OEM vs. Aftermarket Heavy Equipment Parts — Which Is Better?

OEM vs. Aftermarket Heavy Equipment Parts — Which Is Better?

OEM vs. Aftermarket Heavy Equipment Parts — Which Is Better?


OEM vs. aftermarket heavy equipment parts explained. Comparing durability, cost, and performance for excavator pins, bushings, and wear components.

When it’s time to replace excavator pins, bushings, seals, or other wear components, one question comes up again and again: Should you choose OEM or aftermarket parts?

Both options have their place, and understanding the differences can help you balance cost, reliability, and machine performance, especially when uptime matters.

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of OEM and aftermarket heavy-equipment parts so you can make the right call for your fleet.

What Are OEM Parts?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are produced by the same manufacturer that built your machine. For example:

  • OEM CAT parts for CAT excavators
  • OEM Volvo pins and bushings for Volvo machines

These components are built to the exact specifications the machine was designed for.

Benefits of OEM Parts

1. Guaranteed Fit & Compatibility
OEM pins, bushings, and linkage parts match the original sizing, tolerances, and hardness specs, no surprises.

2. Consistent Quality
OEM parts follow strict manufacturing standards, making them predictable and reliable for high-stress applications.

3. Ideal for Newer Machines
If your excavator is under warranty or part of a lease return program, OEM is often required.

Drawbacks of OEM Parts

1. Higher Cost
You’re paying for the brand and the assurance of compatibility.

2. Longer Lead Times
Some OEM parts may have limited inventory, especially for older or less common models.

What Are Aftermarket Parts?

Aftermarket parts are built by third-party manufacturers. Modern providers offer advanced metallurgy and machining that rival, or sometimes exceed, OEM components.

Benefits of Aftermarket Parts

1. Lower Cost
You can usually expect 20–60% savings compared to OEM.

2. Strong Availability
Aftermarket suppliers often stock more replacement parts than dealerships, especially for older machines.

3. Equal or Better Performance
High-quality aftermarket CAT and Volvo pins are induction-hardened, precision-machined, and built to standard OEM sizing.

4. Great for Wear Components
Parts like:

  • bucket pins
  • bushings
  • track adjusters
  • H-link pins
  • linkage parts

…are commonly replaced with aftermarket options without performance loss.

Drawbacks of Aftermarket Parts

1. Quality Varies by Manufacturer
Not all aftermarket suppliers meet OEM-level tolerances. You must choose reputable brands.

2. Slight Variation in Fitment
If the wrong supplier is chosen, tolerances may be off by a few thousandths—enough to affect bushing seating or grease flow.

OEM vs. Aftermarket for Excavator Pins & Bushings

These parts take the hardest hits, literally. So, which is the better option?

When OEM Is Best

  • New or leased equipment
  • Work requiring extreme precision (e.g., grading, fine excavation)
  • Attachments with advanced geometry
  • Brand-sensitive industries (government, rail, mining)

When Aftermarket Makes More Sense

  • Older machines no longer under warranty
  • High-volume pin and bushing replacements
  • Bucket linkage rebuilds
  • Fleets focused on cost-per-hour improvements

High-quality aftermarket pins and bushings are typically:

  • hardened to OEM standards
  • dimensionally accurate
  • significantly cheaper

For most fleets, premium aftermarket options strike the best balance of durability and value.

Misconceptions About Aftermarket Parts

“Aftermarket parts always wear out faster.”
Not true. Reputable suppliers use the same (or better) heat treatments and machining accuracy.

“They won’t fit properly.”
Quality manufacturers follow OEM specs down to the thousandth of an inch.

“OEM is always superior.”
OEM is consistent, but many aftermarket suppliers produce equivalent parts at lower cost.

How to Choose the Right Replacement Parts

Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket, follow this quick checklist:

Verify Part Numbers

Use machine serial numbers and component reference charts.

Measure Before Ordering

Diameter, length, and grease-hole locations matter.
(If you need measurement guides, I can generate them.)

Buy From Reputable Sellers

Look for suppliers specializing in heavy equipment wear components—not general hardware.

Consider Your Machine’s Role

Production-critical equipment may need OEM certainty.
Older support machines benefit from aftermarket savings.

Inspect Tolerances

High-quality aftermarket pins should follow OEM specs:

  • Straightness
  • Surface hardness
  • Finish quality
  • Diameter accuracy

Final Thoughts: Which Is Better?

Both OEM and aftermarket parts have their place.

  • OEM is ideal when precision, warranty concerns, or brand requirements demand it.
  • Aftermarket is often the smarter choice for everyday replacements, especially pins, bushings, and linkage wear items.

The best approach?
Use OEM where it matters most and high-quality aftermarket wear parts for cost-effective fleet maintenance.