Good question Charlie. I worked in a boatyard & on small equipment in the past. Periodic maintenance is required based upon the number of hours the unit runs. That's why you'll find an hour meter on diesel boat engines. There are some items like oils and filters that don't take too long to change. If the dredges use gas engines the operators will have to pull, gap & change plugs. Once again no big deal. I have no idea how long or hard our dredges have been run so the possibility of having to replace a head gasket or do other mechanical work may exist. This would mean that unit being taken out of production until repaired. I just hope the operators have a sufficient spare parts inventory on hand and won't have to order items. That could take a couple days (in country) to a couple weeks if it has to come from the manufacturer & clear customs.
It's only a matter of having spare parts. Engines need maintenance after so many hours. Pulling an engine off and replacing with a rebuilt can be done over night. Pumps will need replacing also after so many hours of use. Parts, parts and more parts and a good mechanic will keep these dredges humming all season long. IMO
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
