Spare parts planning
How to plan for spare parts inventory in grinder maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth café operations.

- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 11 of 12 in Grinder Calibration & Maintenance/

Why Spare Parts Matter
- Grinders are critical workflow tools—failure can halt service.
- Common wear parts (burrs, gaskets, declumpers) degrade over time.
- Planned spare parts management reduces emergencies and lost revenue.
Common Spare Parts to Stock
- Burr Sets: Flat or conical, depending on grinder model. Replace after manufacturer’s rated lifespan (often 500–1500 kg).
- Declumpers / Flappers: Rubber or silicone parts prone to wear and oil buildup.
- Hopper Lids & Gates: Breakable plastics.
- Gaskets & Seals: Maintain airtightness and prevent leaks.
- Motors & Bearings (Advanced): For heavy-use commercial settings—often requires technician.
- Electronic Boards / Displays: Less common but critical for modern grinders with digital controls.
Planning Strategy
- Usage-Based Forecasting: Estimate part lifespan based on kg of coffee ground weekly.
- Critical vs Non-Critical Parts: Prioritize burrs, declumpers, and gaskets as high-turnover.
- Service Intervals: Align spare parts with scheduled maintenance (e.g., quarterly burr checks).
Storage & Organization
- Label parts clearly with grinder model compatibility.
- Keep in a clean, dry, organized bin near service area.
- Log replacements with date and reason to predict future needs.
Example Café Plan
- Grinder output: 100 kg/month.
- Burr lifespan: 800 kg → replacement every ~8 months.
- Stock: 2 burr sets, 3 declumpers, 5 gaskets per year.
Summary
Spare parts planning ensures cafés stay operational even during grinder failures. By forecasting usage, stocking high-turnover parts, and maintaining organized logs, baristas and managers can minimize downtime and protect consistency in daily service.
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- Oil Buildup