5 Things to Know Before Buying Hydraulic Parts Manufacturer

Supplying your customers isn’t just selling them parts and products they need. Being a true go-to supplier takes a level of expertise about the field that, when the customer is in need, can be used to accommodate customer questions and concerns. 

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Price, quality, customer service, and attention to detail are also major components to being a supplier who provides the best hydraulics equipment and experience.

However, when your customer calls you with a need of a different kind – recommending a product for a specific application, or troubleshooting, for instance – having fluid power facts at-the-ready is key. 

Facts about the impacts of environmental factors, which we cover in this article, are an example of important knowledge you need to provide the best possible solution for end-users.

When sourcing a piece of hydraulic equipment, there are five things about the environment the machine will operate in that should be known when selecting the most efficient, quality, cost-effective equipment for the job.

1. Minimum And Maximum Ambient Temperature

Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored. The adjective ambient means “relating to the immediate surroundings.”

The range of ambient temperature is necessary information to determine the correct hydraulic fluid type, viscosity grade and viscosity index. This is an important determining factor when supplying compatible parts that meet end-users’ needs.

Machinery comes with suggested fluids and lubricants, and qualified hydraulic specialists will be better able to supply the proper equipment for individual systems when given the range of temperatures that these fluids are designed to accommodate.

Excessive heat will cause material to swell and harden, while colder temperatures can result in shrinkage and leakage, and fluids and lubricants are designed to regulate and work efficiently within certain ranges to prevent damage, so knowing the environmental temperature is key.

2. Average Humidity Conditions

Addressing another environmental factor, average humidity, can help an expert hydraulics supplier provide the best equipment for the end-user’s need. Humidity can be one of the more insidious causes of deterioration and addressing it is often a frustrating endeavor of end-users who try to control equipment climate.

From low, to high, to fluctuating, humidity conditions will affect equipment. This simply means some solutions may be better than others to meet the needs of the end-users with a humidity problem.

The level of humidity in an environment can change quickly and unexpectedly, but still, knowing the typical conditions and average humidity level of the application’s environment are a useful start for suppliers who need to recommend products and solutions.

3. Airborne Contamination

It is a common scenario for machinery using hydraulic systems to be affected by microscopic solid particles. As we’ve addressed in previous blogs, contaminants are a possible cause of catastrophic component failure.

According to industry experts, contamination causes 65% to 90% of all hydraulic system failures. The malfunction may be intermittent, requiring extensive troubleshooting to identify the faulty component. Knowing whether contaminants are an issue is useful information to suppliers, who can steer distributers toward better equipment that can avoid future issues.

4. Altitude

Height above sea level and resulting reduction in atmospheric pressure affects pump inlet conditions - especially if the pump is mounted on top of the tank. For the record, this is never a good idea even at sea level, as it has to “lift” fluid into its inlet.

Altitude also reduces the mass of air passing through an air-oil heat exchanger and be accommodated with parts designed to compensate for the reduction. Another useful environmental factor, altitude is an important item for suppliers to understand.

5. Special Conditions

Finally, it’s useful for suppliers to know any issues pertaining to compliance with international, federal, state, local or municipal standards / codes. These can not only be useful, but of critical importance, when providing an informative selection for hydraulics systems.

Other conditions to ask the end-user about when either proposing equipment solutions or performing other troubleshooting:

• Is site in a hazardous location?
• Is there presence of an ignition source?
• Is it an environmentally-sensitive location (high pollution spill risk)?

End-Users Become Repeat Buyers from Knowledgeable Hydraulic Suppliers

Make sure your end-users see the value in your experience and continue developing your fluid power knowledge so they perceive you as an established, well-versed supplier who will take their hydraulics needs seriously.

Suppliers who have “been around the block” will possess the experience to seek out these factors and provide solutions that address the specific needs and concerns of end-users.

Are you a hydraulic supplier who needs this knowledge, and needs your own reliable supplier for remanufactured parts? Hydraulic Parts Source is a leading fluid power remanufacturer, and we’re ready to serve you.

Contact us today to experience OE quality for a fraction of the time and cost by calling (888) 477- or get a quote by emailing .

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.

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.

DINGAN supply professional and honest service.

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.

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.

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.

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!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hydraulic Parts Manufacturer.