Are You Paying Too Much for Equipment Repairs?
Heavy equipment downtime is expensive. Whether you operate a skid steer, excavator, tractor, or forklift, a single broken component can completely disrupt your plans and throw your entire operation off track. When it’s time to source a replacement part, many owners may choose to go to the dealership for their parts needs. This is a perfectly fine choice for those who don’t like to deal with repairs themselves, but what if there was a better way? A smarter way?
If you’re the type of person who likes to roll up your sleeves and get things done yourself, it’s time to join the thousands of equipment owners who are saving time and money by buying aftermarket parts online.
At Parts Online, we make it easy to get high-quality replacement parts shipped fast, without any unnecessary markups. Aftermarket parts are a smart alternative to OEM parts and buying them online can save you time, money, and stress.
1. What Are Aftermarket Parts? Are They Really Reliable?
Many equipment owners are familiar with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, but few understand what aftermarket parts really are. In today’s world where supply chains are complex and connected around the world, associating the idea of cheap with affordable is a mistake. Most products are manufactured in the exact same place, and the only reason price differences exist is because brands charge a premium for simply having their logo added on after the product has already been made. Aftermarket parts are affordable because they are sold directly to the end customer, cutting out any middlemen or additional markups that would otherwise be present.
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers who are not affiliated with the original equipment brand, but design and build components to match or exceed OEM specifications. In many cases, aftermarket parts are produced in the same factories, using the same materials and tooling.
The outdated myth that aftermarket means “cheap” or “low quality” simply doesn’t hold up anymore. Modern aftermarket manufacturers invest heavily in quality control, and many are certified to ISO standards. In fact, several top aftermarket brands also produce parts for the big OEMs; they just sell under different labels. So what’s the result you ask? You get equal (and sometimes superior) performance without paying a premium for a brand name.
2. The Price Advantage: Why Aftermarket Parts Save You Money
One of the most compelling reasons to choose aftermarket parts is cost. OEM dealers often charge a significant markup on their products. But not because the parts are necessarily better, but because you’re paying for the brand, the storefront, and the supply chain overhead. It’s not uncommon to see prices that are 30%, 50%, or even 100% higher than aftermarket alternatives.
Comparatively, aftermarket parts offer exceptional value. You’re buying direct from manufacturers or efficient distribution networks, which means lower costs are passed on to you. For businesses managing fleets or contractors operating on tight margins, these savings can quickly add up. And when you combine aftermarket pricing with online shopping, like what we offer at Parts Online, you avoid dealer markups entirely.
For older machines, this price advantage becomes even more important. OEM parts for discontinued or legacy models can be difficult or expensive to source. Aftermarket suppliers often fill this gap, offering reliable, affordable solutions to keep your equipment running well past its warranty.
3. Availability & Selection
At Parts Online, we stock a vast range of parts for all major brands (Bobcat, John Deere, CAT, Komatsu, Kubota, and more) in the hopes that we can cater to all of our customer’s needs. Whether you're looking for glass, filters, maintenance kits, or electrical parts, chances are we have it in stock and ready to ship. And because we serve customers across North America, we’re built to move fast.
What’s more, online platforms give you the power to search by model, part number, or category. There’s no waiting on hold or flipping through outdated catalogs. Just make sure you have the right part number that you need, and you’ll have accurate results and clear information at your fingertips within seconds.
4. Convenience & Speed: Why Online Ordering Just Makes Sense
The convenience of buying replacement parts online can’t be overstated. With traditional methods, you're often stuck calling during business hours, driving to a physical location, or relying on a salesperson to look up your part. When you're managing a jobsite, working in the field, or juggling multiple machines, that process eats up time you don't have.
Ordering parts online gives you control. You can place an order 24/7 from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Our platform at Parts Online is designed for speed and simplicity, so you can search, compare, and order within minutes. We also offer fast shipping options, including express delivery, so your parts arrive quickly and you’re able to minimize costly downtime.
5. Long-Term Value: Why Aftermarket & Online Are the Smart Choice
Making the switch to aftermarket parts online is about creating a smarter, more sustainable way to manage your equipment for the long haul. When you’re not tied to dealer pricing or limited by their inventory, you gain flexibility. You can proactively replace wear parts, stock spares, and keep older machines running efficiently without breaking your budget.
Fleet managers and owner-operators alike benefit from more predictable maintenance costs. When buying from a trusted aftermarket supplier like Parts Online, you’ll never be sacrificing quality, you’ll simply be choosing a more affordable and efficient channel.
As the aftermarket parts industry continues to grow, more equipment owners are realizing that brand loyalty doesn’t pay dividends, smart sourcing does. In fact, the global market for construction and agricultural equipment aftermarket parts is expected to surpass $100 billion by 2027, driven by rising demand for cost-effective repairs and long equipment life cycles. Customers who shop at Parts Online frequently come back because they trust us to be there for them when their equipment goes down.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Are aftermarket parts really as good as OEM?
In many cases, yes. High-quality aftermarket parts are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, and often come from the same manufacturers that supply the original brands.
How do I make sure I order the right part?
Our site makes it easy to search by part number or model. If you’re unsure, our support team is happy to help. Contact us here.
Do you offer large order discounts?
Yes! Parts Online encourages customers to order all the parts they need so they save money on shipping. Canadian orders over $99 CAD get free shipping automatically applied at checkout. American orders over $249 USD get free shipping automatically applied at checkout.
Conclusion: Get Better Value, Faster Results, and Less Hassle
If you're still relying on dealers for every part you buy, it's time to re-evaluate. By choosing high-quality aftermarket parts and buying them online, you take control of your maintenance budget, reduce equipment downtime, and streamline your operations.
At Parts Online, we make it easy to find the right part, place your order, and get back to work (with less headaches). Our platform is built for contractors, fleet managers, and heavy equipment owners who want more value without sacrificing reliability.
Ready to upgrade your parts sourcing strategy? Browse our full catalog, order today, and experience the Parts Online difference.
