Cranes are complex, customized machines with components engineered to tight tolerances and specifications. Over time, critical parts like cables, sheaves and hydraulic pumps require replacement. While aftermarket or refurbished parts may seem attractive for cost savings, sticking with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) crane parts is essential for safety, performance and longevity.
Defining Aftermarket vs OEM Crane Parts
OEM crane parts come directly from the original equipment manufacturer and match the model's specifications precisely. They are made using the exact materials, processes, tooling and quality standards used in initial crane production. Aftermarket parts are produced by third party companies using reverse engineering to copy and fit a particular crane component. While aiming for functional compatibility, aftermarket parts do not adhere to strict original design standards.
Why OEM Crane Parts Are Superior
Higher engineering standards, specialized expertise and tight integration make genuine OEM parts better than aftermarket copies in these key areas:
Safety
OEM crane parts are rigorously designed, tested and certified over years to meet strict industry standards for safe operation. This includes factors like strength, fatigue life, tolerances, durability and performance ratings validated through physical testing and data analysis. Aftermarket parts lack such required vetting and merely attempt to copy existing designs. Using unverified components puts workers and assets at risk on the job site.
Reliability
Components produced by the original manufacturer using specialized materials, processes and tooling have incredibly reliable lifespans and performance. Tight quality control throughout the sophisticated OEM supply chain ensures minimal variances in production quality. Aftermarket parts typically degrade faster due to inferior materials, looser tolerances and lack of oversight. Breakdowns due to part failures mean dangerous and expensive crane downtime.
Performance
Parts engineered and optimized by the crane OEM's own team integrate seamlessly into equipment systems and perform as intended. This optimizes efficiency, precision and capabilities. Aftermarket copies may fit awkwardly, alter system operations in undesirable ways, and fail to deliver rated performance due to poor copying. This limits overall crane productivity.
Longevity
The stringent OEM design and testing requirements paired with premium materials ensure OEM crane parts provide maximum longevity, lasting for years of rigorous duty cycles. Aftermarket parts cut corners to save costs, reducing durability and usable life significantly, thereby requiring much earlier replacement. More replacements means higher costs.
Resale Value
Cranes maintained using documented OEM parts replacements make the equipment far more attractive to potential buyers versus using aftermarket parts. The verified service history preserves asset value for resale. Undocumented non-OEM repairs and parts raise doubts.
Warranty Coverage
Genuine OEM parts purchases usually come with warranties against defects provided by suppliers and manufacturers. Aftermarket parts often void manufacturer warranties due to being unauthorized and out of spec. Operators are left unprotected against flaws.
OEM Expert Guidance
Crane OEM technicians possess specialized expertise regarding equipment intricacies that aftermarket sellers lack. This allows appropriate part recommendations for specific configurations and fault conditions. Improper part selection can worsen issues.
Weighing OEM Benefits vs Aftermarket Savings
While upfront cost of OEM crane parts is often higher, the total long term value provided in terms of safety, productivity, longevity, resale value and asset protection far outweighs any marginal savings from using aftermarket components. For critical equipment, it rarely pays to cut corners on quality parts.
Trust genuine OEM crane parts to keep lifting assets running safely and optimally for years past initial amortization. Don't let temporary savings put operations at risk down the road.
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