How OEM Parts Boost Performance and Extend Equipment Life

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How OEM Parts Boost Performance and Extend Equipment Life

November 22, 2024

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Heavy equipment is often subjected to extreme wear and tear conditions, making the selection of replacement parts critical for failure prevention and lifecycle management. While SMS Equipment offers both OEM and non-OEM parts to meet diverse customer needs, this issue of Experts Corner focuses on the differences between them. With expert guidance from SMS Equipment's Manager of Product Support Sales, Dave Rowse, we will explore why OEM parts are often preferred for their reliability and performance.

What are the advantages of using OEM Parts for Komatsu equipment?

The main difference with Komatsu parts is that they are engineered to work as integral components within the entire machine system, directly influencing machine performance and longevity. This system-based design is especially critical for major components, as each one is tailored to optimize the function and lifespan of the machine.

Komatsu's quality standards go beyond just meeting specifications for individual parts; they encompass rigorous manufacturing practices and controls across every Komatsu facility.

Although other companies may produce parts that look similar to Komatsu's, they lack insight into Komatsu's specific engineering and manufacturing processes. As a result, issues in quality or performance can emerge over time, especially as these parts are subjected to heavy construction applications.

What can go wrong if major components are not OEM?

The main problem is that there's a risk of shortening the life of the equipment. It's not just about the life of the components themselves, but the fact that they may not perform to the specifications that the equipment was designed for, and that can affect other components.

We've encountered several real-world examples highlighting the value of using high-quality OEM components. In one instance, a customer opted for an aftermarket pump due to its lower price. After about a year, the pump failed and caused contamination in the hydraulic system. Our team was brought in to clean the system and install an OEM remanufactured pump. While the initial choice seemed like a good deal, the repair costs and downtime were far more expensive than investing in the right part from the start.

Similarly, lower-cost, aftermarket final drives have been installed on Komatsu equipment to reduce maintenance costs. However, after fewer hours than expected, the final drive began to fail, showing signs like oil leakage and unusual noise, ultimately causing a breakdown. This led to costly downtime and repairs, as the OEM warranty didn’t apply to parts sourced outside our trusted network, emphasizing the importance of using reliable components to avoid unexpected expenses and downtime.

A critical lesson we've learned is that using non-OEM major components, like transmissions, engines, pumps, or final drives, can lead to more significant issues. If such a component fails, it can affect the entire machine, and without warranty coverage, the costs can add up quickly. These examples serve as a reminder that while it might be tempting to cut costs with non-OEM parts, investing in trusted, quality components ultimately helps safeguard equipment and reduce long-term risks.

What about disposable items like oil and filters and minor wear components?

Non-approved oils can be a problem. A typical example is that customers who use non-approved oils find that it's slowed down their machines, and they're not getting the performance. What happens is that the oil doesn't lubricate enough, and parts within the engine start to shear off. We find that going back to OEM-approved oil remedies this right away. Buying filters that don't meet Komatsu's specifications can create similar problems.

When it comes to wear components, the difference between OEM and non-OEM is less defined, so it's a question of knowing which suppliers and manufacturers are trustworthy. This is where SMS Equipment comes in. We know which choices will ensure that the equipment's performance and life aren't compromised, and when we make the determination, we stand by the products we supply, supported by our trusted vendors.

How do non-OEM parts affect support?

First of all, we will always stand by our customers. But when they have sourced parts from a vendor that we have not built a trusted relationship with, it makes it difficult to troubleshoot because our technicians are facing an unknown - if they don't know what's in the machine, that will slow things down . It can also mean we may have to rely on other vendors to fix it, which can be unpredictable.

On the other hand, we have more than 40 branches across the country and in Alaska, and we stock OEM parts and components. So, when we know a customer has all OEM parts, we can deal with issues quickly where and when they arise. And, of course, that means we have warranty support from Komatsu.

What companies buy non-OEM parts?

Many companies may focus on upfront costs when purchasing, making it difficult for buyers to justify the price of OEM parts. The benefits of OEM components aren't always immediately apparent, as their actual value becomes clear over time through increased reliability and reduced downtime. It's also about managing risk—if a company hasn't experienced a significant failure with non-OEM parts, they may not fully appreciate the potential long-term consequences. This makes it harder to view OEM components as a proactive investment rather than an additional expense.

The Bottom Line:

Komatsu OEM parts are engineered to work seamlessly as part of a precisely designed system. While non-OEM parts may cost less, their shorter lifespan often negates the initial savings, and in the event of equipment failure, the costs can escalate significantly. Additionally, using OEM parts allows SMS Equipment to efficiently leverage its parts inventory across locations in Canada and Alaska, ensuring quick response times when any issue arises.

At SMS Equipment, we believe in being Partners in Your Possibilities, working closely with our customers to offer tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. This partnership ensures they receive the right support for optimal equipment performance and long-term success.

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