In a down economy, manufacturers are becoming more creative by suggesting the reuse, recycle, repair or even exchange of their existing equipment rather than investing in new products. I’m seeing more and more manufacturers offering renovation or exchange programs such as DUALCO, the manufacturer of hydraulic grease guns for valve maintenance.

If you have a DUALCO hydraulic grease gun (models: 11035 and 11000R) that is in need of repair or service, rather than spending nearly $700 on new equipment consider having your existing grease gun refurbished or exchanged for a fraction of the cost. If your equipment is not corroded or abused and all its components are fully assembled, it is a prime candidate for this program.

For those owning competitive lubricant guns, DUALCO can rebuild or repair most hydraulic guns as the parts are usually interchangeable.

After the equipment is received by DUALCO it is inspected. While most hydraulic guns can be repaired, if DUALCO cannot rebuild or repair it, the customer is contacted to discuss options. As part of the program the units are: disassembled, major parts are re-plated (for model 11035), the rebuilt gun is assembled, new fluid is added, it’s inspected, tested and repacked. Included in the parts which are replaced are all “O” rings, leather cups, fluid bag/bleeder assembly, plunger and check valve ball, spring, washer and filter.

There are some components not included in this program. However they can be replaced if missing or damaged at an additional cost. Those components are: body, fulcrum assembly, grease barrel, grease barrel cap, fluid bag barrel or the fluid bag barrel cap.

DUALCO warrants the work up to 90 days. The cost of the rebuilding or exchange program is $289 which offers 60% savings over the cost of acquiring new equipment. Should a customer require exchanging the gauge and hose that cost is $199. If both programs are exercised (standard plus gauge and hose), the savings is 30% versus the cost of new equipment.

While these programs appear to be hardly a windfall, they show how manufacturers like DUALCO are stepping up and offering creative solutions when budgets are tight. To learn more about this program, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .