This article is intended to provide clarification about the warranty efficiency approval also known within the network as “pre-approval”. It is a summary of the warranty policy conditions aimed at clarifying some frequently asked questions.

Why do we have to request efficiency approval?

• Bobcat requires that machines under warranty are repaired in the most economical and efficient way. This means:
  • An assessment is made to determine the cost to repair, considering parts and labour versus the cost to replace the component.
  • Confirmation that the component truly failed and it can’t be repaired by replacing a subcomponent, where a replacement will resolve the issue.

Which components require efficiency approval?

• Complete engine, fuel injection systems and all emission system components (DOC, DPF, ECU, DCU and SCR)
• Hydraulic/hydrostatic motors, hydraulic/hydrostatic pumps
• Axles
• Transmission
• Control valve
• Boom and arm

What if only a small part of the component is required?

• If a sub-component is needed for repair and not a replacement of the above-mentioned complete component assemblies, then an efficiency approval is not required.

Does efficiency approval mean my warranty claim will be accepted?

• No, any component where efficiency approval is given by Bobcat means that the best method of repair has been established. Any decision about warranty coverage on a repair will only be made upon the final warranty claim decision, after a review of the information provided demonstrating a warrantable defect. It is your responsibility to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate Bobcat’s responsibility. If this is not provided, a claim may still be rejected.
• Only efficiency approvals can be requested in a pre-approval case. No questions related to warranty coverage or other topics will be permitted or acknowledged.

Where can I request an efficiency approval?

• To submit an efficiency approval request, a pre-approval case must be made in Salesforce. It should contain:
  • Information about the failure to justify the need for replacement.
  • Demonstration of sufficient tests were carried out to confirm that a replacement is the only logical action to be taken.
  • Estimates for the cost of repair and replacement of the component.
  • Refer to Knowledge article 1450 – “Proper submitting of a pre-approval case”.

I asked for an efficiency approval after the repair was made and it fixed the issue. Why should I have asked for authorisation?

• Efficiency approval is detailed in the warranty policy that it must be requested before the repair. Asking after the repair may result in warranty claim rejection. Even if a complete assembly replacement would repair the problem, it is also possible the less costly sub-components could have been replaced to achieve the same results.
• Efficiency approval of the repair method also helps improve first time fix rates to reduce multiple part replacements.

Waiting for Bobcat to approve a request takes too long when we know the solution.

• This reflects on first time fix and multiple repairs or excessively costly repairs that were not required. To prevent price increases to products due to high warranty costs, managing the repairs in this manner makes sure Bobcat uses the best combination of a repair method and speedy return of a machine to work, while doing so at the lowest possible cost.

We’ve identified the sub-component parts to repair a component, but they are not available. Do I need to submit an efficiency approval request?

• If the sub-component repair parts are not available, a replacement approval request should still be submitted, wherein you should state which parts are not available. Bobcat will then check and verify the part lead times and consider this as part of the approval request review.

The details of efficiency approvals, formally “pre-approval” can be found in section 4.1.7 of the Standard Warranty Policy, Ref.: 6720983-EN.01-22. Any additional questions you may have related to this communication may be directed to your Service Manager.