspect the machine for signs of wear or damage. They review all available maintenance and service reports. Using this information and based on their years of experience, the team then develops a customized rebuild plan, including any recommended system updates and a cost estimate to finish the rebuild.
DISASSEMBLY
Once the customer accepts the quote, our team proceeds to the second step — disassembling the machine.
During this stage, the team determines which parts need replacement and which are still serviceable. To do this, they strip the machine down to the bare frame — every component is removed and inspected, including all fasteners (pins, bushings, bolts), the sheave, taper sheaves, bearings, rotor, grate, and all liners. The frame itself is checked for excessive wear and weld failures.
RECONDITIONING, REPAIR, AND REPLACEMENT
After the inspection, our technicians update all components to meet the latest specification requirements. They inspect the rotor for damage or wear and recommend reconditioning or replacement. They install new tungsten carbide striker bars and replace all the worn pins, bushings and bolts, as well as the sheave and taper sheaves.
Next, the team takes the bearing caps off. They pull out both housings with the rotor bearings and remove old grease. Then they remove the rotor bearings from the bearing housings and check if the housing bores need replacing. They inspect both rotor bearings and replace them if required.
Then they install new electrical and hydraulic systems and update existing proximity switches to our new standard electrical package, complete with new J-Boxes and wiring. The customer is given a new typical wiring drawing.
As part of the rebuild, our technicians inspect the hydraulic power unit, including the hoses, filter, and heater. They restore the hydraulic system to the original OEM specifications.
If the machine has a chute, the team will inspect it and undertake any repairs. They will replace or add a rubber baffle on the chute inlet.
REPAINTING
The machine is power-washed, sandblasted and painted with the required colours. In this case, the Grizzly Mill frame is CBI yellow. The guards are safety yellow. The rotor and inside of the frame are primed grey. The safety bar and rotor locking pin are red. Any bare metal will have a rust inhibitor applied.
After painting and reassembly, the team applies the standard Brunette and safety decals and provides a decal location drawing. A new Brunette serial plate is attached to the machine.
REASSEMBLY AND TESTING
After the team reassembles the machine, they record all critical torques, clearances, and pressure settings. They run in the bearings. They connect the HPU to the hydraulic cylinders, operate the manual valve and stroke the hydraulic cylinders. Then they check the counterbalance valves. That’s it! The like-new Grizzly Mill Hog is now ready for action.
A GRIZZLY MILL REBUILD IN PICTURES
SHOULD YOU REBUILD YOUR MACHINE?
As any wood processing machine owner knows, the more proactive your upkeep, the more likely you’ll be able to run your machines beyond their recommended service life. This includes everything from replacing heavy-wear components promptly to regularly adhering to lubrication schedules, and servicing hydraulic and drive systems at the intervals recommended in the machine’s operation manual.
To increase your equipment’s lifespan, make sure you perform regular maintenance, especially as your machines reach higher hours of operation. When your machine nears the end of its operating life or if you are considering purchasing a used machine, talk to our technicians to determine if a rebuild would be cost-effective for you.
QUESTIONS?
Want to know more about our wood-processing systems, including rebuilds, upgrades, and our innovative product line? Contact our sales team.
Have a question about service, maintenance, or parts? Our technicians are available for on-site inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Click the link to email our parts and service team, or call us at 604.522.3977 or Toll-free: 1.800.686.6679
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This article was previously published in our E-News on July 7, 2023 as “We Have the Technology. We Can Rebuild it.”
Tags: Brunette Machinery, Forestry Equipment, Grizzly Mill Hog, Machine Rebuild, Steel Revival
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