Short answer
Use genuine parts for everything that protects the engine, the hydraulics and safety, and whenever the machine is under a warranty that requires them. A quality aftermarket part makes sense for wear parts with a known specification and on machines out of warranty, if the supplier gives you the part number, specification and a parts warranty. Decide by what it costs if the part fails, not by its price.
Genuine, aftermarket, remanufactured and used
A genuine (original) part is made or approved by the machine's manufacturer, with the same part number and specification it has from the factory. An aftermarket (generic) part is made by another company to do the same job; quality varies a lot from one supplier to another. A remanufactured part is a used one that's taken apart, rebuilt and tested: Komatsu, for example, has Reman components that bring the part back to factory spec at a lower cost, according to Komatsu. A used part comes from another machine, with no history or warranty, and carries the most risk.
| Criterion | Genuine | Aftermarket | Reman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who makes it | Machine maker | Another company | Maker or rebuilder |
| Specification | Factory spec | Varies by supplier | Per the rebuilder |
| Machine warranty | Protects it | Check the terms | If maker-backed |
| Best for | Engine, hydraulics, filters | Known wear parts | Major components |
Where not to save and where you can
Don't save on filters, lubricants, internal engine parts, hydraulic components, brakes, steering or anything safety-related. According to Komatsu, 85% of system failures are caused by contaminants such as dust: a filter that lets through what it shouldn't gets paid for with a pump or an engine.
Where a well-chosen aftermarket part does pay off is in wear parts with a clear specification: teeth, cutting edges, shrouds. Hensley, for example, has the Dura line as a direct replacement for the most common OEM tooth systems, fitting without changing the adapter or the bucket lip, according to Hensley; and the GETpro system, with 10–15% more wear material in the critical zones.
What the warranty requires
If your machine has an extended warranty, the part stops being a free choice. Komatsu Warranty Pro extends coverage up to 60 months or 12,000 hours, and throughout the coverage the machine runs only on genuine Komatsu parts, lubricants and filters, according to Komatsu. With Bobcat, using genuine parts protects the machine's warranty, and its genuine parts carry a 12-month parts warranty, according to Bobcat.
Before switching to an aftermarket part, read your warranty terms or ask your after-sales advisor.
What to check before buying any part
Genuine or aftermarket, these are the questions that separate a good purchase from a part that fails again:
- Part number: it must match your machine's, including the maker's updates.
- Machine serial number: the same part changes between serial ranges of one model.
- Specification: dimensions, material, pressure or filtration rating, depending on the part.
- Traceability: who made it, where it comes from and which batch.
- Parts warranty, in writing, and what happens if it fails.
- Who installs it and whether installation is covered.
The real cost: the machine standing still
The part's price is the small part. If a cheap part fails early, you pay for the part again, the labor again and every hour the machine doesn't work: an idle operator, project delays and, sometimes, renting a replacement. Work out what an hour of your machine standing still costs with the cost-per-hour calculator and compare it with the price difference between options.
What part and what warranty do you have?
- Machine under extended warranty → Genuine, as the warranty requires
- Filter, lubricant, engine or hydraulics → Genuine
- Major component out of warranty → Genuine or remanufactured
- Wear part with known spec → Quality aftermarket
How to order the right part the first time
Most back-and-forth is avoided with one piece of data: the serial number, which is on the machine's data plate along with the model. Take a photo of it with your phone, and another of the part if you don't know the part number. If the machine is a brand the group doesn't distribute, choose «Another brand» in the form: it gets quoted too. If it's down, flag it as urgent.
- Photo of the data plate: Brand, model and serial
- Identify the part: Part number or photo
- Ask for both options: Genuine and aftermarket
- Confirm installation: In the workshop or on site
Where to order parts in Central America
Grupo ConstruMarket offers genuine, factory-traceable parts for the brands it distributes and quality generic or aftermarket options, in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama. It quotes whichever you ask for, or both so you can compare, and the workshop can install the part at its facilities or on your site. Nicaragua and Panama also carry Hensley tooth systems and wear parts. Send your request with brand, model and serial, and an advisor will contact you during business hours.
- El Salvador: Zaragoza (headquarters with workshop), Antiguo Cuscatlán and San Miguel.
- Guatemala (CMARKET): Mixco, Río Hondo and Xela.
- Nicaragua: Managua. Panama: Panama City.
Summary: what to choose
| If… | Then… |
|---|---|
| The machine is under extended warranty | Genuine parts, lubricants and filters |
| It's a filter, engine, hydraulics or safety part | Genuine |
| It's a major component and you want to cut cost | Ask about remanufactured |
| It's a wear part with a known spec | Quality aftermarket, with part number and warranty |
| You don't know the part number | Send a photo of the data plate and the part |
| Your brand isn't on the list | Choose «Another brand»: it gets quoted too |
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Topic: Parts
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Common mistakes
Buying by part price
An early failure costs the part, the labor and the downtime.
Ordering without the serial number
The part may not match your serial range and comes back.
Using generic filters under warranty
Warranty Pro requires genuine parts throughout coverage, according to Komatsu.
A used part with no history
You don't know how many hours it has or how it was run.
Not getting the warranty in writing
If it fails, there's no way to claim.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, a genuine or an aftermarket part?
It depends on the part. For the engine, hydraulics, filters and safety, and with an active warranty, genuine. For wear parts with a known specification, a quality aftermarket part can perform well if it comes with a part number and warranty.
Does using aftermarket parts void the warranty?
It depends on the terms. Komatsu Warranty Pro requires genuine parts, lubricants and filters throughout coverage, and Bobcat states that genuine parts protect the warranty. Read your coverage before switching.
What is a remanufactured part?
A used part that's taken apart, rebuilt and tested to bring it back to spec. Komatsu offers Reman components to factory spec at a lower cost, according to Komatsu.
What do I need to order a part?
The machine's brand, model and serial number—they're on the data plate—and the part or its part number. A photo of the plate and another of the part prevent mistakes.
Where can I buy machinery parts in Guatemala?
CMARKET, part of Grupo ConstruMarket, quotes genuine and aftermarket parts from Mixco, Río Hondo and Xela. Send the request on the parts page with brand, model and serial.
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