If you’re in the market for excavator parts, you’ve probably asked yourself this: Should I go for OEM parts or aftermarket ones? The answer isn’t black and white — but it depends on what really matters to your business.
Let’s break down the differences, pros, and cons — especially when sourcing from China suppliers.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made to match the exact specs of the original machine.
Aftermarket parts are produced by third parties — sometimes better, sometimes not so much.
A big misconception is that all aftermarket parts are low quality. That’s not true anymore.
Honestly, it depends:
Go OEM when precision and warranty matters — like for high-tolerance parts (e.g., hydraulic pumps or swing bearings).
Go aftermarket for wear parts like track rollers, idlers, and flanges — where cost and availability are key.
And yeah, aftermarket doesn't mean cheap junk — not if you buy from a reliable Chinese factory with solid quality control.
Before you order, make sure the parts:
Match OEM specifications
Are made of forged or heat-treated steel
Come with crack testing and QC reports
Are backed by a factory with export experience to the U.S.
Suppliers like Liancheng Machinery offer both OEM and OEM-compatible aftermarket parts. Plus, we support CAT, Komatsu, Volvo, SDLG, and more models.
Here’s the truth: OEM is great, but well-made aftermarket parts from China can give you 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost. If you're running multiple machines, that savings add up real quick.
Besides, the lead time for OEM parts? It can be looooong. Aftermarket often ships faster — and that’s a lifesaver on active sites.
