Expert Advice: When to Repair (and Sell) Your Diesel Equipment

Expert Advice: When to Repair (and Sell) Your Diesel Equipment

Fleet Care | Fleet Maintenance | 10/08/2024
Written by Stacy Conner

Uh-oh: check engine light’s on again. Dang, and you just serviced your diesel!

You might be wondering, “Should I repair, or should I sell my diesel equipment?”

Whether you’re squeezing the most juice you can out of a diesel engine or considering selling your diesel equipment, getting control of a fleet takes work.

Equipment Experts here. We’ve seen fleet managers deal with the repair-or-sell issue time and time again.

Making the right decision for your fleet doesn’t have to lead to stress or headaches. With the right knowledge and preparation, there’s no reason that your diesel equipment can’t last you for years to come. 

For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping fleet drivers, managers, and operators across the nation increase the longevity of their fleet equipment so they can do what they do best.

We’re Tacoma, Washington’s go-to diesel repair truck company for helpful diesel repair work and fleet management.

If you’re staring at your diesel equipment wondering whether to repair or sell it, look no further. We’ll explore your options, so you can make the best decision for your fleet.

Here’s our expert advice on when to repair and sell your trusted diesel equipment.

When diesel equipment gives you trouble

A maintenance technician at work on a repair shop floor with a CMMS

When diesel equipment starts acting up, fleet managers and drivers usually have two options at their disposal:

For example, if an engine malfunctions, fleet managers can decide to do an engine overhaul or rebuild, purchase a new or used engine, or sell the existing engine.

Alternatively, seeking out the expert help of employees in the fleet repair industry can help you better tackle fleet management decisions like whether to sell or repair.

Regardless of whether you repair or sell your equipment, you’ll want to keep in mind the following considerations in the next section.

Considerations: when to repair, rebuild, or re-manufacture diesel equipment

A man working in the guts of a vehicle

If the issue in your equipment is severe enough that the defective component makes using your diesel equipment near impossible, opting for a repair may be a smart choice. A repair can lower the likelihood of component failures in the future and therefore save you money over the long haul.

While choosing to repair versus sell equipment may lead to more upfront costs, the investment pays dividends in the long run.

If you need to troubleshoot a faulty system in your diesel equipment, a diesel rebuild may help. Rebuilds tend to lead to more efficient processes and more power to a piece of diesel equipment.

With a rebuild, original components are replaced with modern parts that — when put to use — lead to the same, if not better, performance from your equipment.

Keep in mind that rebuilds tend to be more costly, as new parts are installed on the existing equipment. With a rebuild, you’ll be adding new parts instead of repairing existing parts.

In comparison to a re-manufacture, rebuilds are less comprehensive in nature. Rebuilds sustain performance in a piece of diesel equipment.

Whereas with re-manufactures, existing equipment is restored to “like new” conditions (or according to the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications).

Consider an equipment re-manufacture if you want to hold on to your equipment but make it as if it was fresh off the assembly line ready for work. Likewise, consider a rebuild if you want to improve the performance of your equipment, but can accept that your equipment may not operate as if it was brand spanking new.

Finally, consider repair work so you can use your equipment for many years to come and ensure your fleet vehicles last long and strong.

When to sell your diesel equipment

An Equipment Experts Inc employee standing in front of a truck

Knowing when to sell (or trade) your diesel equipment is also an important part of successful fleet management. At Equipment Experts, we recommend selling off equipment if:

Partnering with a trusted fleet repair shop and fleet management consultancy can help add peace of mind when making the decision to repair or sell. For example, at Equipment Experts, in addition to meeting with fleet managers to troubleshoot issues, we provide a complementary set of 2-minute-or-less fleet manager series videos to help fleet operators and managers better troubleshoot fleet equipment and truck issues.

In other words, when you receive help from a fleet repair expert, you’ll have complete access to a dedicated professional with decades of experience in troubleshooting fleet issues.

Receiving help from a fleet repair expert can give you the confidence to know that whichever way you go, you’ll be making the best decision for your fleet and diesel equipment.

Benefits of repairing versus selling your diesel equipment

Technician showing a customer a clipboard, with both people looking at the clipboard, and with semi truck in background

If you’re considering selling or repairing your fleet equipment, consider the following benefits of each.

Fun fact!

An aerial shot of Equipment Experts' facility

Equipment Experts, Inc. is Tacoma, WA’s go-to diesel repair partner for commercial trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, liftgates, and aerial equipment!

Our experienced mechanics have in-depth knowledge surrounding a variety of vehicles — not just the makes and models sold and serviced by a typical dealer.

Check out our digs here!

An ounce of prevention (and preventive maintenance) is worth a pound of cure

A picture of an Equipment Experts, Inc. employee

If Benjamin Franklin — the originator of this quote — worked in the diesel repair industry, he would’ve also added that a little upfront maintenance can save you a ton of hassle in the future. And as diesel fuel prices continue to rise, correcting for components that could lead to fuel inefficiencies can make a world of difference for your fleet (and your wallet).

Here’s what you need to consider when it comes to repairing your diesel equipment:

Regardless of whether you decide to repair or sell, having a winning preventive maintenance plan in place can ensure your fleet equipment runs at peak capacity for years to come. Whether you’re protecting your diesel equipment from the cold or ensuring your engine lasts longer, we can help you make your fleet goals a reality.

At Equipment Experts, we provide diesel fleet repair solutions, DOT inspections, and preventive maintenance plans for businesses and fleets alike. Our Tacoma-based 12,000-square-foot 7-bay shop serves fleets near and far.

Can’t make it out to us? No problem.

Our standby mobile repair team can meet you at a location that’s convenient to you.

We’re here for you for all your fleet needs. Contact our Expert diesel technicians today to schedule your next repair service and/or fleet management consultation.

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