Beating Supply Chain Delays with On-Site Component Handling

How B&D Manufacturing Helps Mobile Maintenance Teams Keep Machines Moving

Global supply chain constraints continue to challenge mining operations, slowing the delivery of new components and putting pressure on maintenance teams to do more with less. When critical parts are delayed, even routine maintenance activities can turn into costly downtime events.

But idle machines don’t generate ore — and maintenance teams know that waiting for shipments isn’t an option.

This is where on-site component handling solutions become game-changing. With the right tools, crews can reinstall refurbished components, extend the lifecycle of equipment already onsite, and dramatically reduce the impact of supply shortages.

B&D Manufacturing’s Swing Shaft Changer and Evolution Jack are designed specifically to support maintenance teams facing these challenges, helping them work safer, faster, and with total confidence — even when brand-new parts aren’t available.

Why Supply Chain Delays Hit Maintenance Teams Hard

Mining mobile equipment is a system of interdependent components — and when one breaks, everything stops. Under normal conditions, damaged or worn parts are replaced promptly with OEM components. But today’s realities look different:

• New parts are arriving late or inconsistently
• OEM refurb cycles are longer than ever
• Stockpiling has become costly and less feasible
• Downtime risk increases with every delay

As a result, refurbished components are becoming vital to day-to-day operations, keeping shovels, loaders, and haul trucks productive while mines wait on new parts to arrive.

However, reinstalling refurbished components isn’t always straightforward. It requires precision handling, controlled movement, and absolute compliance with safety protocols — especially with heavy assemblies and challenging orientations.

This is where purpose-built handling equipment proves essential.

B&D’s Swing Shaft Changer: Making Reinstallation Faster and Safer

The Swing Shaft Changer was engineered to help mobile maintenance crews maneuver heavy, awkward components with minimal manual intervention. When a refurbished swing shaft is available but a new unit is weeks away, the Swing Shaft Changer ensures the reinstall process is quick, controlled, and safe.

Key Advantages

Precision Alignment

Reinstalling heavy components typically requires multiple technicians manually guiding and positioning a part. The Swing Shaft Changer eliminates guesswork with built-in alignment features that allow operators to position shafts with millimetre-level accuracy.

Reduced Labour Requirements

By supporting the component throughout the entire movement — lifting, rotating, aligning, and installing — the system reduces the number of personnel required. This frees up skilled workers for other tasks during maintenance shutdowns.

Consistent, Repeatable Installs

Whether a component is brand new or fully refurbished, the Swing Shaft Changer helps ensure every installation meets the same high standard. This consistency is critical when crews are reintroducing refurbished parts into service.

With fewer hands on the load and more control over each movement, maintenance teams can bring refurbished components online days or even weeks faster than waiting for replacements.

Evolution Jack: Lifting Confidence When Refurbs Are the Only Option

Refurbished components are only useful if you can safely access the equipment to install them. B&D’s Evolution Jack gives crews reliable, high-capacity lifting capability that adapts to a wide range of mobile machines.

Why It Matters During Supply Chain Disruptions

• Fast machine elevation means quicker access for removal and installation
• High stability under load ensures safe work even with heavier refurbished parts
• Modularity supports different chassis designs, increasing flexibility across fleets

When new parts are unavailable, mines often rely on extended inspections, partial rebuilds, and field repairs to keep machines running. The Evolution Jack plays a vital role in this approach by providing the controlled lifting needed for rapid component swaps.

Instead of waiting for a brand-new part to arrive, crews can elevate equipment, remove the worn component, and reinstall a refurbished unit using the Evolution Jack and Swing Shaft Changer in tandem.

This combination minimizes downtime and keeps production on schedule.

The Big Picture: Control What You Can Control

Mining companies can’t influence global logistics, manufacturing backlogs, or shipping timelines. But maintenance teams can take control of what happens on site.

By equipping crews with robust, purpose-built handling systems, mines can:

• Reduce dependency on new parts
• Increase uptime with refurbished components
• Improve safety in every changeout
• Accelerate turnaround during planned and unplanned maintenance
• Add predictability to maintenance workflows despite supply volatility

When delays are unavoidable, capability becomes the competitive advantage — and B&D Manufacturing’s solutions are designed to deliver exactly that.

Final Thoughts

Supply chain challenges may continue, but downtime doesn’t have to. With the Swing Shaft Changer and Evolution Jack, maintenance teams can safely and efficiently handle refurbished components on site, keeping critical assets in service and production targets on track.

Global shortages don’t have to mean idle machines — not when you have the right tools on the ground.