Reducing Risks: The Case for OEM Spare Parts in Aggregate Production

OEM parts are components designed and manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer to meet the exact specifications of their equipment. These parts are engineered to work seamlessly with specific machinery and undergo thorough quality control processes. Some examples of OEM parts in aggregate equipment include gear reducers, paddles, wear shoes and bearings for Fine Material Washers, or jaw die wedges, wear liners, and tension rod assemblies for Jaw Crushers.

Aftermarket, or copycat, parts are produced by third-party manufacturers and may not adhere to the same quality and design standards as OEM parts. While they may have a lower upfront cost, they often compromise the performance and durability of equipment, costing more money in the long run.

Although aftermarket parts seem like they may be a good fit for your equipment, they often have inferior quality and performance when compared to OEM parts. Many copycat parts are not manufactured with the same high-grade materials and quality standards as OEM components. Variations in material composition and machining tolerances can lead to premature wear and failure.

Using aftermarket parts can also result in increased wear and tear on equipment. Poorly fitting components can cause undue stress on other parts of machines, leading to accelerated deterioration. Although these parts may seem like a short-term solution, they are only causing more long-term problems for the machine.

While aftermarket parts may have a lower upfront cost, they often require more frequent replacements and maintenance. Unexpected parts failures can lead to extended downtime, lost production and higher labor costs for repairs. Even though you may be saving money upfront, you are incurring many additional costs with these third-party parts.

Lastly, using aftermarket parts comes with a handful of potential safety hazards. Non-OEM parts may not be produced to meet safety regulations or equipment design tolerances leading to an increased risk of malfunctions. Utilizing faulty components can result in unexpected equipment breakdowns that pose hazards to workers. For example, an improperly designed screw shaft could fail under load, leading to sudden stoppages or dangerous equipment failures during operation. Similarly, non-OEM wear liners might not fit correctly, increasing the chance of material buildup or unexpected discharge, creating unsafe working conditions around the plant.

When purchasing replacement parts for your machine, it is important to consider the upfront cost versus the total cost of ownership. While aftermarket parts may appear cost-effective initially, their frequent failure and lower quality performance can lead to increased expenses over time. OEM parts provide a better return on investment by reducing unplanned downtime and unexpected maintenance costs. Because these genuine parts are manufactured using high-quality materials and precision engineering, they require fewer replacements and lower labor costs.

When using OEM parts, maintenance teams can confidently follow a maintenance schedule and standardized service intervals, knowing the parts are designed specifically for their equipment. For example, using an Eagle Iron Works OEM gearbox allows producers to adhere to factory-recommended lubrication schedules, helping avoid unexpected failures that often occur with generic or improperly matched aftermarket components. In contrast, since aftermarket parts are not precision-engineered for a specific machine, they can create unpredictable maintenance demands and unplanned downtime, leading to costly disruptions in production schedules.

OEM parts also support more efficient inventory management. Because they are consistent and brand-specific, producers can maintain optimal stock levels without the complexity of managing multiple vendors or dealing with mismatched parts. For instance, stocking OEM wear paddles, valves, or seals ensures quick replacements and reduces equipment idle time. Many manufacturers, including Eagle Iron Works, offer convenient part stocking programs and recommended spare parts lists, ensuring critical components are always on hand and helping producers minimize disruptions while streamlining their parts inventory process.

OEM suppliers like Eagle Iron Works provide engineering insights that aftermarket vendors cannot. By utilizing the support offered by equipment manufacturers, producers are able to learn more about parts maintenance and replacement to help get the most out of their equipment. EIW offers Sand School trainings each year where we cover maintenance tips and best practices for each piece of equipment.

Overall, choosing OEM spare parts is a proactive approach to reducing operational risks in aggregate production. Aftermarket and copycat parts may seem like a cost-saving measure but often lead to greater expenses in the long run due to frequent failures and equipment wear. OEM parts meet regulatory standards for durability, safety and performance to reduce the risks in each operation.