When repairing hydraulic pumps and motors, you have two choices for parts: OEM or aftermarket. But which is best? In this complete guide, the experts at CJ Plant break down the OEM vs aftermarket parts debate and help you weigh up which is better for your repair job.
Keep reading to find out, or to speak directly to a member of our team, just call 01527 870 793.
OEM Parts Overview
Let’s start with OEM parts, including what they are and the benefits of using them for your hydraulic pump and motor repair.
What Does ‘OEM Parts’ Mean?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are sourced directly from the manufacturer that made your equipment in the first place. They are the same parts that were used to build your equipment when it was new, usually produced in the same facility with the same processes. OEM parts are direct replacements for existing components.
What are the Benefits of Using OEM Parts in Hydraulic Repairs?
Using OEM parts in your hydraulic repairs has a number of benefits:
- Guaranteed compatibility – because OEM parts are sourced directly from the original manufacturer, they are guaranteed to fit your equipment
- Reliability and durability – OEM components are typically made to a higher standard, ensuring improved durability and making your equipment more reliable
- Maintaining manufacturer standards – using OEM parts upholds manufacturer standards, which is important for warranties and product guarantees
- Better long-term value – greater reliability means fewer replacements, saving you money over time
Aftermarket Parts Overview
The alternative to OEM parts is aftermarket parts. Let’s look at what they are, the perks of using them and any risks associated with shopping on the aftermarket.
What Does ‘Aftermarket Parts’ Mean?
Aftermarket parts are sourced from manufacturers which mimic the designs of OEM parts, and produce and sell their own alternatives. This means you’re buying parts that are copies of the originals from a different manufacturer, rather than directly from the OEM.
Advantages to Aftermarket Parts
When it comes to OEM vs aftermarket parts, there are a few advantages, including:
Lower upfront costs – aftermarket parts are often sold at a lower price point than OEM parts, saving you money in the short term
Wider availability – aftermarket parts are sometimes available faster and can help speed up repairs and reduce downtime
Greater choice of suppliers – there is a greater number of suppliers on the aftermarket, allowing you to shop around for the right deal
Suitable for older equipment – sometimes sourcing OEM parts for older equipment can be difficult or costly, and aftermarket parts might be the only solution
Potential for improved performance – some aftermarket manufacturers develop their parts to actively improve performance compared to the OEM alternatives, although typically for a higher cost
Are There Risks to Using Aftermarket Parts in Hydraulic Repairs?
There are a few risks when it comes to using aftermarket parts, and it’s worth weighing them up before making a purchase:
- Compatibility issues – because aftermarket parts are copies of OEM parts, and not the originals, they may not fit as well, or at all
- Reduced reliability – some aftermarket parts are made to a budget using cheaper materials or a compromised design, and can wear out faster making your equipment less reliable
- Potential damage to other components – if your aftermarket parts fail or don’t fit as intended, they can damage other components
- Warranty concerns – manufacturers may insist that you use OEM parts to maintain a warranty, and aftermarket parts could void it
- Shorter service life – less reliable parts can lead to shorter service lives and the need for more frequent maintenance
Types of Parts Needed in Hydraulic Pump and Motor Repairs
Hydraulic pumps and motors can fail for a wide range of reasons, but some of the parts that we replace most often include:
- Seals – seals, including O-rings and gaskets, help retain hydraulic fluid and maintain pressure, and are commonly replaced during a repair
- Bearings – these allow rotating parts to move freely, and when they fail can cause noise, vibration and poor efficiency
- Shafts – shafts transfer movement between different components, and can wear, bend or score
- Gears – gears often experience worn or damaged teeth, which leads to slipping and other issues
- Pistons and piston shoes – damaged or worn pistons will reduce the efficiency of your pump or motor
- Valve plates – these are responsible for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid, and can allow fluid leaks if they wear out
OEM vs Aftermarket: Key Differences in Hydraulic Repairs
There are several key areas of difference when it comes to using OEM or aftermarket parts for your hydraulic repairs. Let’s go through them and evaluate each one.
Cost
Cost is a big factor for most people when it comes to OEM vs aftermarket parts. Typically, aftermarket parts are available more cheaply than OEM parts. However, this is usually because they are made using an inferior design or materials, which can mean they wear out or fail sooner.
So, aftermarket parts can save you a little money up front but can require more frequent replacements. OEM parts are likely to cost more in the short term but last longer and won’t need to be replaced as often. It’s also worth noting that fewer replacements also means less downtime, meaning OEM parts are often more cost effective overall.
Quality
OEM parts will be made to the same quality as the parts found in your hydraulic equipment when you bought it. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are often made to a lower standard to reduce the cost.
Higher quality OEM parts will mean improved reliability and better operational efficiency in return for a higher up front cost.
Availability
When it comes to availability, aftermarket parts are usually ahead. It’s often easier and faster to source aftermarket parts than OEM parts. However, as mentioned, OEM parts are typically better quality, which can mean improved reliability and greater long term cost effectiveness. So, it may be worth waiting for OEM parts rather than opting for whatever is more readily available.
Compatibility
Using OEM parts is the only way to guarantee compatibility. Aftermarket parts are simply copies of the originals, and are not always compatible with your equipment. This means they can either not fit at all or will wear out faster, leading to increased breakdowns and more frequent repairs.
Considerations When Choosing a Hydraulic Repair Company
As well as deciding whether to use OEM or aftermarket parts in your hydraulic repair, you need to select a company you trust to provide a high-quality service. There are a number of considerations that can help you narrow down your options:
- Experience – look at how long a repair company has been operating and how much experience they have
- Range of services – make sure the provider offers the kind of repairs you need
- Quality of parts – check whether the repairer uses high quality or OEM parts
- Testing and quality control – ask what procedures they have in place for equipment testing and quality control
- Turnaround time – downtime is costly, so make sure the provider will get your equipment repaired in good time
- Reputation – customer reviews and reputation are an indicator of service quality, so check these for any red flags
For more guidance, read our blog on choosing the right hydraulic repair company.
Hydraulic Pump and Motor Repairs With CJ Plant
At CJ Plant, we’ve been conducting hydraulic pump and motor repairs for customers across the UK for over 20 years. We always use OEM or OEM-grade replacement parts sourced from trusted manufacturers, and provide a 12-month warranty on all our repairs.
Our expert engineers have a wealth of experience and test each piece of equipment before returning it using our in-house test rig, ensuring a quality repair. We provide free stripping and inspection, so we can quickly diagnose faults and provide an accurate quote.
To book your hydraulic pump or motor repair, just call us now on 01527 870 793, email us at tracey.jones@cjplant.com or fill out our contact form.