Most Indian machinery makers offer a warranty of around 12 months against defects in materials and workmanship. It often runs from commissioning, or from dispatch with a cap, such as 12 months from commissioning or a longer fixed period from shipment, whichever ends first. Terms vary widely, so read the warranty clause before you order.
The warranty usually covers repair or replacement of defective parts. It rarely covers your downtime, lost production or the cost of travel to your site, unless you negotiate it.
What is usually covered
- Parts that fail because of a manufacturing or material defect.
- Faults in the factory's own assembly or wiring.
- Replacement parts shipped to you, sometimes with freight paid by the buyer.
- Remote support by phone or video to diagnose problems.
What is usually excluded
- Wear parts such as belts, seals, blades, filters and bearings in normal use.
- Damage from wrong installation, poor foundations or an unstable power supply.
- Operation outside the agreed specification or without proper maintenance.
- Bought-out components such as motors, drives and controllers, which may carry their maker's own warranty instead.
- Damage in transit, which is a matter for cargo insurance.
Questions to settle before ordering
Agree when the warranty starts and ends, in writing. If installation is delayed, a warranty that runs from dispatch can expire before the machine is used. Ask who pays freight and duty on replacement parts, and how quickly parts will be sent.
Ask how site visits work. Many makers will send a technician abroad, but travel, visas and accommodation are usually charged to the buyer. Find out who will diagnose problems and how. Agree how disputes about the cause of a failure will be settled.
For bought-out components, ask for their original warranty documents and serial numbers. A drive or controller may be supported by its own maker's service network in your country, which can be faster.
Some makers will offer a longer warranty on key structural parts, such as a machine bed or a pump casing, or an extended warranty for an extra charge. Ask what is available. A maker that is confident in its product will usually discuss it.
Make the warranty work
A warranty clause is only as good as your leverage. A retention payment held until a period after commissioning gives the factory a reason to respond. Keep a stock of key spare parts so a small failure does not stop production while you wait.
Record problems with photos, videos and serial numbers, and report them in writing as soon as they appear. For claims across borders, see handling warranty claims across borders, and for holdbacks see retention and performance guarantees.
Next step
We help you agree warranty terms before you order and check the machine before it ships. Book a free sourcing review.