I used to be an OEM purist. Then my budget caught up with me.
When I took over equipment purchasing in 2020, my rule was simple: if it didn't have a Terex logo, it didn't go on my machines. I was convinced that OEM parts were the only way to guarantee reliability, resale value, and my job security. But after processing over 200 purchase orders across our three facilities, I've changed my mind. For older equipment—specifically rigs over 10 years old—I now believe a well-sourced aftermarket part is often the smarter choice than paying a premium for the OEM equivalent.
Let me explain why.
The $2,200 hydraulic pump that changed my perspective
Everything I'd read about heavy equipment maintenance said to always go OEM. In practice, I found the opposite. In Q3 2023, our Terex 760 backhoe (a 2012 model) needed a new hydraulic pump. The quote from the Terex dealer was $2,200. A remanufactured pump from a reputable aftermarket supplier—who provided a certification sheet and a warranty—was $1,100.
I went with the cheaper option, fully expecting to replace it within six months. That was 18 months ago. The pump is still running strong. I've since replaced three more pumps on similar machines with the same aftermarket supplier and saved roughly $4,000 total. In my experience, the aftermarket part performed just as well as the OEM for that application.
Here's something vendors won't tell you: the OEM support network for older machines is thin
What most people don't realize is that Terex, like most manufacturers, doesn't stock parts for every machine indefinitely. For a model that's 12 years old, the official parts diagram might still exist online—but the warehouse might be out of stock, with no restock date. I've had this happen twice: once for a 2015 Terex concrete truck and once for a 2013 reach truck. The dealer said "six to eight weeks" both times. That kind of downtime kills a project.
Meanwhile, aftermarket suppliers specializing in older models often have those same parts on the shelf. They've built their business around the void left by OEMs. In July 2024, I needed a seal kit for our drill rig. The OEM was backlogged. An aftermarket specialist we'd used before had it to me in two days. I paid $80 instead of $120, but the real savings was the two weeks of lost rental revenue we avoided.
The hidden cost of being a loyal buyer: administrative overhead
To be fair, OEMs have a streamlined ordering process—if you're buying for new machines. For older equipment, the process can be a nightmare. I once spent 45 minutes on the phone with a Terex dealer trying to verify if a part number from a 2014 manual was superseded. That was 45 minutes I didn't have. Then I had to fill out a credit application (because our account was for the newer fleet) and wait for approval.
With my go-to aftermarket supplier, I send a photo of the old part and they get back to me with a match within an hour. They accept purchase orders, offer prepaid shipping, and their invoices are clean enough that accounting never kicks them back. That's the kind of vendor that makes an admin buyer's life easier—and the way I see it, that ease of doing business is a real cost savings that doesn't show up on the invoice.
But wait—what about quality and warranty?
I get why people push back. The concern is that an aftermarket part will fail and cost you more in the long run. And yes, quality varies wildly. I've had a cheap alternator fail within a year, which cost us labor and downtime. But the key is vetting the supplier, not dismissing the category. I always ask for three things: a materials certification, a warranty (minimum one year), and references for similar applications.
Personally, I would not recommend aftermarket for mission-critical components on new equipment—like the engine on a mining truck under warranty. But for older machines, where the OEM support is unpredictable and the cost premium is high, I believe a quality aftermarket part is a legitimate choice.
My final take: know your equipment, know your supplier, and be honest about your limitations
I'm not saying run out and buy the cheapest part you can find. I'm saying that being blindly loyal to OEM parts for older Terex equipment is a financial and operational mistake in many cases. The cost savings are real, the availability is better, and the administrative friction is lower. The key is finding the aftermarket supplier who does their homework. If you're in the other 20% of cases—where your equipment is under warranty, or the part is critical and unique—stick with OEM by all means. But for the rest of us, there's a smarter way.