FAQ Crematory/Incinerator Maintenance
1.
How many years does the average retort last before a new one has to be purchased
Answer: In our experience the average life of our systems exceeds 20 years. We, as a company, return to our existing installations periodically and offer up grades that may not have been available when the original equipment was purchased, thereby adding years of use to the equipment. We have a staff of technical support personnel who can on site repair or rebuild your system and keep the unit at optimum operation.
 
2.
 With new technology coming out how adaptable is the retort to the new technology and can it be updated?
Answer: We are constantly working on new ideas to bring to the cremation industry, in fact, we have brought out more new innovations to this industry than all of the other manufacturers combined. While working on our research and development we keep in mind the existing equipment and where ever possible keep the new items within the parameters and size of the older units so up grade costs will be minimized.
 
3.
 What is the most common maintenance required and how often is it recommended?
Answer: The most common maintenance is the yearly tune up and calibration and should be performed once per year or every 500 cremations, which ever comes first.
 
4.
 After how many cases do we have to perform schedule or preventative maintenance?
Answer: Our recommended maintenance is every 500 cremations or annually. Cremation systems vibrate slightly due to the air blowers and this vibration can cause changes in the fuel and air input systems. This is why we recommend a system service and re-calibration.
   
5.
 What is the average cost per year and per cremation to maintain the retort?
  Answer: The average cost to maintain the system is $1,000.00 per year. However, we recommend that you open a maintenance fund and you place $10.00 per cremation in the fund. When it is time to replace the hearth you will have between $15,000.00 and $20,000.00 for a project that costs about $6,000.00.
   
6.

 What is the average number of days per year that the retort will be out of operation due to maintenance or repairs?
  Answer: On an average basis no more than 5 days per year should be missed due to maintenance or repairs.
   
7.
 Is there someone local to keep up the maintenance and to call for repairs?
  Answer: We have 6 service technicians and 5 refractory installers to handle all your repair needs. We operate a 24-hour maintenance hot line and can remedy most problems over the telephone. Should a service call be required we would send the closest available tech to your location.