13yr 30lb'ers replacement? yeah or nay?

[mellofelow]

Guys, of the 2.5 years since owing the mat, I've been upgrading in phases. 15 top were replaced with 7 tops and 8 Horizons. Now I'm pondering if the time is right to do the same with the 10 Huebsch HC27MDs.

Installed when built 13 years ago, they are all in good running condition with minimal upkeep... such as belts, drain valves and water valves. One, maybe two starting to show its age, e.g. noisy seal/bearing and intermittent cycling through.

I have gotten quotes from a couple of distributors and the cost of replacement is significant. I'm sure you all know the price of new 30 lb hardmounts. So based on average turns of 3.3 TPD and vending currently at $2.50, does it make sense to replace them now? My fear is that if I raise the price to $2.75, the ROI would take forever. But at $3.00, I'd be way above market in SoCal and risk losing customers.

What do you think I should do? Let's hear some pros and cons.

Thanks in advance.

[DirkDark]

My vote, fix the ones that need it, shine them up & keep 'em.

[Duane]

Do the math....

For the next 5-7 years...

10 bearing jobs
10 valves
10 drains
10 door locks
10 timers / control boards
10 .......

Replace some panels, paint, decals....

What ever it takes to make them look new.

Then figure a .25 cent increase.

I am not familiar with the model so if they are mechanical will they be able to be flexible enough on the cycle programming?

Take the numbers from above and compare to the cost of 10 new washers.

If you decide to keep your current washers you will probably need to replace them in 5 - 7 or so years. How long will the new washers last? 12 -15 or more years? Just something to consider when crunching the numbers.

Duane.

[Adamski]

Bruce,

Also take into account the cylce speed of the new Huebsch 30 lb washers. It's possible that 8 new washers can handle the same poundage per hour as your 10 old washers due to a shorter cycle.

Another thing to consider is your equipment mix. Would it be better to put in maybe six 30 lb and two to four 60 lb washers? I'd be looking at your entire floor plan and trying to make it the best it can be for your customers. The better the improvement, the more you can raise your prices.

[ldm]

If you end up with an increase your wash capacity, don't forget to consider your dry capacity. Les

[chad]

Just think of how much you will save on water and repair.. If you buy speed queen get the 5yr parts warranty.

In the next 5yrs the city of LA DWP will be going thru a massive increase in water rates. Already seen the 8% increase so far take place.

I am in a similar situation, I am thinking about replacing my tops that are 3yrs old with 20lbs, I will be making about $600 more a month in revenue and be saving at least 5% on my water bill.

The new 30lbs you could be getting about 27 gal of water.

[savnish]

More than a month ago, replaced SC superII's(20lbs) with SC gold quantum 2 30lbs and 3 40lbs. SC superII's were like 15 yrs. Was charging $2.75. Hard to find parts on old ones. New prices on new machines 30lbs $3.50 and 40 lbs $4.50. For same space getting more revenue. Not sure how much saving on utilities but did see less PG&E and water bill for april month.

[zoomnbyu]

At 13 years old and 3 tpd I would think you could get another 7 - 8 years out of them with bearings and some basic maintenance. Unless they've been really torn up or subject to a bad install I think I'd keep them unless there was nothing else on my priority list.

[laundryboy2]

I have a store full of washers made in '96 getting around 3 TPD. Only one OOO out of 40 machines.