General
What industries does Prater serve?
We provide solutions for food, agriculture/ feed, chemicals/ petrochemicals, minerals,, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and several other industries.
What products and solutions do you offer?
Prater specializes in particle size reduction equipment, material handling systems, rotary sifters, air classifiers, and other custom-engineered solutions. We also offer a full line of rotary airlock feeders.
What is the typical lead time for equipment delivery?
Lead times vary based on the complexity of the project and product availability. Contact us for current lead times.
Can Prater customize equipment for my specific needs?
Yes, we often custom-engineer our products to solve a specific customer challenge.
Technical
How do I determine which size reduction equipment is right for my application?
It’s best to share your material characteristics, specific particle size requirements, process challenges and goals with one of our experienced team members.
What maintenance is required for Prater equipment?
All Prater equipment is designed with maintenance in mind. Each one will have unique maintenance needs, which can be specific to your application. We provide a routine maintenance guideline for each product. In addition, we support our customers with genuine OE parts, factory rebuilds, and comprehensive in-plant maintenance services.
How can I troubleshoot my Prater equipment?
Our support team can assist with troubleshooting. For basic troubleshooting steps, refer to your equipment manual or contact us for further assistance.
Testing
Can I test out your equipment with my product?
Yes, every one of our solutions is available to test on a production-sized unit in our test center.
How do I go about scheduling a test?
Once you have consulted with a sales engineer and defined an appropriate solution, the sales engineer will provide you with a form to complete. We request this form be completed and returned with a copy of your product SDS. Our lab must review and approve these forms before the material can be sent. Once approved, the customer is provided a control number for shipping the material to Prater. At that time, a PO is requested and the scheduling process will begin.
Is there a cost for the trial?
Prater offers two types of trials: feasibility and full-scale testing. A complimentary feasibility test only serves as a pass/ fail using a limited amount of product. They are fitted in as our schedule permits. A full-scale trial typically assesses a fee,; in some cases, that fee can be credited toward purchasing equipment. A full-scale trial would be scheduled.
How much material do you need for a test?
The amount of materials is determined by the complexity of the test, the number of objectives and the type of product tested. For a short feasibility test, a few buckets of material are typically requested, whereas a full-scale trial will often require, at minimum, several hundred lbs.
What is the lead time for scheduling a trial?
Lead time will vary based on demand but is typically scheduled 3-5 weeks after form approval and receipt of PO (if applicable).
How long is the test?
Most tests are completed in one to two days. More complex tests can take 3 to 4 days.
Can I be present for the trial?
Yes, we encourage our customers to witness the trial. Being present helps us better understand how our equipment can fit the customer’s application.
What should I bring with me to the trial?
We ask that customers come with PPE, including safety glasses and hearing protection. If this is not available, we can provide it for them.
What can I expect on the day of the trial?
On the day of the trial, our customers will be hosted by their sales manager, the lab manager or another delegate. The day typically starts with our customer and the tech reviewing the test goals, then a series of test runs will be completed to optimize the results. After each test run, the product will be measured against those goals.
Do you offer a conference area for customer access during the trial?
Yes! There is a lounge/ conference area adjacent to the test lab with refreshments and wi-fi access for our guests. Many of our customers will bring a lap-top for taking notes and staying in touch.
Support & Service
Do you offer installation and commissioning services?
Yes, we provide commissioning and training to ensure your equipment runs optimally. We can also partner with third-party services to install it.
How can I order replacement parts for my Prater equipment?
You can order parts directly through our website or contact our customer support team for assistance.
What is the warranty on Prater’s products?
Our products come with a standard warranty. Contact us for specific warranty details based on the product.
Do you provide ongoing technical support after installation?
Yes, we offer continued technical support and service after installation to ensure your equipment’s long-term performance.
Safety and Compliance
Are Prater products compliant with industry safety standards?
Our products are designed and manufactured to meet relevant industry safety and regulatory standards.
What safety features are included in Prater equipment?
Our equipment includes safety guards, door limit switches, interlocks, and overload protection to complement and enhance your in-plant safety procedures.
Purchasing and Pricing
How can I request a quote for Prater equipment?
You can request a quote directly through our website or contact our sales team for more information.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, wire transfers, and purchase orders. Please contact us for details.