Filling Machine Spare Parts: Replace or Wait?
The question is, when do you replace spare parts, and when do you “Do(ugh)NOT” replace them just yet?
These doughnuts were spotted in a Paris patisserie during a visit to one of Mount’s clients, and they felt like a fitting way to introduce the topic. Knowing what needs replacing, and when, can make all the difference to performance, downtime, and cost.
At Mount Filling Systems, we’ve spent over 30 years designing and manufacturing bespoke filling machines for manufacturers around the world.
We know that machines that run the smoothest, last the longest, and create the least disruption are the ones that are properly looked after.
And a key part of that is knowing when to replace spare parts.
Figure 1: Completely worn Pump Barrel – replacement overdue!
Figure 2: Overworn leaking Cup Seals – Causing machine stoppage
When Should You Replace Spare Parts in a Filling Machine?
One of the most common questions we hear are:
Should we only replace parts when they fail?
The most efficient and reliable operators don’t wait for breakdowns. Instead, they regularly assess their machines and identify components that are no longer performing exactly as they should.
This keeps production running smoothly and avoids unnecessary disruption.
Why Lead Times for Spare Parts Matter
We make bespoke machines with lots of precision-engineered and specialist parts, often manufactured across multiple stages and suppliers. Because of this, some components can have long lead times.
The Risk of Reactive Maintenance
For operators that wait until a part fails before ordering a replacement can be risky!
Increased operational pressures and panic
Production staff continuing with low/no productivity
Missing production targets – requiring explanation to their customers!
At that point, your business is no longer in control—you are working to the speed of the supply chain and that is a risky position to be in.
A More Commercial Approach to Spare Parts
Identify critical spare parts, the components that would stop production if they failed, and ensure they are held in stock.
Just the right parts, available when needed, allowing for:
Faster response to wear and tear
Efficient planned maintenance
Reduced costly downtime
Maintain product quality
Greater control over production
Our Approach at Mount Filling Systems
If you need a component for any machine we’ve built, we can get them to you.
However, we can only move as fast as the supply chain allows.
The best results come when our manufacturing capability is combined with your forward planning.
Figure 3: Worn Out Capper Jaw – creating extra on the line
Not sure which spare parts you should be holding?
- Speak to Mount Filling Systems today about building a tailored critical spares list for your machine.
- Arrange a machine health audit: Preventative Planned Maintenance.
Let us review your machine, carry out on the spot adjustments and work out a plan for critical spare parts for your stores that help keep your machines running. This could be thousands of times cheaper than dealing with a breakdown and having to wait weeks for parts to arrive. - Call us about any machine issues: sometimes we can help provide advice to fix your machine over the phone and that is completely free!
- When you need spare parts: try our neat online form to help provide the information we need to help you quickly. It can be used on a smart phone (for Non Atex zones) or you can simply fill in the form on the web. It also has our direct number to speak to us too.
Enquiry form for Spare Parts, Service, Technical help and New Machines
For general enquiries, email us. For spare parts, use the form. For urgent help, call us.
Mount, out, and about.
One of the best parts of my role as Managing Director is visiting our clients. So let me share a picture of me visiting Manor Coatings who are based close to Mount.
Their filling machine is probably one of oldest in the Mount fleet of filling machines, and it is still running. Coated with years of paint spilling over from the paint pump into the machine (not made by Mount) still working.
It’s been lovingly cared for over the years and is serving the company and operators well.
The paint it’s been packaging has changed over the years, the pails have changed and some of the staff have changed too, but the Mount filling machine keeps serving.
Thanks for reading