Forklift Replacement Parts: Should I Use OEM VS. Aftermarket Parts?

When you’re managing a forklift fleet, uptime is your main focus. Forklift fleet managers see the big picture of their forklifts and their impact on the company’s bottom line. If you haven’t considered the value rather than the cost of your forklift replacement parts, you may be costing your company money. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts can improve your forklift fleet’s performance and company profitability for many businesses.

Forklift OEM Parts Are Higher Quality

Replacement forklift parts manufactured by OEMs are higher quality than aftermarket options. While they may look similar, will-fit parts are not manufactured to the same standards as OEM competition. OEM parts fit better, last longer, and help forklifts perform better than aftermarket options. Choosing OEM parts can even help your other parts last longer. While OEM parts may cost more upfront, they can sharply reduce your maintenance costs over time.

Not All Forklift Parts Warranties Are Created Equal

Most forklift OEMs include labor and extended warranties on their replacement parts. That coverage can help give you some peace of mind and make up for potential issues with the replacement part. Aftermarket parts are more affordable but don’t offer the same quality coverage.     

Forklift OEM Parts Are Higher Value

Overall, replacement forklift parts from OEMs deliver higher value over time to forklift fleets. You have distinct benefits when choosing OEM parts:

• Better quality materials and design 
• Higher manufacturing standards 
• Longer-term and broader warranty 
• Improved forklift performance
• Reduced fuel consumption

Those benefits outweigh the upfront costs for most businesses. However, aftermarket parts may be worth considering for some.  

Aftermarket Parts Can Be Right for Some Businesses

No solution is correct for 100% of businesses. Aftermarket parts can make more sense if your forklift fleet is not used as frequently or for as long. If you have a mix of forklift brands you may do better with stocking aftermarket parts. Sourcing parts from multiple OEMs can be challenging and time-consuming, whereas one aftermarket manufacturer can typically supply the parts for multiple brands. Operations with a smaller budget may also need to keep spending lower, but they are likely to reduce profit margins as a result. 

If you need certified replacement parts from Toyota, Clark, Linde, or Komatsu the Lilly Company is here to help. We also provide aftermarket options from Starlift and Totalift to meet your needs. We take great pride in the quality of our products and services and only stock brands we believe in. 

For more information about forklift replacement parts or to get answers to any questions you have, contact a forklift expert at The Lilly Company online or by phone 844-LILLYCO
(1-844-545-5926). Or stop by to see us at one of our 13 locations in the Mid-South. We’d love to learn more about your business and how we can help. 

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Belden and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis

Further Reading:
Do You Know How to Read a Forklift Data Plate?
Forklift Chain Replacement: 6 Signs Your Mast Chain May Fail
Forklift Extensions: What You Need to Know