Economic considerations orbit engineering requirements when a difficult repair is transformed into a necessary replacement. The hydraulic system may, for example, be on the verge of collapse, but it can still be saved by swapping out a few faulty components. It’s a tough choice, but it’s definitely the economically viable one if the parts are affordable. Aftermarket components would be the viable option, in this case, but isn’t a non-branded part built from questionable work standards? The answer isn’t quite as simple as a straight out yes or no, so let’s consider the effects of replacing genuine parts versus non-genuine parts.
A branded part, one that’s designed to fit an existing mechanical assembly, will naturally slip into place. There are no surprises in store for the installer because the new part was designed to be installed alongside older surfaces and apertures. Fastener holes will, therefore, naturally line up, and the machine, once cleaned, will look like new. The aftermarket component, on the other hand, is likely just as functional as the genuine component, but little annoyances will present themselves. Fasteners won’t pass through slightly offset bolt holes, for instance, nor will the base material deliver the same structural strength. In other words, the new aftermarket part may as well have a neon-bright red question mark painted on its housing.
If the part is quality-assured at the manufacturing facility that first forged the original hydraulic machine, that’s just fine, for we can source all replacement components from the original production factory. But what if the facility has gone bust? It’s out of business and there’s no other option. The head of repairs is left with no other choice. A non-genuine component has to be ordered and fitted. He gets on the line to an Asian parts representative or calls long distance to the Americas. Limited options feel plain wrong, except there is a choice because the component is likely available from a number of suppliers. The problem here goes back to quality and compatibility, for these are hard to pin down attributes when we’re dealing with an international market. The solution is to keep costs viable by buying an affordable component, but that affordable part shouldn’t be purchased until the quality-assurance rating of the shortlisted candidate has been properly evaluated.
If possible, stay with an affordable genuine part, a component that’s fit-guaranteed and quality assured. Otherwise, target the rosy middle of the aftermarket group by selecting a pedigreed component that balances affordability against quality.
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