If you own a forklift, you understand the importance of replacing essential parts right away to keep your equipment on the job. Upgrading parts can also protect your investment by extending the machine’s life span.
Choosing whether to purchase original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket replacement parts is a crucial decision. While you have many factors to consider, OEM products offer a better solution in most cases.
What Are OEM Parts?
As the name implies, OEM parts typically come from the equipment’s manufacturer. They can also come from a third party that the manufacturer authorizes and contracts to produce them.
The benefits of purchasing OEM parts for your forklift include:
- High standards: OEM products meet the guidelines developed by the manufacturer, ensuring maximum quality, performance and longevity.
- Warranties: The manufacturer typically covers these products with a warranty and a quality guarantee, giving buyers extra protection and peace of mind.
- Fit: These parts offer an ideal fit because they are model-specific and sourced from the equipment’s manufacturer.
- Longevity: The quality and compatibility of OEM parts should mean you don’t need to replace them as frequently.
These factors can make OEM parts more expensive than similar aftermarket products, which is one potential downside. Another is that availability can be limited for some equipment, especially older models.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Unlike OEM components, aftermarket forklift parts don’t come from the machine’s manufacturer. Various third-party companies produce and sell them.
Are aftermarket parts reliable? While these products are generally less expensive than their OEM counterparts, their quality is often inconsistent because each manufacturer develops its own set of standards. Some aftermarket offerings perform well. Others may not meet expectations.
Price is often the driver of an aftermarket forklift parts purchase. Some owners are willing to trade unpredictable quality for a lower cost. The aftermarket selection may also be larger, although that’s not always a benefit — multiple choices can be overwhelming for some buyers.
Reasons to Choose OEM Parts for Your Material Handling Equipment
You depend on forklifts and industrial equipment every day to get the job done. While aftermarket parts offer lower upfront costs, OEM products can provide more long-term benefits in several areas:
- Better return on investment: Because OEM forklift parts typically last longer, you won’t need to replace them as frequently. Your costs could be lower in the long run.
- Reliable performance: If a poor-quality aftermarket part causes a forklift to break down, it could bring your entire operation to a standstill. OEM products can alleviate these concerns by helping reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
- Safety: When you consider the potential dangers associated with lifting and transporting heavy loads, you don’t want to take shortcuts by choosing substandard parts. OEM products help offer extra peace of mind.
- Operator satisfaction: Your equipment operators will appreciate that you’re providing the best forklift parts. Prioritizing quality demonstrates your commitment to reducing workplace hazards. Reliable parts can also help your team work faster and more efficiently.
Trust Springer Equipment for OEM Forklift Parts
At Springer Equipment, we have partnerships to provide you high-quality OEM forklift parts. Get access to our extensive inventory of more than 6 million genuine parts from over 100 manufacturers, including industry leaders like Hyster, Yale and Combilift.
Our parts selection includes:
- Brake components
- Radiators
- Pumps
- Transmissions
- Electric motors
- Engines
Our competitive pricing help makes OEM parts affordable for any budget. We can also provide expert assistance in choosing the right products for your material handling equipment. If you need help installing or replacing parts, our partners at LiftOne can handle the task and meet all your service needs.
Take the next step and submit our online parts request form today.
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