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When you're working in construction, your heavy equipment is more than just machinery—it's the backbone of your operation. Whether it's an excavator digging foundations or a loader transporting materials, construction equipment is exposed to rugged conditions that push its components to their limits. These machines endure a significant amount of wear and tear, and if parts aren’t regularly inspected, repaired or replaced, it can lead to major breakdowns that cost time and money.
Understanding how to buy the right heavy equipment parts is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best practices for purchasing construction equipment parts, why it matters and how regular maintenance can minimize part replacement needs.
Why Buying the Right Parts Matters
Every component in your machine has a purpose—and when one part begins to wear down or fails, it can cause a ripple effect across the entire system. For example, if a hydraulic hose on an excavator becomes damaged and leaks fluid, it doesn’t just affect the hose—it could lead to reduced hydraulic pressure, sluggish performance and potential damage to the pump. The result? Costly repairs and extended downtime.
Ignoring worn parts only amplifies these issues. Over time, machinery that's run with compromised components can experience more frequent breakdowns, leading to more downtime and larger repair bills. In the construction industry, downtime means lost productivity, missed deadlines and a hit to your bottom line.
Best Practices for Purchasing Heavy Equipment Parts
When you need to replace parts on your heavy machinery, following these best practices can save you a lot of headaches:
1. Know Your Machine’s Make, Model and Serial Number
This might sound basic, but it’s absolutely crucial. Different makes, models and production years of the same type of machine may require different parts. When you know your machine’s exact specifications, you can be confident that the replacement part you’re purchasing will fit and function as it should. Always keep this information handy—it’s your first line of defense in ensuring compatibility when ordering parts.
2. Understand Serial Number Breaks
Serial number breaks occur when a manufacturer updates a machine's design partway through a production run. This can mean that two machines with the same model number but different serial numbers may require different parts. Understanding your machine’s serial number break ensures you get the correct part for your specific machine, reducing the chances of ordering a part that won’t work.
3. Understand the Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts
When buying heavy equipment parts, you'll typically have the option of choosing OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket parts. OEM parts are made by the original manufacturer of your machine. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are produced by third-party companies and are often more affordable.
While OEM parts offer reliability, aftermarket parts can sometimes provide a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing quality. However, be cautious when purchasing aftermarket parts; make sure the supplier has a reputation for producing high-quality components that meet industry standards. If your machine is still under its manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll more than likely want to use OEM parts as aftermarket parts may violate the warranty. In rare exceptions, OEMs will allow the use of aftermarket parts for repairs, but each instance is handled on a case-by-case basis. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of your warranty before making repairs or having them done on your machine.
4. Use a Reliable Parts Supplier
Your choice of supplier can make or break your parts-buying experience. A reliable parts supplier will not only offer high-quality OEM and aftermarket options but also provide fast shipping, excellent customer service and easy returns if needed. For example, the EquipmentShare Shop offers a vast selection of parts, both OEM and aftermarket, and provides quick shipping to minimize your machine’s downtime.
The Role of Regular Maintenance in Repair Needs
Regular maintenance is key to reducing the need for major repairs and part replacements. By staying on top of small, routine tasks, you can catch potential issues before they turn into costly failures. Here are a few examples of common maintenance tasks:
- Replacing Filters: For equipment like excavators and loaders, replacing hydraulic, fuel and air filters is essential to prevent contaminants from damaging the engine or hydraulic systems.
- Lubricating Joints and Bearings: Regular greasing ensures that components like pins and bushings don’t wear out prematurely.
- Inspecting Tracks and Tires: On tracked machines like dozers and excavators, inspecting the track links, track shoes and undercarriage components is critical for longevity.
- Checking Hydraulic Hoses: Hydraulic leaks can cause machine malfunctions and lead to costly downtime, so inspecting hoses for cracks or wear is a must.
Maintenance Checklist:
- Daily Inspections: Conduct visual inspections of hoses, filters, fluids and tire/track conditions during your daily walkaround.
- Weekly Maintenance: Check fluid levels, lubricate moving parts and inspect the machine's undercarriage.
- Monthly Tasks: Replace filters, check hydraulic hoses and ensure that wear parts like pins and bushings are still in good condition.
- Yearly Inspections: Review more in-depth areas such as electrical systems, engine belts and fuel systems for any signs of wear.
Typical Service Needs by Machine Classification
Different types of construction equipment have unique maintenance and service needs. Below are some typical service requirements by machine classification:
- Excavators: Filters (hydraulic, fuel, air) should be replaced regularly. Tracks, shoes and undercarriage components should be inspected and replaced as needed. Hoses and seals are other common areas that may need frequent attention.
- Loaders: Pay close attention to tire wear and the condition of the hydraulic system. Replace hoses, seals and filters as necessary.
- Dozers: Track maintenance is a priority with dozers. Regularly inspect the track links and shoes for wear and tear. Replace sprockets and idlers as needed.
- Material Handlers: Hydraulic systems are key to material handlers’ performance, so replace hydraulic filters and inspect hoses and seals frequently.
- Compactors: Tires or drums take a lot of abuse and should be inspected regularly. Also, keep an eye on hydraulic systems and vibration components for early signs of wear.
- Dump Trucks: In addition to regular engine maintenance, dump trucks require routine inspections of tires, brakes and hydraulic systems.
The Dos and Don’ts of Buying Heavy Equipment Parts
Do: Always Double-Check Compatibility
Before making any purchase, ensure that the part you’re buying is compatible with your specific machine. This includes verifying the make, model and serial number.
Don’t: Wait Until It’s Too Late
Don’t wait for a part to fail before you replace it. Preventive maintenance and proactive part replacement can save you from costly breakdowns and long periods of downtime.
Do: Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help identify small problems before they become major issues. Minor repairs and part replacements can go a long way in keeping your fleet running smoothly.
Don’t: Rely on Inferior Quality Parts
While it might be tempting to save money by buying cheaper, low-quality parts, it’s rarely worth the risk. Inferior parts can cause damage to your machine and may fail sooner, leading to more expenses in the long run.
Do: Check to See if Your Machine Is Still Under Warranty
If your machine is under warranty, then you’ll want to use OEM parts to prevent any violations to your machine’s manufacturer warranty. If it requires larger rebuilds or repairs, the manufacturer may require a licensed technician to complete them.
Don’t: Use Aftermarket Parts for Warranty Maintenance or Repairs
Using aftermarket parts can violate the terms of your warranty. Make sure to read the terms of your machine’s warranty before you use aftermarket parts on a machine that’s still covered.
Final Thoughts on Buying Heavy Equipment Parts
Keeping up with machine maintenance and proactively replacing parts is the key to reducing downtime and maximizing the life of your equipment. Whether you’re replacing a hydraulic filter on an excavator or buying new track shoes for your dozer, using quality parts and sticking to a frequent maintenance schedule will ensure your machine performs at its best.
The EquipmentShare Shop offers a wide range of OEM and aftermarket parts for heavy equipment, making it easy to find exactly what you need. Check out our advanced parts search page to quickly locate and order the parts that will keep your machines running strong. Don’t see exactly what your equipment needs? Reach out to our dedicated parts experts and get personalized assistance.
