Are you looking for aftermarket excavator parts or other construction parts? Before you decide, this quick guide will cover everything you need to know to make a confident purchasing decision when ordering parts for your construction equipment or heavy equipment fleet.
Aftermarket parts can deliver outstanding value for the money compared to OEM replacements, but it’s best to understand all the key pros and cons.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Parts that enter the market after the release of a manufactured machine—referred to as aftermarket parts—are often a lower-cost alternative to OEM or original equipment manufacturer parts. But not always. Added features or material upgrades can sometimes increase the total cost compared to an OEM replacement.
Aftermarket manufacturers follow the same designs as the factory part and often make enhancements or design changes, use different metal compositions, or alter manufacturing processes. You can find a ton of aftermarket part options for heavy machinery used in construction, mining, and agriculture.
The Advantages of Using Aftermarket Parts for Heavy Equipment
Aside from a lower cost in many cases, here are a few additional benefits aftermarket parts offer in the heavy equipment space:
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to factory parts, aftermarket heavy equipment parts can help large fleets save money and stay on budget for certain projects; cost savings can be due to availability, fewer features, or less costly materials.
- Wider availability and selection: Since aftermarket parts are produced by more manufacturers, they are often widely available. Readily available aftermarket replacement parts can sometimes reduce downtime associated with sourcing new or used OEM parts. Aftermarket parts can also help extend the useful life of equipment if certain models have been discontinued.
- Innovation: In some cases, aftermarket parts manufacturers may produce parts designed to expand the original capabilities of older machines in your fleet and make them more useful. For example, an excavator may need to be retrofitted with aftermarket components like a hydraulic thumb that was not originally available from the OEM.
Potential Disadvantages of Aftermarket Parts for Heavy Equipment
Aftermarket parts can be a great solution in many cases, but there can be drawbacks worth knowing. Since there are many aftermarket parts vendors, overall reliability depends on variables like the specific part, the manufacturer’s standards, and the quality of installation.
Here are a few potential disadvantages of aftermarket parts compared to factory parts:
- Resale and Trade-in Value: Let’s say a construction company outfits an aging fleet with aftermarket bucket attachments. If offered for sale on the open market, some aftermarket parts may impact the overall desirability and resale value compared to identical machines with genuine OEM parts.
- Limited Warranty Coverage: Since some aftermarket vendors offer a limited warranty, if the part fails and damages other components like an undercarriage, you could be responsible for repairs and replacements instead of the manufacturer.
- Potential Compatibility Issues: The lack of standardization in aftermarket manufacturing can sometimes deviate slightly from the original OEM design. Since aftermarket parts can also sometimes be compatible with several heavy equipment models, modifications like mounting brackets or other components may be needed.
How to Find the Right Aftermarket Parts
Whether you’re looking for undercarriage parts, tracks, engine parts, accessories, repair parts or another item to keep your equipment running, you’ll have to narrow it down. Aftermarket parts are available for more makes, models and years than OEM alternatives, and quality varies by manufacturer. You will want to make sure you get a match for your equipment’s exact part number and one that performs up to the standards you need.
Check your owner’s manual to verify the part number you want to replace, and verify that against the aftermarket part to make sure it’s a suitable option. If you want extra confidence in making your purchase, you can reach out to your parts supplier for assistance. You can also trust the selection, installation, testing and calibration of any new aftermarket parts to trained technicians.
Tips to Get the Most From Aftermarket Parts
Now that you’re ready to make a purchase decision, here are a few tips to maximize the life of your replacement parts:
- Routine inspection and maintenance: Create and stick to a preventive maintenance program designed around your equipment and operating schedule. This may include inspecting track shoes, rollers, idlers, or other parts you’ve replaced.
- Choose quality suppliers: Reputable aftermarket suppliers should have a track record of delivering high-quality parts that meet OEM specifications and often come recommended by professional installers. Avoid sourcing parts from unreputable sources.
- Let the experts take over: Partner with local heavy equipment professionals for the installation of aftermarket parts. Proper installation and adjustment are key for optimal performance, especially for heavy equipment.
Signs Your Heavy Equipment Needs Parts or Service
With aftermarket parts, you can extend your operating budget to take a more proactive approach to your equipment care. If you spot any of the signs your equipment needs service, you can move fast to avoid repairs and prevent additional damage to any corresponding parts and components.
Look for:
- Leaks: Oil and other fluids pooling under or dripping from your equipment are signs of trouble.
- Low fluids: Faster-than-normal depletion of hydraulic oil or other fluids is a potential sign of leaks.
- Poor performance: Engine stalls and low horsepower can both indicate a need for service or repair.
- Visible damage: Visibly damaged, worn or missing components are sure signs you need replacements.
- Odd noises: Listen for unusual sounds during operation, such as grinding, screeching, and excessive noise.
Buy Your Heavy Equipment Aftermarket Parts at Prime Source
Contact Prime Source online for new, used, and aftermarket replacement parts for over 140 heavy equipment brands. Based in Statesville, NC, we’ll help you complete your project on time and confidently with the personalized touch that sets us apart from the rest.
You can also call us at 704-597-0030 to speak to an expert and order the parts you need. We provide parts in addition to undercarriage, hose repair, and small engine service for heavy equipment.