When it comes to maintaining and repairing your forklift fleet, striking the right balance between price and quality is a tough act. And one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket parts, a choice that can significantly affect your forklift's performance, cost, and long-term reliability.
Sam’s Mechanical understands this delicate balance of costs with a working fleet. While the aftermarket can bring up horror stories of substandard components, we’ve seen the aftermarket industry improve significantly, and we carry only the best aftermarket components, along with OEM parts.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between OEM and aftermarket forklift parts, explaining the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s get started!
TL;DR - OEM vs Aftermarket Forklift Parts: Which Option is Right for Your Fleet
- OEM Parts are made by the same manufacturer that produced the original components for your equipment—in the case of this blog, your forklift. These parts are designed specifically for your forklift’s make and model, ensuring exact compatibility and performance.
- Aftermarket Parts, on the other hand, are made by third-party manufacturers and are designed to fit a wide range of forklift models, including those from different brands. Aftermarket parts may vary in quality and design, depending on the manufacturer, and may even offer better (or lesser) performance, depending on what you get.
An Overview of Forklift Parts Options
The distinction between these two types of parts matters because it affects everything from your forklift’s performance to how often you need to replace components and your maintenance budget.
Forget the image of aftermarket parts being manufactured in a small cottage industry or some guy’s workshop. Many large, dedicated, and sophisticated aftermarket manufacturing operations make highly precise components, and the overall market for forklift aftermarket parts was estimated at $7.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $10.75 billion by 2030.
Advantages and Disadvantages of OEM Forklift Parts
When you choose OEM forklift parts, you know what you’re getting in the box. You're opting for guaranteed compatibility and reliability. Here’s why:
- Exact Fit: OEM parts are made to match your forklift’s exact specifications, removing all the guesswork about whether the part will fit and perform as expected. You’ll also benefit from predictable maintenance as everything will always fit correctly.
- Reliability: These parts are typically made to the same standards as the original components, offering consistent performance over time.
- Manufacturer Support: OEM parts usually come with a warranty from the forklift manufacturer, meaning you're backed by customer support and coverage should something go wrong.
- Preserves Equipment Value: OEM parts help maintain the vehicle’s original quality and performance, which can lead to a higher resale value as the buyer will know exactly what they’re getting.
By choosing OEM parts, you’re investing in parts that have been tested and proven to work with your forklift’s system, giving you peace of mind. However:
- OEM is Costlier: OEM parts are much more expensive than aftermarket parts. The OEM does need to recover its R&D and tooling costs, after all, as well as profit. In fact, OEM components can cost 60% more than aftermarket parts.
- Limited Availability: In addition to price, OEM’s significant disadvantage is that you can buy OEM parts only from select vendors or manufacturers, leaving you at the mercy of parts obsolescence.
Advantages of Aftermarket Forklift Parts
While OEM parts have their advantages, aftermarket forklift parts offer their own unique benefits, especially when it comes to:
- Affordability: Aftermarket parts are often less expensive than OEM parts, making them an attractive option for those on a tighter budget. You might save money upfront, which is especially helpful for older equipment or larger fleets.
- Availability: Aftermarket parts are generally easier to source and offer quicker availability than some OEM parts, which may need to be ordered or back-ordered. This is due to the broader availability of the type of part, not the make. Take the forklift’s pallet forks, for example. While you could get an OEM, factory-spec replacement set of forks, you would need to find an authorized reseller, then ensure they have the part in stock. Alternatively, you could find an aftermarket part compatible with your forklift model, made by various manufacturers, thus increasing your chances of getting your equipment back to work more quickly.
- Innovation: Some aftermarket manufacturers develop parts with new or improved designs that may enhance performance. For example, aftermarket components could offer superior performance, better durability, or longer lifespan than their OEM counterparts. However, care should be taken to ensure that the improved performance does not strain the rest of the machine or compromise workplace or operator safety. An experienced, reputable aftermarket dealer and mechanic is key to using aftermarket components safely and reliably.
These advantages make aftermarket parts a good option if you’re looking to save on costs while still getting the job done.
Cost Comparison: OEM vs Aftermarket Forklift Parts
The cost difference between OEM and aftermarket forklift parts can be significant, but the actual cost isn't just about the initial price.
- Short-Term Savings: Aftermarket parts often cost less upfront. If you’re managing a fleet on a tight budget, opting for aftermarket parts can help you stretch your dollars.
- Long-Term Considerations: While aftermarket parts may be cheaper initially, they may not always have the same durability or performance as OEM parts. This could lead to more frequent repairs or replacements, potentially offsetting the short-term savings and resale value.
- Which Fits Your Budget? If you’re working with a fleet of older forklifts that don’t see heavy use, aftermarket parts may be a cost-effective solution. However, for newer forklifts or high-performance equipment, OEM parts may be worth the investment to ensure long-term reliability.
Performance and Warranty Considerations
Another key factor in deciding between OEM and aftermarket parts is how each option affects your forklift's performance and warranty.
- Performance: OEM parts are specifically designed to maintain your forklift's performance, ensuring that it runs as efficiently and safely as possible. Aftermarket parts, while often adequate, may not always meet the same performance standards or customer expectations, leading to potential issues with function or safety. It’s essential to check not only that your aftermarket part is compatible with your equipment, but also that it meets engineering standards and certifications, as a hedge against its quality and performance.
- Warranty: Some forklift manufacturers require the use of OEM parts to keep the warranty valid. Using aftermarket parts may void your warranty, so it’s essential to check with the manufacturer to see whether non-OEM parts are allowed. There’s a bit of a gray area here, as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers by preventing manufacturers from voiding a warranty solely because an aftermarket part was used, so sometimes there is a valid reason for a manufacturer to mandate the use of OEM parts. On the flip side, many aftermarket parts come with their own warranties, though these are typically not as comprehensive as those offered by OEM parts.
In short, if you need to maintain a high level of performance and want to keep your warranty intact, OEM parts may be the safer choice.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Fleet
Deciding whether to go with OEM or aftermarket forklift parts depends on several factors, including:
- Forklift Age: Older forklifts may not require OEM parts to maintain performance, as aftermarket parts can be cost-effective and offer comparable performance.
- Workload: If your forklifts are used heavily or in demanding conditions, why risk assuming your equipment will do the job? As a whole, the OEM’s specifications are a known quantity, and you can be assured of the reliability of the part, as well as an absolute knowledge of the limits of the component. OEM parts are likely to deliver better performance and durability.
- Repair Frequency: If you're often repairing your forklifts, aftermarket parts make more sense due to their lower cost, but for critical components, OEM parts may be more reliable in the long run. An intimate knowledge of your equipment and understanding the lifecycle of critical components on your forklift will go a long way toward determining how to spend your hard-earned maintenance dollars.
- Expert Opinion: Consider your specific fleet's needs and work with an expert to make the best decision. Having an in-house expert or engineer review components, ensuring a consistent, vetted process for deciding whether to use aftermarket parts, and having a good, working relationship with a reputable supplier is vital to ensuring aftermarket purchases are pursued responsibly. In fact, aftermarket procurement is a process in itself.
Sam’s Mechanical Is Your Source for Expert Forklift Parts
At Sam’s Mechanical, we understand that when choosing between OEM and aftermarket forklift parts, the right choice depends on your fleet’s needs and budget. Our team of experts is here to guide you in choosing the correct parts for your equipment. We don’t just aim to be a place to go to for parts—we strive to be your trusted source for quality forklift parts.
If you need help deciding which parts are best for your forklifts, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sam’s Mechanical. We’re here to help you keep your fleet running smoothly and safely, and we do that by offering both OEM and high-quality aftermarket parts to meet all your forklift maintenance needs.
Contact us today to learn more or to place an order for OEM and aftermarket forklift parts!