The Genesis of the Second Life Program

The Second Life Program was born out of necessity and innovation. It began with an unexpected challenge: a severe machine accident. A client approached Hydraumac with a damaged machine, hoping they could work a miracle. Their team of skilled technicians and engineers took on the challenge with determination and ingenuity. Through meticulous repairs and strategic replacements, they were able to restore the machine to its original functionality. Throughout, the use of Bobcat genuine parts has been crucial in ensuring the quality and longevity of the restored machines.

This marked the beginning of The Second Life Program. This program emphasizes giving machinery a new lease on life, aligning with sustainable practices, and offering significant financial benefits.

Cost Analysis: The Key to Success

A successful restoration hinges on thorough cost analysis. Our detailed assessments often reveal that restoration is more economical than purchasing new equipment. This insight helps clients understand the financial advantages of opting for repair. In our initial project, cost analysis showed substantial savings, prompting the client to continue with the program. The customer, pleased with the outcome, expressed their satisfaction and promptly sent us a second machine for restoration.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainability & Efficiency

The Second Life Program not only satisfies customers but also contributes to sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of valuable resources. By extending the life of machinery, we help clients reduce their environmental footprint. This program stands as a testament to the power of restoration and the value of giving machinery a second chance.

Today, we speak with the visionary behind The Second Life Program, Reda Hailoul, who leads an initiative that revitalizes damaged machines using high-quality Bobcat genuine parts. Our guest will share the inspiration behind the program, the challenges faced, and its industry impact. Join us to learn how this innovative solution is transforming machinery maintenance and restoration.

Interview with the Service Manager of Hydraumac

• Role: Service Manager at Hydraumac
• Start Date: Since 2009

What is the core philosophy behind The Second Life Program?
The core philosophy is to maintain the equipment and allow customers to use and profit from their machines for as long as possible.

Can you walk us through the typical process of machine restoration under this program?
The process begins with checking the machine’s vital components (motor, hydraulic pump, valve control). If these components are in good condition and don’t require major repairs or replacements, we calculate the cost for the second life renewal. If not, the operation’s cost may become non-competitive.

How crucial are Bobcat genuine parts in the restoration process?
Bobcat genuine parts are crucial for maintaining the same quality standards as a new unit. We must mention that these restorations are possible due to Bobcat’s efforts to make critical parts (such as controllers, dashboards, and cylinders) more affordable.

How do you conduct the cost analysis for potential restorations?
The analysis starts with a detailed estimation of the parts, followed by our effective labor costs and the cost of subcontracting certain tasks. We ensure the repair follows this rule: the value of parts should represent a maximum of 50%, labor costs 30%, and subcontracting work 20%.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in restoring severely damaged machinery?
The major difficulties are usually related to the electrical components, mainly the harness and controller.

How has the positive response from clients influenced the development of the program?
Positive feedback from clients has encouraged us to explore the potential of this market niche and promote discussions on the importance of maintaining and servicing operational units during their first life. It has also revealed that many customers have poorly maintained machines in their fleet, often in a standstill condition, and are hesitant to renovate due to cost concerns. Some customers have noted that this program is a great alternative to purchasing used equipment.

What are your plans for the future development of The Second Life Program?
We plan to prepare remanufactured sub-assemblies (motor, pump, cylinder) to offer more complete second-life renovations at controlled prices. 

We have also asked our regional aftermarket manager – Mohab Yakout to tell us more from his perspective:
We often see that customers in Middle East and Africa tend to keep old Bobcat machines running in the field. That is a great sign of trust of the Bobcat reliability – Bobcat is built to dominate even toughest environments!

Hydraumac have utilized this opportunity into a great initiation “Second Life Program” to support those customers, and boost aftermarket activities in Morocco.

Being regional aftermarket manager covering MEA region, I remember the first time I visited Hydruamac and how I was impressed by their aftermarket focus and capabilities.

Well done Hydrumac team!