This project involves the export of a second-hand Sany 160-metric-tonne all-terrain crane to Europe, serving overseas engineering clients in Europe. Our client, a European engineering contractor, planned to procure a high-capacity all-terrain crane to meet the requirements of a local infrastructure project. Due to budget constraints, the client turned to the second-hand equipment market and selected an older Sany 160-metric-tonne all-terrain crane with a lower market value. However, preliminary inspections revealed that the equipment was in poor overall condition, with severe ageing of its core systems, rendering it unsuitable for immediate deployment in high-intensity operations.
The client faced a typical ‘product-related’ dilemma: whilst the purchase cost of second-hand equipment is low, the cumulative effects of performance degradation, wear and tear on key components, hydraulic system leaks and ageing electrical wiring meant that actual operational efficiency and safety were unlikely to meet project requirements. If put into service immediately, the client would not only face the risk of frequent downtime for repairs but could also suffer project delays due to equipment failure, resulting in greater financial losses.

For the equipment selected by the client, we strictly adhered to the theory of the equipment’s full life cycle and implemented a standardised remanufacturing programme to systematically restore and enhance the equipment’s performance:
1. Comprehensive inspection and assessment: Non-destructive testing and performance testing were carried out on the engine, hydraulic system, transmission system, electrical system, and structural components of the main and auxiliary booms. A health record for the equipment was established to precisely identify the list of components requiring repair or replacement.
2. Core System Remanufacturing: Overhaul and tune the engine, replacing worn parts and restoring rated power; thoroughly clean the hydraulic system, replacing seals and aged pipework, and repairing hydraulic pumps and control valve assemblies; replace aged cables and components in the electrical system, and upgrade the control system firmware.
3. Structural Component Repair and Reinforcement: Weld inspection and anti-corrosion treatment of the main boom, auxiliary boom and chassis; repair of deformed areas; and reinforcement of critical load-bearing points to ensure the structural safety factor meets new-machine standards.
4. Performance Calibration and Testing: Upon completion of remanufacturing, full-load lifting tests, continuous operation tests and safety interlock verification are carried out to ensure that all performance indicators comply with factory standards.
5. Cosmetic Refurbishment and Anti-Corrosion Treatment: The entire machine is sandblasted to remove rust, then repainted with anti-corrosion primer and topcoat; aged markings and warning labels are replaced to enhance the equipment’s visual condition and corrosion resistance.
Given the large size of all-terrain cranes and the susceptibility of their truss steel structures to rust, we optimised the bulk carrier transport plan by adopting a disassembled transport method and implementing specialised anti-corrosion measures. This minimised transport costs and the risk of rusting at sea, ensuring the equipment arrived in perfect condition at the Port of Constanța in Romania.
Following standardised remanufacturing, the equipment’s overall performance was restored to over 90 per cent of its original condition, with a significant improvement in operational efficiency. It successfully passed the client’s acceptance inspection and was put into service on the project. The client acquired reliable construction equipment at a cost significantly lower than that of a new machine, whilst we have set a benchmark for integrated ‘remanufacturing plus logistics’ services in the export of second-hand construction machinery.