Owners and operators of heavy machinery need a dependable equipment parts supplier. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance or making emergency repairs, access to dependable heavy equipment parts is the key to keeping your machinery in good shape. Moreover, a reliable heavy equipment parts supplier helps you get the needed parts with as little stress and wasted time as possible.

When looking for the right place to buy equipment parts, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether you should purchase aftermarket or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. It’s important to understand the difference between aftermarket and OEM parts. Both options have unique advantages that are important to consider when purchasing replacement parts.

What’s the difference between the two? How do you find the products that are right for you? Learn all that and more with our guide to aftermarket and OEM heavy equipment parts.

Aftermarket vs. OEM Parts

The most significant difference between aftermarket and OEM parts is the branding. OEM parts come from the manufacturer who made the original part. Think of OEM parts as the name brand models manufactured by original suppliers like John Deere, Caterpillar, and so on. On the other hand, aftermarket parts don’t have the reputation of a name-brand manufacturer.

OEM parts come from the in-house development team that made the original equipment. As a result, OEM parts feature the original product designs that are guaranteed to work with your equipment. They also deliver name-brand performance and dependability. However, OEM parts also come at a name-brand price.

Aftermarket parts can come from both name-brand developers and third-party manufacturers. However, aftermarket parts don’t have the same recognizable branding as their OEM equivalents.

The Aftermarket Advantage

There are many advantages to choosing aftermarket parts over OEM parts. Despite lacking a recognizable original manufacturer brand, aftermarket parts can deliver the same performance as their OEM equivalents. Aftermarket parts from a reliable supplier still meet the manufacturer's standards of performance and functionality.

Price is another significant advantage of aftermarket parts. When you buy OEM heavy equipment parts, part of what you’re paying for is brand recognition. With aftermarket parts, there is no brand recognition, and the price is lower as a result.

Finally, aftermarket parts are more readily available than most OEM products. This is because several manufacturers make the same aftermarket parts, while only one company can make the OEM parts. Aftermarket parts come from a broader and more accessible inventory, making it easier to find the parts you need for your machine quickly.

OEM Parts Are Easier To Navigate, Harder To Find

OEM parts will always come in a smaller selection than aftermarket parts. There are both pros and cons to this. One advantage of a smaller inventory is that OEM parts are easier to navigate. Plus, because all the parts come from the original manufacturer, it’s easier to figure out what will and won’t work for your exact machine.

The drawback to this is that OEM parts are less readily available than their aftermarket counterparts. Limited stock and availability can make it challenging to find the parts you need when you need them. Additionally, a smaller inventory and only one manufacturer can lead to much longer processing and shipping times than you would experience if you purchased aftermarket parts.

Equipment Age Is Important

When considering aftermarket vs. OEM heavy equipment parts, it’s important to note that your machine’s age plays a crucial role in finding the best products. OEM parts are more readily available for newer machines and equipment models.

However, original equipment manufacturers have no obligation to keep making parts for their older machines. Manufacturers can discontinue older OEM parts at any time, which means your only choice will be an aftermarket supplier. Suppose you’re working with older machines but don’t feel the need to upgrade your equipment entirely. In that case, aftermarket suppliers will continue to sell the specific parts you need to maintain your equipment.

Get the Same Quality From Aftermarket Parts

Of course, performance and function are the most important qualities to consider when purchasing heavy equipment parts. Aftermarket parts deliver the same quality you rely on from OEM products. As with all things, finding the right aftermarket parts comes down to finding the right supplier.

A dependable aftermarket manufacturer sells their parts at the same quality—or sometimes an even better quality—than the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts face greater competition than OEM parts, meaning development teams strive to meet or exceed manufacturer performance standards. Furthermore, aftermarket manufacturers have the benefit of research and hindsight. By looking back at how the original OEM design performs, developers can make changes and refine the original design to improve performance.

Aftermarket Empowers Easy Maintenance

When your job relies on heavy equipment, you need a comprehensive maintenance routine to keep that equipment running as smoothly as possible. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance tasks help you identify worn equipment parts before they become a major issue. You can minimize machine downtime and avoid paying for serious, costly repairs by staying on top of problems before they get out of hand.

When it comes to preventative maintenance, timing is essential. Because aftermarket parts are more affordable and readily available, they’re easier to get a hold of when you need repairs or replacements. With wide availability, faster shipping times, and cost-effective options, you can quickly find the exact part you need and get your machine up and running again.

Finding High-Performance Aftermarket Parts

Heavy equipment aftermarket parts are a readily available, cost-effective, and dependable option when you need to make repairs or replacements on your machines. When you need high-performance aftermarket parts, turn to the friendly experts at Tractor Zone. Our team works closely with customers to help them find the precise parts they need for their equipment.

With excellent service, great prices, and an extensive inventory of manufacturer-standard parts, Tractor Zone delivers aftermarket products that you can trust. Visit us today to explore our inventory or contact a team member to find the heavy equipment aftermarket part you need for your machinery.