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In a previous, unrelated thread, a small discussion began about aftermarket parts savings. Speaking from experience, I have found that some aftermarket parts can be used with great success. However some blades, belts, or bearings cannot. In many cases, the amount of energy expended searching for quality aftermarket parts outweighs any savings. My feeling is that if the parts quality is apples to apples, then fine, go aftermarket for the savings. We use WIX filters for instance, or FRAM, instead of FORD, KOHLER, or KAWASAKI, etc. These products are time tested by labs, and in my field experience. We buy enough of them to be able to buy them from the same distributor as the local parts stores. The big filter brands likely manufacture filters for the mower or truck companies anyway. Other cases aren't so clear cut. Blades for instance come in different gauge steel, and over the course of several years I have purchased hundreds of OEM and Aftermarket types. The only real savings came when dropping quality for aftermarkets, and they didn't last as long. Now we mostly use OEMs or the heaviest Aftermarkets I can find. Same thing with Belts - Probably Dayco, Gates, etc. makes most belts, so if you go OEM or with a name the quality is the same. As soon as you go offbrand, forget it. Except in a pinch, we use OEM belts now. I used to go to an industrial belt supplier for some specialty belts. He only sold me top quality name brand belts. For bearings, I go to an Industrial Bearing Supply house, and get OEM bearings, eliminating any question of their origin. This has proven successful in numerous cases, including last season, with an aerator, Harley Rake, a couple of trailers,Leaf vacuum and more; all of which received bearing replacement without involving the machine manufacturer, just directly getting the best quality bearings we could find. By finding these types of suppliers over time, we don't need to constantly groom the catalogs only to find that the products weren't what we expected. How about tires??? I've tried everything, and end up with the big OEMs once again. GOODYEAR, MICHELIN or FIRESTONE always last and in the event of any problems are immediately replaced by the local dealer. Sometimes for mowers we used to get the cheaper catalog tires. They, in my experience, did not last as long as the OEM part did unless you stepped up to the better one, and threw the savings idea right out the window. Comments, success or failure stories would be welcome.
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Phil Grande - Soundview Landscape Supply - http://members.aol.com/slsnursery
Ivy League Landscaping - http://members.aol.com/scagrider
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Phil Grande - Soundview Landscape Supply - http://members.aol.com/slsnursery
Ivy League Landscaping - http://members.aol.com/scagrider