Pallets Not Keeping Up With Engine Rebuild Workshop
Our client operates a large component rebuild workshop that was slowed down through inefficiencies with engine blocks being stored and transported on timber pallets.
If you’ve ever worked with timber pallets, you can understand the difficulties and issues that they post with heavy or high-value components. Mission-critical gear is not inherently suitable for transport or storage on wood pallets, which can split, loose boards or break down with usage, exposure to the elements or age.
Issues our client faced included:
- Timber boards popping off, requiring repair to the pallets
- Pallet replacements every 6 to 12 months
- Nails sticking through pallets and scratching the surface of engine blocks
- Engine blocks overhanging the pallet; being susceptible to knocks and damage
- General damage during transport and storage that required reworking of components
- Timber pallets aren’t certified, so if something goes wrong in transport, there is no paper trail to show compliance
Cost of Timber Pallets for Mission-Critical Engines
The cost of these inefficiencies adds up. Consider the cost of delays, repairs, reworking of components, timber board repairs, timber pallet replacement, and general damage causing delays with operations.
Downtime for mining equipment can quickly spiral, so finding a fast and reliable solution to mitigate these issues is paramount.
Some real-world costings may look like this annually:
- Cost of timber pallet board repairs & pallet replacements: $1000s
- Reworking of damaged components: $10,000s
- Potential downtime due to these delays: $1000,000s
Considering these possible issues when working with timber pallets, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that downtime, repair work and delays (not to mention the risk of staff being hurt when an incident occurs) can lead into the millions.
DAYWALK Solution – Xyphos Steel Pallets
A pre-engineered, certified and in stock solution was the cost-effective Xyphos Steel Pallet range.
These timber pallet alternatives are rated to 3T WLL (uniformly distributed load) transport rated. They generally have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years depending on the circumstances of their use.
As a steel pallet, they won’t break or degrade. They’re also racking compatible, so they can go from transport to storage with ease.
These pallets transformed the workshop operations for our client. The Xyphos replaced the timber pallets with a sturdy heavy duty powder coated pallet that’s lighter than hardwood, but much stronger. The Steel Pallets improved safety, operational efficiency and manual handling, while ensuring the transport of vital components in a compliant and problem-free manner.
Engine blocks were previously kept on timber pallets, but these were not sufficient for storage.
Timber boards breaking and protruding nails can damage components.
DAYWALK Xyphos pallet was the solution to failing timber pallets in the component workshop.
WHY DAYWALK STEEL PALLETS?
Longevity of Solution
Steel pallets can last up to 20 times longer than timber pallets, meaning they offer excellent ROI as well as a no-fuss, long term solution. In addition to this, the Xyphos Pallet is an economical option and won’t require repairs over its years of use.
Component Protection
High-value components must be protected during transport and storage, so pallets that warp, break or need constant replacement or repair simply slow operations down and put the component at risk.
Streamlined Transport
Moving components from equipment to workshop and back again requires a streamlined and sensible approach. Choosing a suitable, transport-certified pallet makes the operation run smoothly.
