Why Cheap Aftermarket Excavator Parts Often Cost More in the Long Run

RALPH COPE
3 minutes ago
4 min read

In the earthmoving industry, margins are tight, fuel is expensive, projects are deadline-driven, and cash flow is always under pressure.

So when an excavator component fails and you’re presented with two options — a cheap aftermarket part or a more expensive OEM alternative — the temptation is obvious.

Save money now.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Cheap aftermarket excavator parts often cost far more in the long run.

Not because they always fail immediately.

But because of what they risk.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down:

The real difference between OEM, used OEM, and aftermarket parts
Where cheap components fail most often
The hidden costs nobody calculates
The risk to hydraulics and engines
When aftermarket parts do make sense
Why used OEM parts are often the smarter middle ground

If you operate CAT, Komatsu, Volvo, Hyundai, or Doosan excavators in South Africa, this is essential reading before your next purchase decision.

Understanding the Terminology

Before diving into cost analysis, let’s clarify three categories.

1. New OEM Parts

Manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer.

Built to exact specifications
Engineered for specific tolerances
Typically the most expensive option

2. Used OEM Parts

Original manufacturer parts removed from dismantled machines.

Genuine OEM quality
More affordable than new
Ideal for major components

3. Aftermarket Parts

Produced by third-party manufacturers.

May vary in quality
Often significantly cheaper
Not always built to exact OEM tolerances

The risk level increases as you move away from OEM specifications.

Why Aftermarket Parts Are Cheaper

Aftermarket manufacturers reduce costs by:

Using lower-grade materials
Simplifying machining processes
Loosening tolerance standards
Mass-producing generic versions
Avoiding OEM R&D costs

This does not automatically mean all aftermarket parts are bad.

But it does mean they are rarely identical.

And in hydraulic and diesel systems, “almost identical” is not good enough.

The Tolerance Problem

Excavators rely heavily on precision.

Hydraulic systems operate at extremely high pressures.

Fuel injection systems require microscopic accuracy.

When tolerances are slightly off:

Heat increases
Friction rises
Seal wear accelerates
Efficiency drops

Small deviations compound quickly.

That’s where long-term cost begins.

High-Risk Components Where Aftermarket Often Fails

Certain excavator parts are far more sensitive than others.

Hydraulic Pumps

A poorly manufactured pump can:

Create pressure inconsistencies
Introduce contamination
Damage valves and motors

If it fails prematurely, replacement is not the only cost.

It can damage the entire hydraulic system.

Final Drives

Inferior gear hardening and machining quality often lead to:

Premature bearing failure
Gear tooth wear
Overheating

Failure here immobilises the machine.

Injectors

Modern engines are unforgiving.

Incorrect spray patterns or fuel delivery can cause:

Power loss
Excess smoke
Cylinder damage
Turbo strain

Turbochargers

Lower-grade bearings and poor balancing lead to early failure.

When a turbo fails, debris can enter the engine.

That’s not a small repair.

The Hidden Cost Categories Nobody Calculates

When comparing a R40,000 aftermarket component to a R75,000 OEM alternative, most buyers only see R35,000 saved.

But they ignore these factors:

1. Downtime

If the cheaper component fails early:

You lose production days
You may pay rush freight
Operators remain idle

Downtime can erase initial savings instantly.

2. Secondary Damage

Inferior parts can damage adjacent systems.

A contaminated hydraulic system can cost hundreds of thousands to flush and repair.

3. Repeat Labour Costs

Every removal and reinstallation costs time and money.

Paying twice for labour cancels out savings.

4. Reputation Damage

Plant hire businesses especially rely on reliability.

Repeated breakdowns erode client confidence.

5. Reduced Resale Value

Machines with inconsistent repair histories and non-OEM components may raise buyer concerns.

Case Comparison: The Real Math

Let’s look at a simplified example.

Hydraulic Pump Options:

Aftermarket pump: R40,000Used

OEM pump: R65,000

New OEM pump: R120,000

Scenario A: Aftermarket pump fails after 1,200 hours.

Downtime: 6 daysLost production: R150,000Labour (two installations): R25,000

Total effective cost: R215,000+

Scenario B: Used OEM pump runs reliably for 4,000+ hours.

Downtime: 2 daysLabour (single install): R12,000

Total effective cost: Far lower over lifecycle.

The cheapest invoice is rarely the cheapest outcome.

When Aftermarket Parts Can Make Sense

Not all aftermarket parts are high risk.

Lower-risk categories include:

Body panels
Non-structural cosmetic items
Certain filters (from reputable brands)
Basic service kits

For non-critical systems, cost savings may be acceptable.

The key is understanding risk level.

Why Used OEM Parts Are Often the Smart Middle Ground

Used OEM parts combine:

Original engineering quality
Lower purchase cost
Better reliability than unknown aftermarket brands

For major components like:

Hydraulic pumps
Swing motors
Travel motors
Engines
Control valves

Used OEM often provides the best balance between cost and risk.

Especially when sourced from reputable dismantlers who test components.

The South African Reality

In South Africa, supply chain challenges amplify risk.

Imported aftermarket parts may:

Take weeks to arrive
Be difficult to return
Lack proper support

Local used OEM suppliers reduce:

Lead times
Freight risk
Currency exposure

That stability matters in volatile conditions.

Quality Control: The Supplier Matters

Whether buying aftermarket or used OEM, supplier credibility is critical.

Look for:

Excavator-specific expertise
Clear condition reporting
Compatibility knowledge
Honest advice

A supplier focused on excavators understands model nuances.

Generic parts traders often do not.

The Psychology of "Cheap"

Human nature prioritises immediate savings.

But earthmoving businesses are asset-heavy operations.

The goal is not cheapest parts.

It’s predictable uptime.

Long-term thinkers calculate lifecycle cost.

Short-term thinkers calculate invoice totals.

Strategic Decision Framework

Before purchasing any excavator part, ask:

How critical is this component?
What damage can failure cause?
What is the downtime cost per day?
Is there a reliable used OEM alternative?
What is the supplier’s track record?

If the part is mission-critical, cutting corners rarely pays off.

Fleet-Wide Impact

Multiply one poor decision across five or ten machines.

A pattern of cheap parts can create:

Ongoing reliability issues
Operator frustration
Escalating maintenance costs
Reduced asset lifespan

Consistency matters in fleet management.

Long-Term Asset Protection

Excavators are long-term capital investments.

Protecting hydraulic systems, engines, and drivetrains protects asset value.

Quality parts maintain:

Performance efficiency
Fuel economy
Structural integrity
Resale confidence

Cheap components gamble with those outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Aftermarket parts are not automatically bad.

But the cheapest option is rarely the smartest for high-value systems.

When failure risk, downtime cost, and secondary damage are factored in, cheap components often become expensive mistakes.

For operators running CAT, Komatsu, Volvo, Hyundai, and Doosan excavators in South Africa, the strategic balance is often:

Used OEM for critical systems.Aftermarket only for low-risk components.

The goal is not saving money today.

It’s protecting profitability tomorrow.

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