Prolong Okamoto Grinder Performance: Rebuild vs Retrofit, & Tips to Postpone Upgrades
What’s Included in a Retrofit?
Retrofit kits provide everything needed to bring your grinder up to date with modern standards. These kits include a brand-new control panel, electronic controls, servo motors, amplifiers, and smaller yet essential components like transformers, contactors, and overloads. Once the retrofit is installed, your grinder will serve you efficiently for another 20-30 years or more.
Why Choose a Retrofit
or Rebuild?
Opting for a retrofit or rebuild comes with clear advantages. First, it is a highly cost-effective solution, as a retrofit costs around one-third of a new machine while a full rebuild is about half the price. Additionally, these upgrades significantly extend the lifespan of your grinder, ensuring it remains efficient and productive for years to come. Finally, by replacing outdated parts, you bring your machine in line with today’s performance standards, which means better reliability and productivity.
The Importance of
Regular Oil Changes
Regularly changing your grinder's oil and filter—at least once a year—is crucial for maintaining its optimal performance. Extending the use of oil and coolant beyond recommended limits or skipping factory-recommended premium oil can significantly impact your machine's durability. Using cross-referenced oil that doesn’t meet factory specifications can lead to issues like sticking valves and premature solenoid failure, ultimately reducing the lifespan of your equipment.
What to Avoid During Maintenance
Keeping your grinder clean is essential for its performance and longevity. To prevent blockages and coolant overflow, it’s best to clean the workspace. Avoid using compressed air at full blast, as it can force dirty coolant—containing metal bits and contaminated oil—into the drains, causing clogs.
Also make sure to shut down the machine at the end of each workday and during extended breaks, like weekends or holidays. Regular shutdowns help protect the machine from electrical damage caused by power surges, outages, or lightning strikes.
Need a Little Help?
Whether you need preventative maintenance, repairs, retrofits, or a complete rebuild, Titan Machinery Sales is here to help. With locations in Illinois, North Carolina, and New York, we can be on-site anywhere within these locations just 24–48 hours. For rebuilds, we can pick up and deliver your grinder, depending on location.
Titan uses factory parts sourced locally from Okamoto’s headquarters in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and even maintains a stock of discontinued parts to get you back up and running quickly. If the part you need is no longer available, Titan’s engineering team can reverse-engineer it to fit your machine requirements.
Your Okamoto grinder deserves a trusted partner to keep it running like new. Whether you’re planning a retrofit, scheduling maintenance, or looking to upgrade, Titan Machinery Sales is here to help. Reach out today and we will find you the best solution for your grinding needs.
