Washer repairs can become costly, especially for aging commercial equipment. When key components like control boards or motors fail, new replacements can be hard to find or priced higher than the machine’s remaining value. This is when the question of using used washer parts becomes practical.
At RJ Kool, we evaluate each case based on part availability, performance, and long-term reliability. Using used washer parts can be a smart and cost-effective option if they’re properly tested, verified, and installed by professionals who understand commercial laundry systems.
Why Use Used Parts in Commercial Laundry Machines?
Used parts can be a smart fix when new ones are hard to find or cost too much. In the laundry world, technology changes fast. Parts that were made 10 or 15 years ago may no longer be manufactured. Circuit boards are a good example. The companies that made those boards may have moved on to newer designs, and the old versions are now obsolete.
Some manufacturers, like Alliance, do what’s called an end-of-life purchase. They try to stock up before a part becomes unavailable. But even that only stretches the supply for a few more years.
Key Takeaway: If a part is no longer made and can’t be found new, a tested used part may be your only option.
What Kind of Used Parts are Reused?
We often pull usable boards and motors from machines we remove. Once they’re tested and confirmed to work, we keep them in stock for future use. We never install a used part without checking it first.
If the choice is between having no part at all or using a tested, working used one, we believe the used part is a good solution, especially if the rest of the machine still runs well.
Need expert help with washer parts? Contact RJ Kool for a free consultation. We’ll help you figure out if repair or replacement is the better call.
How Reliable Are Used Washer Parts?
The answer depends on the part and the condition of the machine.
A used part may help you get a few more years out of your unit. But you also have to look at the whole machine. If your washer is 30 or 40 years old, we may not be able to find any replacement parts that match anymore, even used ones.
It’s also important to check for wear in other areas. If the bearings are shot and the shaft is grooved, you might also need a new basket and trunnion. By then, you’re well on your way to the cost of a full replacement.
Pro Tip: Ask for a side-by-side quote, one for repairing with used parts and one for a new machine. You may be surprised at how close the numbers are.
Are Used Washer Parts Reliable for Commercial Machines That Are 20+ Years Old?
Used parts are helpful, but there’s a limit. At some point, repairs stop making sense. Even if we have a board or motor on hand, if the rest of the machine is failing too, it may be time to look at replacement options.
In fact, we’ve seen machines that are still running after 40 years, but once a major component fails, they’re no longer cost-effective to fix.
How We Help You Make the Right Call
When something breaks, we give you two quotes:
- One for repair, using used or new parts if available
- One for a new machine, based on your current needs
Then, you can compare and decide. No pressure. Just the facts, with pricing that’s easy to understand.
Key Takeaway: We won’t push you toward new machines if repair makes more sense. But we also won’t recommend repair if it won’t last.
In Summary
Used washer parts can be reliable for commercial machines, especially when new parts are hard to find or too expensive. But it depends on the part, the age of your machine, and the cost to repair it. We’ll always test used parts before we install them and give you clear pricing for all your options.
Contact RJ Kool today for a free quote or to talk with a tech about your commercial washer repair needs.
