The reliability of quality components makes them an essential part of safety, performance, efficiency and cost savings. When you choose the best parts replacements for your heavy machinery, you can help it last longer with fewer repair needs, boosting equipment uptime and keeping your jobs on schedule.
Benefits of Quality Construction Equipment Parts
Replacing old, worn or damaged parts with high-quality parts is essential. High-quality parts offer the following benefits:
- Durability: High-quality parts are much more durable than alternative options, enabling them to last longer. The more durable your parts are, the less often you need to repair or replace them, which results in significant maintenance cost savings.
- Efficiency: You can also expect your equipment to operate more efficiently when you use quality parts. Maximizing machine productivity can help you complete tasks faster or right on time, boosting your profits and return on investment (ROI). High-quality parts also increase machine uptime since they last longer and reduce the amount of repair work you need to perform
- Safety: Equipment operation is much safer with high-quality parts. Since quality parts are sturdier and more durable, you can trust them to support your equipment and facilitate safe operation.
Importance of Equipment and Part Compatibility
While quality is important, a part must be compatible with your equipment for optimal performance and longevity. Choosing a part that meets your equipment’s recommended standards helps you maintain efficiency and prevent breakdowns.
Purchasing genuine or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts is the best way to ensure compatibility because manufacturers design and produce parts specifically for certain machines. You can opt for aftermarket parts, but you must verify that they meet your equipment’s precise specifications.
One of the main OEM or genuine parts advantages is that they are more reliable than aftermarket parts. You can expect a genuine or OEM part to fit your machinery precisely because it comes from the same brand you trust to provide your equipment.
Choosing Between New, Used, Reconditioned and Exchange Construction Parts
Choosing between new, used and reconditioned parts is another consideration when you need to replace a component. Consider the advantages of each:
New Parts
New OEM parts are unused and come with a warranty. A new part typically costs more than a used or reconditioned part, but it offers the greatest performance, dependability and longevity.
Used Parts
Used parts are excellent options if saving money is your top priority or you have a limited budget. Opting for a used part can reduce your overall repair cost by up to 50%, keeping your equipment running without significantly increasing your overhead costs. Reusing parts also improves your environmental impact because it reduces the number of new parts purchased.
Reconditioned Parts
Some companies recondition used parts by disassembling, cleaning, repairing and reassembling them. The reconditioning process may involve replacing broken components and restoring the part to its best condition possible. Reputable companies thoroughly inspect reconditioned parts to ensure you can depend on them.
Exchange Parts
Companies can also rebuild components such as transmissions, wheel groups and engines. Exchange components are parts that a company rebuilds using OEM parts, and they are a cost-effective, dependable alternative to brand-new parts. Another advantage of exchange components is that they often come with a comprehensive warranty like new parts do.
How to Care for Your Heavy Equipment’s Parts
Quality parts require upkeep to ensure the greatest performance and longevity possible. Each part is different, so you should check your user’s manual for specific care instructions. However, you can typically expect to perform the following tasks for most equipment parts:
Inspection and Preventive Maintenance
Regular inspections and preventive maintenance enable you to catch potential complications before they cause damage. Consult with your part supplier or equipment user’s manual to determine how often you should schedule inspections and maintenance.
Repairs
Equipment parts may require repairs if accidents occur or complications arise. Repairing parts as soon as possible prevents further complications and reduces equipment downtime so you can maintain productivity levels.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Some parts may require cleaning, lubrication or both. For example, equipment with rotating parts often requires regular lubrication and inspection for fluid contamination. If your part is susceptible to dust or debris, you must inspect and clean it regularly to prevent contamination. You must also lubricate parts that are susceptible to friction because lubricants reduce wear and tear to help your parts last longer.
Equipment Parts From Thompson Machinery
Purchasing parts from a reputable supplier is essential. Thompson Machinery carries a wide selection of new, used, exchange and reconditioned Cat® parts to meet your equipment’s needs. Whether you need parts for construction, mining, forestry, industrial or agricultural equipment, we can help you find the perfect match. You can find components such as the following when you shop online or at one of our locations:
- Cab parts: You can find cab parts such as cab assemblies, horns and alarms.
- Attachments: Various attachments, such as adapters, augers, couplers and buckets are available.
- Electrical parts and electronics: Our electrical parts and electronics inventory consists of components such as alarms, horns, switches, connectors and cables.
- Drivetrain parts: High-quality parts such as brakes, axles and components are available for your drivetrain.
- Engine parts: You can purchase parts such as belts, vibration dampers, pulleys and hydraulic starting systems to fit your Cat engine.
- Fluids and filters: We offer high-quality filters and fluids to help you keep your equipment clean and operating smoothly.
- Ground engaging tools: Our selection of ground engaging tools features parts such as bucket adpaters, bucket tooth cleaner point tips, wheel scraper arms and cross joints.
- Tubes and hoses: You can find tubes, hosing, couplings, adapters, fittings, caps and plugs from Thompson Machinery.
- Seals, hardware and consumables: Seals, hardware and consumables include parts such as plates, bars, angle brackets, bushings and bearings.
- Hydraulics: Hydraulics parts such as accumulators, cylinders, hydraulic hammer components, pumps, motors, tanks and valves keep your hydraulic equipment running smoothly.
We also offer 24/7 parts and service, and we supply parts through all of our facilities to help you reduce machine downtime as much as possible. With over 50 field service vehicles and over 200 trained service technicians, you can depend on Thompson Machinery to care for your Cat equipment and get your machines back to normal operation as soon as possible.
Purchase High-Quality Parts From Thompson Machinery
Enhancing equipment efficiency is easier with the right parts. Replacing your machine components with high-quality parts from a brand you trust can significantly improve your productivity, cost savings and employee safety. Thompson Machinery offers top-tier Cat parts to match your equipment, and our experienced team can help you find exactly what you need. Contact us to learn more about our available new, used, reconditioned and exchange parts.
