In the market for loader parts? If so, you may have seen parts labeled as OEM. Does this label make a difference in the quality of the part though? Let’s take a deeper look at what OEM means and why it matters.  

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What Does OEM Mean? 

While the simple definition of OEM is “original equipment manufacturer,” what this looks like in practice can vary by industry. According to investopedia.com, an OEM is “a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company, which then sells the finished item to users.” This means that OEM parts are made by a manufacturer to fit a specific loader.  

How do OEM Parts Differ from Aftermarket Parts? 

Made to be direct replacements for original parts, aftermarket parts are made by a third-party manufacturer. These parts may not be covered by the original warranties like OEM parts typically are, but LPS does offer warranties on all the parts that we sell. OEM parts will also include any updates the original manufacturer makes, such as fixes to recalled/defective parts or updates to the design. Aftermarket manufacturers may not include these updates if they’re unaware of the changes to the part.  

Why Does it Matter? 

Knowing the differences between the types of parts and how they are made can help you determine which is best for your loader. OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket or remanufactured parts. This price difference may also play a part in which parts you choose to order.  

Here at Loader Parts Source, we offer a variety of OEM parts for your loader along with our extensive catalog of remanufactured parts. If you still have questions about what part is right for your loader or if you are looking for a specific part, contact our team today! We have an outstanding customer support team ready to help you with finding and ordering parts for your loader.