Every piece of equipment will need parts eventually. The type you buy and where you get them can significantly impact how well they work and how much you save. Aftermarket parts can deliver outstanding value for the money, and if you know what to look for, you’ll always benefit from the buy.

What Are Aftermarket Parts?

Aftermarket parts exist for virtually every piece of heavy equipment, including machinery specific to the construction, mining and agricultural sectors. They are an alternative to factory (OEM, or original equipment manufacturer) parts.

These parts come out after the equipment hits the market. Producers follow the same designs as the factory part and will often take this opportunity to make improvements. Typical enhancements include using different metal compositions, making design changes or altering the processes used to produce them.

The Advantages of Using Aftermarket Parts

Whether you have a late-model machine or one that has a lot of operating hours, aftermarket parts can provide you with significant advantages. These products give everyone, including fleet managers, small businesses and independent owners, a cost-effective way to stay current on equipment maintenance and repairs.

Regardless of the type of your equipment or extent of the service you want to perform, you can use aftermarket parts to get the benefit of advantages like:

Affordable equipment care: Compared to factory parts, aftermarket heavy equipment parts are more affordable. Using them helps reduce your overhead costs, making it easier for you to submit more competitive estimates and improve project profitability.

More options: OEM parts are made by the brand or the producer contracted by the equipment manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are produced by many more manufacturers, giving you access to more options than your OEM options will provide.

Simplified fleet upkeep: With parts that are less expensive and easier to get, you can establish regular preventive maintenance routines to keep your fleet in excellent condition. You can also perform repairs when needed to minimize downtime.