Why You Should Always Use OEM Components for Your Equipment
No matter how well you maintain your fleet, every piece of heavy equipment will eventually need replacement parts. Whether you are handling routine maintenance, unexpected repairs, or performance upgrades, choosing the right construction equipment components is critical. Let’s break down your options and explore the advantages of each type, so you can make an informed decision for your machines.
The main categories of construction equipment parts
There are three primary choices available for your heavy equipment: OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured.
- OEM components
- OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. These are brand new parts sold by the same company that built your machine. They are identical to the ones originally installed at the factory and are engineered specifically for your equipment model.
- Aftermarket parts
- Aftermarket components are made by third parties rather than the original equipment manufacturer. They are designed to mimic OEM parts in fit and function, and they are often marketed as a more budget friendly alternative.
- Remanufactured parts
- Remanufactured options start as used OEM components that have reached the end of their service life. Through a detailed restoration process, they are disassembled, cleaned, inspected, updated, and rebuilt with new internal components to meet strict OEM performance standards. Reman parts deliver like-new reliability at a reduced cost. Common examples include oil pumps, torque converters, power shuttles, A/C compressors, injection pumps, alternators, engines, transmissions, and similar complex parts.
Which type is right for your business?
In most situations, OEM components are considered the best and most reliable choice when it comes to construction equipment parts. Here’s why:
- Quality
- OEM parts are engineered specifically for your equipment by the original manufacturer. You can be sure of an exact fit and excellent performance and will likely receive better service support if there is a problem than you would with aftermarket options.
- Warranty coverage
- OEM components will also usually be protected by the manufacturer’s warranty and using them will not impact or invalidate your equipment warranty. Installing aftermarket parts, on the other hand, may compromise it.
- Better availability
- Manufacturers will typically have an extensive dealer network and large inventories, so you can locate and purchase what you require fast to put your machine back on the jobsite as soon as possible.
The risk of aftermarket parts
While aftermarket components may carry a lower price tag, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Because they are reverse-engineered, compatibility may be an issue, and they may not always provide a precise fit. In some cases, modifications or adjustments are required, which can increase total costs and affective overall performance.
Lower pricing often reflects differences in materials, testing standards, or quality control. Aftermarket parts are not generally held to the same standards as OEM options. The question is, if you’re thinking about buying aftermarket, do you want to risk costly downtime caused by an inferior component for a slight cost savings in the short term?
What about reman parts?
Remanufactured parts are a great alternative to OEM components. They are significantly less expensive than purchasing new, but, unlike aftermarket choices, they are manufactured to the same factory specifications and often covered by warranties that are the same as or better than new OEM parts.
When it comes to buying construction equipment parts, we suggest you go with OEM components or remanufactured options. If you have any questions about which parts to choose, contact our team today!