Is it Best to Rely on OEM or Aftermarket Spares?
The main reason that, for instance, many car owners in South Africa will choose to buy parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), is that the latter are often seen as disproportionately expensive when compared to the generic products available from other sources. In some instances, especially in light of the increased price of imported items resulting from the depreciating local currency, this practice can serve as a valid means to economise. However, if the cost of holding on to a few extra rand turns out to be a product that fails to perform as it should, then the need for more frequent replacement is likely to result in an overall loss rather than a saving.
Known as aftermarket spares, these cheaper alternatives can often be perfectly acceptable when replacing non-crucial components, but when making repairs to the drivetrains, undercarriages or hydraulics of a mission-critical machine such as a CAT dozer, it is absolutely vital to be certain that any substitute for an OEM part has been thoroughly tried, tested, and proven to be effective in the required role. Easily identified by their bright yellow colour and the capitalised, three-letter derivative of caterpillar, the vehicles and machines that carry this marque are world-renowned both for their rugged, near-indestructible build and for their unfailing performance under the most rigorous operating conditions.
Set foot on a mine or a construction site anywhere in South Africa or in any one of the developed and developing countries and you are pretty sure to encounter one of these iconic yellow giants. Most likely it will be carrying an improbably awkward and heavy load over terrain that is best suited to a mountain goat. More significantly, however, just a single day during which a CAT highwall miner or excavator remains out of service due to mechanical failure could cost hundreds of thousands in lost production, and so access to OEM or aftermarket spares is crucial in such operations.
What is true for miners and builders is, of course, equally relevant to the agricultural and forestry industries as well as to any operation in which earthmoving or resurfacing equipment may be required, for example. These are all mission-critical activities and thus it is important to ensure that any parts that may be used in order to repair these machines can be relied upon to go the distance.
While many of those involved in the supply of substitute parts are simply opportunists seeking to capitalise on those who are hoping to economise, it has also become common practice for original equipment manufacturers to licence the right to manufacture selected parts on their behalf. Clearly, to qualify, these third parties must satisfy the OEMs that they are equipped and competent to check and meet the standards of quality required, and also that they have the means to manage the distribution of the parts.
For safety, users of CAT equipment who wish to purchase aftermarket spares should deal only with an accredited supplier and in South Africa and continental Africa, that means Kanu Equipment. Don’t risk repeated downtime for a low price tag. Quality substitutes may save less but offer the guarantee of quality. Before you order, talk to the experts at Kanu Equipment.
