Rebuilding an Etnyre Used Chip Spreader
How We Do What We Do -- at Rocky Mountain Rebuild (TM)
VIDEO WALK AROUND OF FINISHED REBUILD ON AN ETNYRE USED CHIP SPREADER
In early 2022 we finished an extensive rebuild of a 1999 well used Etnyre Hydrostat Chip Spreader, making this 23 year old machine "chip ready" for another 20 years, and saving about $100,000 versus buying new.
See BEFORE and AFTER on this machine as we walk through the rebuild process below.
A road construction contractor on the East Coast found us online and called to say he’d worn out his 1999 Etnyre Chip Spreader and needed something new. The machine, as we say in the West, had been “rode hard and put away wet.”
But, it had also made its owners a lot of money. They were familiar with it. They trusted it. They didn't necessarily want to replace it, but they also knew it was time for some serious TLC.
So they hired us at Rocky Mountain Rebuild.
DEMONSTRATING REBUILT ETNYRE 10'-20' VARIABLE WIDTH HOPPER
First the owner sent us pictures of his used chip spreader for an initial evaluation. This let us assess the machine’s condition and provide starting estimates on a rebuild.
Those conversations made the owner comfortable enough to proceed with a complete rebuild and he shipped his Etnyre used chip spreader to our facility in Idaho.
Original Machine Pictures Click to Launch Slideshow
Inspection/Evaluation
The first thing we do when we receive a used chip spreader is thoroughly inspect it from top to bottom, evaluating and cataloguing components, fittings, hoses, and major and minor mechanical systems.
We complete a detailed 28 page inspection report that documents the condition of the components in each used chip spreader we inventory.
Our team thoroughly inspects and qualifies the overall condition of the used chip spreader.
This inspection report then allows us to develop an even more detailed cost estimate for a complete rebuild. Everything is up front and transparent, and discussed with the client before work begins, turning old back into like-new.
DISASSEMBLY, STRIPPING AND REPAINTING
When we rebuild a used chip spreader like this Etnyre, our expert technicians first strip the machine down to its frame.
We sandblast the main frame and exterior panels, removing old paint, rust and wear, taking it down to bare metal. Then we use industry standard refinishing processes to apply a top quality heavy industrial enamel finish.
We do this across the used chip spreader, giving the rebuilt chip spreader like-new visual appeal and protection from the elements.
These before and after photos show how well the finished components look when the job is done thoroughly.
POWER TRAIN
Not all used chip spreaders need an engine or differential rebuild. Many have relatively low hours on these component.
But in this case, this Etnyre used chip spreader also needed a complete engine rebuild, so we pulled and disassembled the Cummins diesel powerplant, rebuilt it from the inside out and reinstalled it.
We find power plant and drive train rebuilds are not always required, especially in used chip spreaders that are older but have low hours on them. In this case, this was a heavily used machine and the owner was behind the need to redo the engine.
We pulled the wheel assemblies and found wear and corrosion. We addressed this with a refinishing and rebuilding process.
RUBBER
One of the main things that differentiates new and used chip spreaders is the condition of the rubber elements. Chip spreaders are full of rubber from the main conveyor belts to the hydraulic hoses and many other systems.
The combination of rubber and metal fittings is extensive and critical to performance. When GEFFS Rocky Mountain Rebuild conducts a used chip spreader rebuild we replace worn rubber and fittings with top quality, industrial strength materials designed to hold up under harsh conditions and perform reliably for years.
This gives the chip spreader a new lease on life where the fluid carrying, power and control systems are restored to reliable working condition.
COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL
LEARN ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES OF OUR ETNYRE CHIP SPREADER COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADE
GEFFS is fully qualified to retrofit and install Etnyre computer control systems on older chip spreaders. That was part of this rebuild, giving this older Etnyre chip spreader an upgrade capabilities.
Note: Buyer understands that the Etnyre control system is not of GEFFS Manufacturings design. Etnyre controls are installed by GEFFS Manufacturing as per Etnyre's instruction. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to work with their local Etnyre dealer to understand and learn the controls.
The Uncontrolled Movement Safety Feature on the Kessler and Spicer Axle Control Upgrades require attention during operation.
HERE'S A SHORT VIDEO EXPLAINING WHAT'S CONTAINED IN OUR ETNYRE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADE
We install the computer control system main unit and wiring that communicates to components on the machine, and particularly the gate and rate control systems. As you can see, the work is extensive and sophisticated and something we do right here on site.
DRIVER'S STATION
No one will appreciate the quality of workmanship in a Rocky Mountain Rebuild job than the chip spreader operator.
With the new computer control display updated in the drivers dashboard, new control interfaces, cleaned up wiring, and general aesthetic improvement, the operator's system on this rebuilt Etnyre used chip spreader looks, feels and functions like new.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
With the frame and body components stripped and refinished to like new condition, older wiring, fittings and hoses stripped and replaced with new materials, necessary engine and drive train components rebuilt, electronics rewired, rebuilt and upgraded with new computer controls, and the variable width hopper components stripped, refinished and rebuilt, we reassembled this Etnyre used chip spreader from the wheels up.
We put everything back together, check lines and connections, check control and mechanical systems, and certify that everything is ready for years of continued service.
Finally, we loaded and secured this beautifully rebuilt Etnyre used chip spreader to a flatbed for return shipping to our customer.
Call 208 233-1100 to discuss your chip spreader needs today.
