OEM vs. Aftermarket: Which Hydraulic Parts Should You Choose?
If your hydraulic systems need maintenance or upgrades, you have a tough choice to make: should you buy original equipment manufacturer parts or aftermarket hydraulic parts?
While the choice can be daunting, you’re not alone in this journey. It’s a significant choice that directly impacts the efficiency and reliability of your operations. You deserve to be confident in your selection and assured that you’re optimizing for quality, performance, and value.
In this blog, we’ll look at the key differences between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket hydraulic parts. We’ll discuss quality and performance, evaluate cost-effectiveness and budget considerations, and cover availability and compatibility factors. At Mission Hydraulics, we are experts in the field, and we’ll leverage our expertise in hydraulic systems to guide you through this crucial decision-making process.
Quality and Performance Differences
OEM parts are designed and produced by the original manufacturer of your hydraulic system. This ensures a high degree of compatibility and reliability. These parts are meticulously designed to meet the original manufacturer’s stringent specifications, guaranteeing they work seamlessly with your equipment.

This often translates to optimal performance and extended lifespan, which makes OEM parts attractive for those who prioritize durability and efficiency. However, they’re frequently only available through authorized dealers, which limits your options for sourcing.
On the other hand, aftermarket hydraulic parts are created by third-party manufacturers. This leads to a diverse market with varying levels of quality. While some aftermarket options provide comparable performance at a reduced cost, others fall short in durability and longevity.
Conversely, some aftermarket manufacturers are at the forefront of innovation, offering parts with improved features or enhanced performance. It’s crucial to research and vet suppliers thoroughly. If you partner with reputable aftermarket producers, you can find quality parts at competitive prices.
Beyond the component itself, consider the performance impact. OEM parts typically use materials specified by the original equipment designer, ensuring optimal performance and durability. In contrast, the quality of materials in aftermarket parts can vary widely, potentially impacting your machine’s lifespan and overall efficiency. This difference has long-term implications; while cheaper now, inferior parts can lead to expensive repairs later.
Yet, with the right aftermarket parts, you might find opportunities for enhancements and customizations that OEMs do not offer. In fact, some aftermarket providers are leading the way in innovation and technology. At Mission Hydraulics, our expertise lies in advising you on the optimal part selection to balance cost and longevity.

We help you maximize your return on investment.
Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Considerations
OEM parts often come with a heftier price tag compared to their aftermarket counterparts. This cost discrepancy is due to brand assurance, rigorous quality control, and direct compatibility. If your budget allows, OEM parts are a worthwhile investment if they align with your long-term operational goals.
In contrast, aftermarket parts can present significant cost savings. They’re typically less expensive because they aren’t bound to the same production and distribution constraints as OEM parts.
However, it’s critical to strike a balance. The lure of the lower price shouldn’t lead to compromising on quality.

Investigating warranties, guarantees, and reviews can save you from spending more in the long run due to frequent replacements or failures. (We offer a 6-month warranty on our parts.)
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts often comes down to aligning your decision with your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in reliability over time. Assess the total cost of ownership, not just the initial purchase price.
To understand this better, consider a hypothetical example: Suppose replacing a hydraulic pump with an OEM part costs $1,500, while an aftermarket option costs $600. Even if the aftermarket option only lasts two years and the OEM option lasts 5 years, the aftermarket option costs less in the long run.
Availability and Compatibility Factors
Another primary consideration is the availability and compatibility of the parts. OEM parts are specifically made for your model, ensuring perfect fit and function. However, OEM parts can sometimes experience supply chain issues, impacting availability. Plus, if your equipment model is discontinued, finding OEM parts becomes increasingly challenging and time-consuming.
Aftermarket parts often boast wider availability and more readily available substitutes.

However, while readily available, it is crucial to ensure proper compatibility. With numerous manufacturers producing compatible parts, there are generally more options for aftermarket parts. This can be particularly advantageous if you’re searching for older parts or have urgent repair needs.
Compatibility, however, can be hit or miss if specifications aren’t followed closely. Ensure parts are tested and verified for your particular equipment. While OEM parts guarantee a perfect fit, aftermarket parts may not always guarantee this critical characteristic. This can lead to potential complications during installation and operation. This means extra steps to verify compatibility, adding time and effort to the process.
Considering how quickly parts can be obtained and whether they will work without additional adjustments is critical to keeping your hydraulic systems running with minimal downtime.
Balancing All Considerations
When making your decision, these factors are not standalone. They intertwine and balance in unique ways depending on your situation. Take stock of your current hydraulic system’s age, operational demands, and long-term goals. Does the ease of finding parts and potential savings with aftermarket components outweigh the certainty of installing OEM parts that guarantee factory fit and function?
Creating a balance sheet with weighted importance for quality, cost, and availability can provide clarity. For some, the assurance of reliable performance from an OEM part may take precedence. In contrast, others prioritize the financial flexibility and availability of aftermarket parts. Read our blog “Why You Should Consider Aftermarket Hydraulic Parts” for more information.
Tips for Making the Right Choice

So, how can you make an informed decision?
- Identify your priorities: Determine what factors are most important for you and your operation. Is long-term performance paramount, or is immediate cost-saving a priority?
- Research suppliers: Whether going for OEM or aftermarket, thoroughly vet the manufacturer or supplier. Look for reviews, certifications, and guarantees.
- Consult experts: Sometimes, seeking advice from field experts or manufacturers can shed light on compatibility issues or performance considerations you might not have considered.
- Consider future-proofing: Evaluate how your choice fits within your long-term strategy. If you plan for a system overhaul, consider if investing heavily in OEM parts now makes sense.
Conclusion
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket hydraulic parts involves carefully evaluating quality, cost, and availability. By understanding the trade-offs and utilizing the insights in this blog post, you can make informed decisions that enhance your hydraulic system’s efficiency and longevity.
Whether you choose the precision of OEM or the flexibility of aftermarket, the most critical aspect is ensuring consistent performance and reliability of your hydraulic systems.

Mission Hydraulics is your trusted partner for aftermarket hydraulic pumps and parts. We offer 50+ years of hydraulics experience and fast turnarounds, along with help finding hard-to-find parts. We offer same-day shipping for in-stock parts, a 6-month parts warranty, and the ability to find unique parts and solutions for hydraulic pumps and equipment.
By now, you might be ready to explore your options further or need support sourcing the right hydraulic parts. In that case, our team offers comprehensive consultations tailored to your needs. We can guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you choose the parts that best balance quality, cost, and availability.
Contact us today to learn more about our range of services and how we can assist you in ensuring the optimal performance of your hydraulic equipment!