Martin Engineering has introduced a new rental programme for its line of industrial vibrators designed for vibratory screens such as shale shakers and other solids separation equipment. The announcement represents the industry’s first factory direct vibrator-rental programme for these applications, ensuring that customers are protected from surprise repair costs and associated downtime.
The company’s new Guaranteed Rental Program includes replacements for all foreign vibratory motor suppliers, as well as U.S. suppliers such as Derrick® Corporation. It’s intended to provide a "third option" for equipment users: a cost-effective alternative to OEM motors or local shop refurbishment. Martin is currently the only U.S. manufacturer of large industrial vibratory drives (including explosion-proof models) for OEM and aftermarket use. The various models are engineered and manufactured in the USA, assembled domestically and in a number of Martin facilities around the world.
Under the new program, all service and maintenance is covered by a monthly flat-fee agreement, with any failed units replaced by the manufacturer at no charge. Rental customers avoid the financial burden and potential production outages from sudden drive
failures, instead able to focus employees on core business activities, with Martin Engineering taking responsibility for vibrator upkeep and repairs. Rental customers benefit from direct access to the manufacturer’s expertise, saving precious time and money. All service is performed by qualified factory-direct technicians.
"The rental program gives customers greater flexibility in budgeting for replacement and maintenance," explained Global Product Manager Brad Pronschinske. "In the past, companies that couldn’t afford extended downtime were forced to purchase a backup motor for shale shakers and other vibratory equipment. With the new program, Martin Engineering offers rental as an alternative, with no money down and a fixed cost per month, yet it continues to protect customers from costly downtime and emergency capital expenditures."
"It’s nearly impossible to predict when a vibrator might fail," Pronschinske continued. "So it can be very difficult for customers to budget expenses for spares or replacements. But very few companies can afford to let equipment sit idle while repairs are being performed. A rental unit gives them the backup they need, without the large one-time cost." Depending on the number of units rented, Martin Engineering will provide customers with spare vibratory drives as part of the rental agreement.
The rental option is also expected to bring value to purchasers of used equipment, providing another way to improve equipment uptime and maintain system throughput and overall productivity. "Many companies supply used shakers and screening equipment as rentals," Pronschinske said. "But when the time comes to replace the vibratory drives, they’ve historically been faced with just two choices. One was to spend several thousand dollars on a replacement OEM motor with its accompanying new product warranty. The other was to have the motor refurbished by a local electrical shop, where warranties are typically just 3-6 months."
All vibrators in the Martin Engineering rental program are backed by the full replacement warranty throughout the life of the contract, with no limit to usage time. Pronschinske said that the drives are likely to serve applications in high frequency screens, sizing equipment and dewatering operations in oil and gas industries, as well as processing of coal, iron ore, gold and other elements, silica sand, and even some pharmaceutical and food applications. Terms and availability may vary by region. Customers are advised to contact their local Martin Engineering office for details.
Martin Engineering has been a pioneer in engineered vibration since 1949, When Edwin F. Peterson introduced the first industrial ball-type vibrator for bulk material applications. The patented Vibrolator® was designed to create vibration by the rotation of a single steel ball in a hardened raceway. The pneumatic unit delivered dramatic material flow benefits, preventing accumulation and blockages while virtually eliminating the damaging and dangerous practice of hammering on vessel walls.
Until the 1970s, the company’s sole focus was making bulk materials handling cleaner, safer and more productive by designing and building high-performance vibrators: electric, pneumatic and hydraulic. Now, over 60 years after that first breakthrough design, the firm holds more than 130 patents, with innovations in such diverse technologies as air cannons, sonic cleaners, conveyor components, transfer chutes, silo cleaning and dust containment. Yet today the Vibrolator remains one of the world’s most accepted vibrators to improve the flow of solid bulk materials.
Image: This fleet of Martin vibratory drives was rented for a West Texas drilling site, where they operate 24/7.