Your tractor will eventually need new parts. Maybe something breaks and needs a replacement. Maybe you want to upgrade your equipment. Whatever the case, there will be a key decision to make: buy OEM or aftermarket parts.
Below we cover common questions relating to tractor parts. If you have more questions or want help choosing a tractor part, contact your local Mahindra® dealer.
What Are OEM Tractor Parts?
The term “OEM” is an abbreviation for “original equipment manufacturer”. In other words, an OEM tractor part is built by the same company that built the given tractor. An OEM part for a Mahindra tractor, for example, will have been manufactured by Mahindra.
What Are Aftermarket Tractor Parts?
These tractor parts are built by a third-party company. They are often designed to try to fit as many different makes and models as possible. This can result in a less ideal fit with your specific tractor.
Which Approach Costs More Money?
OEM tractor parts usually cost more money upfront. This is often because they are designed to exactly fit the specifications of the given tractor.
The higher price point can also be due to a difference in materials. In many cases, OEM tractor parts will be built from better quality materials.
When discussing cost, it’s also important to take a long-term approach. With aftermarket options, there’s a risk of quality issues that result in the tractor part needing to be replaced again soon. There’s also the risk of compatibility issues that can hurt your tractor’s fuel efficiency, reduce the tractor’s performance, or even damage the tractor.
What Do Tractor Dealerships Tend to Use?
Many dealerships tend to use OEM parts. The service department will often have a selection of OEM parts in stock. If the needed part is out-of-stock, they can easily order more on a customer’s behalf.
How Do Warranties Factor In?
If your tractor is still under warranty, using aftermarket parts could end up voiding the warranty coverage. Make sure you fully understand the warranty and how your choice of tractor parts can affect it.
OEM tractor parts, as well as the work done to install them, can sometimes come with their own warranty. This can give valuable peace of mind. It can also potentially save you money down the road if an issue arises.
When Would I Not Have an Option Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts?
For most tractor parts, an OEM and aftermarket option exist. But in the case of a newer tractor, there may be a newer part that hasn’t been developed in the aftermarket industry yet. In that situation, the only option would be to choose an OEM tractor part.
Want help choosing the right tractor part? Contact your local Mahindra dealer to get assistance choosing, ordering, and installing tractor parts.
