Tana rebuilds machines to give them a second life

Tana, a Finland-based manufacturer of machines and equipment for the mechanical processing of solid waste, is testing a new initiative to double the life cycle of its machines by rebuilding them.

Tana’s Second Life initiative was launched in response to a growing need to rebuild machines in solid waste processing, while at the same time reducing the consumption of materials needed to manufacture new machines, cutting waste and minimizing emissions.

According to the company, refurbishing, rebuilding or upgrading of the main components of a compactor or shredder, particularly the powertrain, can offer financial and environmental benefits over buying new equipment.

“Tana Second Life rebuild program is a concrete step in Tana’s transition towards a circular economy,” Tana CEO Kalle Saarimaa says. “Rebuild operations in accordance with sustainable development are also an essential part of our company’s growth story.”

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Based on condition assessment, it is possible to calculate in advance when a rebuild is feasible, Tana says. Remote monitoring provides data not only about operating hours but also about how hard the machine has been used, and that data can make it easier to estimate the cost of refurbishing.

Rebuilding is a significantly cheaper option than purchasing a new machine, the company says. Depending on the age of the machine and the level of refurbishment, the cost to rebuild can be 30 percent to 70 percent less than a new purchase.

Tana uses a modular design for its machines, and rebuilds are carried out by certified partners using a common operating model, both of which simplifies rebuilds. Tana’s first partner in the Second Life initiative is Humdinger Equipment Ltd., which has already completed several rebuild projects.

In keeping with its commitment to the circular economy, Tana also has a separate recycling and refurbishment program for main components, such as diesel engines. End-of-life machines consist mostly of steel components that can be sold for metal recycling, while some components can also be recovered as spare parts, according to the company.