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Regular servicing of your elevated work platform will help keep it running in top condition. You can’t prevent wear and tear though, and busy machines at some point will need parts replaced. When that happens, you’re often faced with a choice: Should I use genuine EWP parts or go for aftermarket ones?
If you’re in the dark with what that means, these definitions will help:
What Are Genuine EWP Parts?
These are parts that are manufactured or approved by the manufacturer of your EWP. For example if you are using Socage machines, then the spare parts will be manufactured in Italy by Socage. It’s a like-for-like replacement of the original part in your machine, so it should be a seamless swap.
What are Aftermarket EWP Parts?
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies. They’re designed to be a more cost-effective option. They perform the same function as the original part, but because they’re not made by the original manufacturer they can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to quality.
The Benefits of Using Genuine EWP Parts
The crux of the decision is whether its worthwhile saving a bit of money and going for aftermarket instead of genuine parts. The short-term savings benefits may be appealing, but long term you actually may be creating more problems for yourself with aftermarket parts.
Here are a few reasons we always recommend using genuine EWP parts at Altequip.
1. Built for Your Machine
Genuine parts are made specifically for the make and model of your EWP. They fit properly, perform like they should and don’t require any guesswork. The service will go smoothly and your mechanic won’t have to figure out any workarounds for parts that don’t quite fit.
2. Keeps Safety Front and Centre
There’s an inherent risk with working at heights that’s simply unavoidable. Safety should be a top priority when it comes to your EWP, and keeping it in the best possible condition is central to this. Genuine EWP parts help to minimise risks, because they’re tried and tested and will meet stringent Australian safety standards.
3. More Durable, Less Downtime
Genuine parts are engineered to handle the jobs your EWP takes on every day. You’re going to get better performance and fewer breakdowns, whether you‘re replacing electrical components or hydraulic parts. Less downtime means happier site managers.
4. You Keep Your Warranty
Most EWPs come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but often this disappears if you don’t use genuine parts in your EWP maintenance. If something goes wrong and your service history shows a cheap aftermarket replacement, the manufacturer might not cover the damage. Stay protected with genuine EWP parts.
5. Makes Compliance Easier
Workplace safety regulators don’t just look at how often you service your gear. They care about how it’s serviced. Using parts that meet manufacturer standards can make all the difference when it comes to passing audits and avoiding red tape. It shows you do things by the book and you take safety seriously.
6. Better Resale Value
When you’re selling your EWP, it’s going to make all the difference if you can show you have used genuine EWP parts in your servicing and maintenance. They help give the buyer peace of mind and prove that your equipment has been looked after.
But Aren’t Aftermarket Parts Cheaper?
Aftermarket parts are usually cheaper and you’ll save a few dollars upfront.
If you look at the big picture, though, deciding to go with aftermarket parts often costs much more in the long run. If the part fails, it could take another part with it and blow out your repair bill. Then, if you’ve got a machine that’s offline, the downtime will start chipping away at your bottom line. Worst case scenario a safety issue arises, and then you would have regulatory and compliance issues to deal with too.
With genuine EWP parts, you’re not paying for a brand name – you’re paying for the associated reliability and proven performance.
Altequip Recommends Genuine EWP Parts
At Altequip, we service EWPs every day. Our technicians work with a wide range of makes and models, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference genuine parts make. Cutting corners shouldn’t be an option when working at heights, which is why we’ll recommend and stick to genuine EWP parts wherever possible.
When you book an EWP service with Altequip, you’re getting experienced and knowledgeable mechanics using parts you can rely on. It’s how we keep your machines running efficiently and safely, day after day!
Book Your Next EWP Service
Is your EWP due for a service or repair? Get in touch with the Altequip team and let’s chat about our genuine parts service options. We’ll help keep your gear running as it should, now and into the future. Chat soon.
