Professional Documents
Culture Documents
As Seen In
WasteAdvantage
The Advantage in the Waste Industry
Many haulers in todays economy just dont have the extra capital to purchase new containers. By considering reconditioned containers, haulers can still Maintain a containers appearance and value, while spending less for necessary replacement units.
is then flipped over to get the bottom of 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 gousually 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 cant be filled properly or the container cant be dumped properly, and 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.
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 your company, since it may have some dings and dents. Even though buyers can save money by purchasing reconditioned units, the cost savings may not justify having a new container at a specific location.It boils down to everyones individual preferences and cash flow situations. By considering reconditioned containers, haulers can still keep a containers look and value, while saving money in the long run. | WA Ryan D. Gawthrop is General Manager at Conte Equipment Sales (Bristol, IN) and has been in the refuse industry for about 10 years. He can be reached at (800) 6935001 or e-mail ryan@contesales.comcastbiz.net.
Long-Term Maintenance
Any metal that is protected by paint (or other top coat) will last
2012 Waste Advantage Magazine, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted from Waste Advantage Magazine. Contents cannot be reprinted without permission from the publisher.
23