We get it — when you're choosing a repair partner for critical rotating equipment, you have options. OEM service centers. Other independent repair shops. Local machine shops. Here's how we line up on the things that matter most.
Warranty
KMS: 24-month written warranty on every rebuild. The longest in the industry.
Most OEM service centers: 6-12 months on rebuilt equipment, often with limitations on what's covered.
Other independent shops: Typically 6-12 months. Some offer "lifetime" warranties that are heavily caveated.
Turnaround Time
KMS: Standard 1-3 weeks. Emergency turnaround in days when the situation demands it — we've done 10-day centrifuge rebuilds with fast hydraulic pump repairs.
Most OEM service centers: 8-12 weeks is typical. OEM rush service usually means a premium, and "rush" is relative.
Other independent shops: Varies widely. Many can't match emergency turnaround because they don't have parts inventory or in-house machining capacity.
Pricing
KMS: Itemized written quote after inspection. No surprises at invoice.
Most OEM service centers: Premium pricing, especially on emergency or rush work. Limited price flexibility.
Other independent shops: Often the lowest sticker price, but watch for quote scope creep during the job.
Pickup & Delivery
KMS: Free pickup and delivery nationwide — all 50 states, Canada, Mexico. We coordinate freight.
Most OEM service centers: You ship to them.
Other independent shops: You ship to them. Local shops may pick up regionally.
Capabilities
KMS: In-house precision machining, dynamic balancing, tungsten-carbide hard-facing, written failure analysis, OEM-spec reassembly.
Most OEM service centers: Strong on their own brand. Limited or no work on competitive equipment.
Other independent shops: Varies. Many farm out the critical machining work to subcontractors.
Brand Coverage
KMS: Every major brand. Alfa Laval, Andritz, Falk, Sumitomo, Lufkin, Goulds, Sulzer, NOV, Gardner Denver, Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Roots, Tuthill, and many more.
OEM service centers: Their own brand only, in most cases.
Other independent shops: Varies — some specialize in specific brands or equipment types.
The Bottom Line
If you're choosing a repair partner based purely on lowest sticker price, you can probably beat us. If you're choosing on longest warranty, fastest emergency response, broadest brand coverage, and a 40-year track record of doing the work right the first time — Kelsey Machine should be on your shortlist.
Request a quote and let us prove it on your next repair.