Company Rebuilds Hydros With Care

Company Rebuilds Hydros With Care TRACTORS Hydraulics 33-6-38 Hydraulic component rebuilds can save a lot of money, but they're not usually do-it-yourself projects, says Cara Herrs of Herrs Machine. The company has been rebuilding hydraulic pumps and hydrostatic transmissions for 37 years, progressing from a home-based shop business to a high tech operation that can handle nearly anything hydraulic. "We once rebuilt the pumps and motors on a mine sweeper, but our most common repairs are combine hydrostats," says Herrs. "We have an ag background, so we understand how quickly equipment needs to be up and running. In addition to our rebuild service, we keep a large inventory of parts, pumps and motors on hand. We can usually ship out the same day we get an order." Herrs suggests making a toll-free call for a cost estimate. If time is tight, most agricultural hydro units are available in exchange. The company works with tractors, combines, skid steers and a wide range of other equipment. However, long-term specialties have been IH hydrostats and torque amplifiers. Whether for rebuild or exchange, Herrs emphasizes carefully wrapping the part for shipment, especially if components are exposed. One ding or gouge in a plate can increase rebuild cost considerably. "Plates in a stack have to be perfectly flat," says Herrs. "A scratch can cause a blow-by and increase pressure on the hydraulics and raise the temperature." When parts come in for rebuild, they are first æmic'd' or inspected using a micrometer to make sure plates are within 1 millionth of an inch of flat. After inspection the part goes to lapping, where a zinc oxide drip is used to polish the plate to a mirror finish. If too far out of tolerance, parts will be replaced. Even though a single plate with a gouge can often be refinished, Herrs says the refinishing might reduce the required height of the total stack. "We have to stay in tolerance the whole way through," she says. Once the part or component has been rebuilt, it goes through testing. Each step in the process is recorded. If testing identifies any problem, it also shows where the problem occurred. "We will then tear it down and fix the problem," says Herr. "We know it has to be done right." Herrs handles pumps, motors, cylinders and valves. All remanufactured units come with a warranty. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Herrs Machine, 1745 Prospect Blvd., Washington, Kan. 66968 (ph 785 325-2875; toll free 877 525-2875; caraherrs@sbcglobal.net; www.herrsmachine.com).

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