2021 - Volume #45, Issue #4, Page #10
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He Sells Repurposed Reefers
“I rebuild many and resell to trucking companies,” says Schrock. “Some refrigeration units are not worth repairing and putting back into service, so I part out the trailer and sell the engines. The diesel engines in these are amazing.”
A certified low temperature refrigeration technician, Schrock can evaluate the refrigeration unit for possible problems. Most reefer refrigeration units are either Carrier or Thermo King brands. “Carrier units have a reputation for electrical problems and are often not worth repairing,” says Schrock. “Thermo Kings probably won’t get scrapped out, but are resold to a trucking company or to Amish stores or others looking for an electricity-free refrigeration solution.”
When he scraps out a reefer, the engines find ready homes for a wide variety of uses. Some are set up to power air compressors, hydraulic pumps and more. The engines are as varied as their repurposed uses.
“They are as small as 17 hp. and as big as 38 and include brands like Kubota, Isuzu and Yanmar,” says Schrock. “Hours can vary as well. I’ve had Carrier systems with as little as 5,000 hrs. and as high as 30,000 hrs. I recently had a Thermo King unit with 61,000 hrs. that was still going strong.”
Schrock makes repairs to the engines and adds needed parts, including a radiator, fan, alternator and stub shaft. He also adds desired accessories such as auto start.
“Auto start works off a signal such as air pressure or temperature,” says Schrock. “It can monitor oil pressure, temperature and speed and start up or shut down automatically, depending on the application.”
Schrock also offers new after market as well as good used parts for engines and refrigeration units, courtesy of his parting out reefers. He also makes service calls with a mobile service truck.
“Most of my business is within 150 miles of my shop, but I have shipped motors, refrigeration units and parts from Tennessee to Michigan and west to Colorado,” says Schrock. “I have a customer base that comes to me for small, economical, used, diesel engines.”
He notes that a core engine can sell for $950 to $1,200 or up to $2,500 depending on accessories.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, J.S. Repairs, 635 SW Hwy. WW, Trenton, Mo. 64683 (ph 660 684-6604).
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