| 16/12/2009 - THE DIFFERENCE A GOOD WARRANTY CAN MAKE |
Mattei, the rotary vane compressor manufacturer, is highlighting the importance of thoroughly checking the terms and conditions of warranty agreements to ensure businesses operating compressed air systems are fully supported.
With manufacturers using warranties as a point of differentiation and no standard practice for the industry, compressed air users are being encouraged to look closely at their warranty and take into account lifecycle costs. By looking beyond the usual five year service period, businesses will be able to identify any potential costly issues that may arise in the future.
Andy Jones, general manager for Mattei explains: “The majority of today’s compressors have been built to last, which means they will continue working reliably beyond the five years on which the majority of warranties are based. In the current economic climate where companies are trying to make every penny count, having a machine warranty that will provide value-for-money and the right level of support when it’s really needed, is vital.”
Mattei is advising businesses to look at the entire lifecycle cost of the machine as the capital investment for a compressor is only a fraction of its five year running costs – usually around 12% of the total cost. To comply with the terms of a warranty, companies need to adhere to a servicing regime, which can mean regularly replacing components such as belts, bearings, gearboxes and hoses.
Andy Jones adds: “When you add up all these additional costs associated with the level of servicing needed to meet the warranty terms, a business can easily end up spending more than the initial capital cost of the machine. It’s easy for a manufacturer to give a five or 10 year warranty when many components are replaced at the owner’s cost within the scheduled servicing.
“With a choice of compressor technologies on the market, businesses should be looking at all the options. For example, our rotary vane compressors do not require roller bearings as used in a screw compressor. The vane compressor’s rotor shaft is supported by simple white metal bearings, which ensure a long and inexpensive operating life. In addition, an air end can easily run for 100,000 hours without wear – in fact, some Mattei machines have lasted over 230,000 hours in the most arduous operating conditions, which is why we confidently provide a 10 year guarantee with unlimited hours on the component with only a basic servicing requirement.”
For more information about Mattei and its ranges of compressors, visit www.mattei.co.uk or call 01789 450577. |
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