John Deere is a trusted manufacturer of durable and high-performance heavy machinery for the construction industry. John Deere compact equipment offers versatility and efficiency, and you want to make sure your skid steer, track loader or excavator lasts so you can continue to get the most out of your investment.
Choosing quality equipment parts is a necessary part of machine upkeep, and authentic John Deere parts offer numerous benefits to help you maintain equipment longevity, reliability and safety.
As you browse parts for your equipment, you’ll come across two main types — original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket.
Overall, both categories of parts have their uses, and you may find that one makes more sense in your situation than the other.
While you may be interested in using aftermarket parts for your compact equipment, it’s well worth considering the benefits of OEM parts before you make a final decision. These components offer many advantages and can make a notable difference in your compact equipment’s life span.
One of the most notable benefits of using John Deere parts for your machinery is compatibility. If your chosen part doesn’t fit perfectly with your equipment, it will drastically impact functionality and performance. Over time, a poorly fitted aftermarket part can increase the risk of damage and lessen your equipment’s life span.
For example, maybe you need replacement hydraulic hoses for your John Deere skid steer. Using an OEM part guarantees the hoses fit correctly and perform as intended. An ill-fitting aftermarket part could lead to hydraulic leaks or system failures, which could severely impact your machine’s performance and longevity.
By selecting a John Deere part, you can ensure compatibility every time, as the part is specifically made for your exact make and model.
The quality of replacement parts plays a vital role in machinery performance. While many aftermarket parts are high quality, you’re only guaranteed quality when you select components from your manufacturer. These parts are made with durable, tested materials and adhere to strict manufacturing and production standards similar to your equipment.
Given John Deere’s extensive history and presence in the industry, you can trust that a John Deere part is built to last and will provide optimal performance for your compact equipment. If you purchase an aftermarket part from an unfamiliar, less reliable source, you likely won’t get the same experience. Opting for quality OEM components means greater longevity in the long run and less compact equipment maintenance for your team.
Even one improperly fitted or low-quality part can impact your compact machinery’s safety and reliability. For example, aftermarket replacement tracks for your compact track loader may wear out faster or fail under heavy loads, making the equipment less stable to operate. As a result, you may not be fully confident that workers will remain safe during work and machinery will get the job done.
OEM parts are created with safety in mind. These parts meet quality control and production standards that aftermarket parts may not. In cases where your operators’ safety and your machinery’s reliability are on the line, selecting OEM components you can trust to perform is a vital consideration.
An essential aspect of operating machinery for the long haul is cost savings. As you look to maximize your compact equipment’s longevity, you also want to make sure your expenses stay manageable. It’s natural to spend more on maintenance as equipment ages, but you can optimize spending by investing in well-made components.
OEM parts often cost more upfront than aftermarket parts due to their high quality, reliability and brand name. While it may be appealing to install an aftermarket option to save money initially, you’ll experience greater long-term savings if you choose parts directly from your equipment manufacturer — OEM parts equate to less risk of damage, a reduced need for maintenance and replacement, and increased equipment resale value.
John Deere compact equipment can help you tackle construction tasks ranging from excavation to material handling to site preparation. When you start up your machinery each day, you want the assurance that you’ll have quick access to equipment support should you need it. This way, you can stay on track with project timelines and minimize repair costs as much as possible.
Having a comprehensive equipment warranty gives you that peace of mind — but aftermarket parts may void that protection. Many manufacturers require equipment owners to use OEM components to maintain warranty, and using alternative options may negate it. It’s also worth noting that John Deere parts are easier for John Deere technicians to service, meaning you receive better support.
OEM parts provide numerous benefits that set them apart from most aftermarket alternatives, but there are some instances where aftermarket components may be the best option. With lower upfront costs, aftermarket parts may come at a fraction of the cost of OEM components.
If you have older construction equipment that is still going strong despite its warranty ending, you may want to save on parts to put aside more money for a new machine. Quality aftermarket parts can keep your operations running while saving you money on the parts you need. Furthermore, OEM parts may also no longer be available for older equipment, and operators looking to keep that machinery in operation might have no other choice for parts.
Depending on your machinery and situation, both OEM and aftermarket parts can play a role in your compact equipment maintenance routine. No matter what kind of part you require, what matters most is that you source it from a dependable, professional team that knows your equipment inside and out.
Groff Tractor & Equipment offers high-quality equipment and heavy machinery parts from John Deere and other leading manufacturers. With over 180 years of combined team experience, we can match you with OEM parts to suit your specific model and source components directly from the manufacturer’s inventory through our exclusive dealer access. If you’re interested in aftermarket or remanufactured alternatives, we can help you assess the best options for your needs, offering expert insights along the way.
Explore our extensive parts catalog today, or reach out to discuss your needs with a team member!
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