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Do you need to repair your heavy equipment? Maybe you are stocking up on replacement parts for your next maintenance interval. Either way, you need to be sure you are getting a high-quality part that will fit your budget and your equipment.
Understanding the differences between aftermarket vs. OEM parts for heavy equipment can help you make the best decision.
Original equipment replacement parts come from the same manufacturer who produced your equipment. They use a standard process for producing these parts, so you can count on high quality.
Most of the time, you will need to order OEM parts directly from the manufacturer or through your dealership. Some heavy equipment parts suppliers also sell OEM parts, so it is a good idea to scope out what is available near you before making a decision.
Heavy equipment aftermarket parts can come from virtually any company that is not the OEM, including established brands and smaller third-party manufacturers. You can order aftermarket parts from various sources, including online marketplaces and heavy equipment parts suppliers.
Having different potential suppliers can be an advantage and a disadvantage depending on how long you are willing to spend comparing your options. Working with a reliable heavy equipment supplier can take some of this burden off your shoulders so you can find the piece you need without having to worry about ending up with a dud.
The most obvious difference between OEM and aftermarket parts is where they come from – OEM parts come directly from the equipment manufacturer, while aftermarket parts can come from any other company. Aside from the equipment source, though, there are several key differences you should be aware of.
Aftermarket parts tend to cost less than OEM components for several reasons:
It is important to note that price does not always equal quality. Sometimes, inexpensive aftermarket parts can be even higher quality than the original component!
OEM parts are more reliable in terms of their quality than aftermarket parts simply because they come from the same company that produced your machine. If you like how your equipment runs generally, you can expect the same level of performance from a replacement part.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are a mixed bag. Quality varies widely between manufacturers because there is no standardization or centralized oversight, so you could end up with a part that outperforms the original or fails within a few uses. Conducting thorough research into all your options can ensure you are getting a good deal.
Because OEM parts are limited to only the original manufacturers, they often come with longer lead times. You may need to wait several months before receiving a part from your manufacturer. However, a supplier who keeps OEM parts in stock can usually help you get what you need much quicker.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are more readily available. Not only do you have more places to source your parts from, they often take less time to produce. Lead times are shorter and it often costs less to ship them because you do not need to use expedited shipping.
When it comes to OEM parts, you are limited to what the manufacturer produces – an exact copy of the original component. While this consistency is excellent for sustained performance, some machine owners need their equipment to do more than what is possible using OEM parts.
Because there are so many third-party manufacturers in the market, you have a plethora of options with aftermarket parts. You can use this selection to your advantage if you want to make modifications to your equipment, or you can stick to what you know and look for a part that most closely resembles the OEM version.
If you are stuck deciding between an OEM component and an aftermarket replica, running through these considerations can help you make the right choice:
Whether you go with an OEM or aftermarket part, it is best to purchase it during the off-season. Less demand for parts means you can get shorter lead times and lower costs than at any other time of the year.
Whether you need to repair a street sweeper, excavator or hydraulic hammer, the team at Stewart-Amos is here for you. We have been in the heavy equipment space since 1938, so you can count on our expertise to help you understand your needs and identify the right parts for your machinery.
Browse our website to shop our wide selection of aftermarket and original equipment replacement parts. Questions? Feel free to contact us for more information about any of our products and services. A sales representative will be with you shortly.