{"id":11276,"date":"2021-05-27T12:54:25","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T10:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=11276"},"modified":"2021-05-27T12:54:25","modified_gmt":"2021-05-27T10:54:25","slug":"replacement-parts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2021\/05\/27\/replacement-parts\/","title":{"rendered":"How to assess replacement parts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Insights and guidelines to help fleets choose the right type of part for the right situation, keeping both uptime and the bottom line in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"content-body-21084900\" class=\"page-contents__content-body\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">There are three general categories of replacement parts: genuine OE, aftermarket, and remanufactured. Achieving two of a fleet\u2019s most critical goals \u2013 vehicle uptime and expense control \u2013 requires an understanding of all three categories, along with what makes one a better option in certain circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Tim Bauer, vice president of Eaton\u2019s North America aftermarket vehicle group, likes to separate replacement parts into a good-better-best scenario based on features, benefits, performance, and price. This helps fleets maximize return on investment (ROI) by matching the right type of part at the right stage in a vehicle\u2019s lifecycle. Eaton\u2019s aftermarket offering includes clutch and transmission products to support the Eaton Fuller product portfolio.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"teads-adCall\"><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Meritor, a supplier of axle, brake, and suspension solutions, formally structures its aftermarket products portfolio the same way:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Best \u2013 Meritor Genuine, ideal for newer trucks and fleets looking to maintain overall condition and genuine performance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Better \u2013 Meritor and Euclid-branded all-makes aftermarket components, ideal for second and third truck owners<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Better \u2013 Meritor remanufactured products<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Good \u2013 Mach-branded all-makes components focused on value, ideal for trucks in later lifecycle stages\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Eaton\u2019s Bauer says that while original equipment (also known as genuine) parts make a lot of sense for newer vehicles, they can also be a good choice for older vehicles. \u201cMany manufacturers have products that are an older design or have been de-featured to provide a balance between performance and price,\u201d Bauer points out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Sometimes a fleet simply wants to stick with genuine parts. There are several common reasons why.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cOne is total cost of ownership, including what the vehicle is worth at trade-in,\u201d says Mike Eppes, managing vice president of parts for Rush Enterprises, which operates roughly 130 commercial vehicle dealerships (Rush Truck Centers) across the U.S. \u201cOverall risk can also be a factor. Some fleets don\u2019t want to take on the liability of using an aftermarket part in case something ever went wrong and they ended up in court.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Fleets should recognize that genuine replacement parts are components of a system specifically designed and engineered to work together, maintaining the same level of quality originally offered as first fit parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cDesign tolerances and mechanical properties separate an original part from a will-fit,\u201d says Michael Keller, D.M. director of sales (aftermarket, regional fleet, and dealer) for SAF-Holland. \u201cAltering a system with a will-fit replacement part may result in jeopardizing performance and safety.\u201d The SAF-Holland product offering includes air disc and drum brake axles, spring and air ride suspensions, fifth wheels, landing gear, tire pressure management systems, and coupling products, along with a full line of genuine and premium aftermarket parts to support all of those products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">When considering replacement part options, Eric Coffman, senior product manager at Meritor, says it\u2019s important to recognize that \u201csame as\u201d is not always \u201cequal to.\u201d For example, \u201cMeritor Genuine RSD friction (brake pads) are carefully engineered and selected for their application,\u201d Coffman points out. \u201cMeritor RSD frictions deliver performance that is capable of exceeding the 250-foot regulation by 25 feet, representing nearly two car lengths.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">On the other hand, if a fleet is exploring the value of all-makes parts options, Coffman says the offerings of proven industry leaders can provide some peace of mind. The aftermarket all-makes offerings of OE component suppliers provides opportunity from shared engineering, testing, facilities, and technical support. For example, \u201cMeritor\u2019s PlatinumShield III offers premium protection against rust-jacking, and is available in both OE and aftermarket (parts),\u201d Coffman says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The case for aftermarket parts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">SAF-Holland\u2019s Keller agrees that premium aftermarket parts should only be considered if designed and produced by a trusted manufacturer that understands the importance of safety and uptime.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cThe decision to use premium aftermarket parts should be based on more variables than just price, although price plays an important role,\u201d Keller says. \u201cOur Gold Line Quality Parts, for example, are designed and manufactured to the quality standards expected for extended performance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Parts vendors can help fleets make wise purchasing decisions. \u201cOur job is to provide as much choice as possible for any make of truck, including OE, a national branded part or a high-quality aftermarket part,\u201d says Larry Gruendike, director of category management for Rush Enterprises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">In addition to Rush Truck Centers, Rush Enterprises also operates Rig Tough Parts, a premium line of aftermarket parts for all makes and models of heavy duty trucks. Robb Nixon, vice president of aftermarket sales for Rush Enterprises, says Rig Tough Parts are backed by a warranty that is as good or better than other parts sold by Rush Enterprises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">While some fleets will only go back to genuine parts, others have a different philosophy that more strongly emphasizes operating cost. Parts-related decisions often hinge on vehicle age, as well as the type of component.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cA cosmetic part is typically less of a concern to a fleet,\u201d Rush Enterprises\u2019 Eppes says. \u201cIf a high-quality aftermarket part is available, they\u2019ll often use it over OE. On the other hand is something like an internal engine or transmission part. Should that part fail, the cost of downtime far outweighs the cost savings of going with an aftermarket part.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Abe Aon, regional aftermarket sales leader for Wabco North America, says his team likes to approach fleets with an ownership lifecycle support perspective. Wabco is a manufacturer of braking systems, steering systems, air compressors, air dryers, and more. The company offers the complete trifecta of replacement parts: genuine OE, remanufactured, and all-makes aftermarket. The company\u2019s all-makes parts offering is available through its ProVia brand, launched in 2016. ProVia parts are designed to bridge the gap between genuine and low-end budget parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cA fleet with an older vehicle might not need a part that will last another 15 years,\u201d Aon says. \u201cThe fleet might be looking for something that\u2019s a little bit lower-cost and not necessarily to that original OEM spec. At the end of the day, the fleet is going to dictate that to us. Then we give them the best options that will provide the best value for their dollar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The case for remanufactured parts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Sometimes a remanufactured part provides the best value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">In addition to Rig Tough aftermarket parts, Rush Enterprises operates its own line of remanufactured parts called Premium Power. Eppes says the company is primarily focused on engine components at this time since the engine is one area where reman can make good financial sense for a fleet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cProducts that include a large amount of cost and energy, such as products with large cast pieces, are good for remanufacturing,\u201d Wabco\u2019s Aon says. Along with engines, examples include air compressors, air dryers, steering gears, and transmissions. \u201cThese things make a lot of sense because there is still a lot of life left on the high-dollar components that go into them,\u201d Aon adds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Founded in 2010, Wabco Reman Solutions remanufactures a variety of electronics, mechatronic components, and conventional mechanical products for both Wabco and other OEMs. Wabco remanufactures back to the original OEM spec. In fact, they\u2019ll also upgrade to the latest features within that product line. \u201cWabco OEM and Wabco Remanufactured are functionally and durably equivalent,\u201d Aon says. \u201cThis gives us an opportunity to bring a better value to market while still maintaining the consistency and specification fleets require.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">While remanufactured parts present a lower-cost option, Eaton\u2019s Bauer says fleets shouldn\u2019t view that as a reflection of inferior product quality. \u201cRemanufactured products can be as good or better than new parts if the remanufacturer has good techniques to qualify reclaimed [salvaged] parts in the operation,\u201d Bauer says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The manufacturing process itself is also important. John Chalifoux, president and chief operating officer of MERA, the Motor &amp; Equipment Manufacturers Association&#8217;s sustainable manufacturing division, says it\u2019s important to recognize that remanufacturing has the word manufacturing in it. \u201cIf you ever toured the plants of many of our members by starting at the end of the assembly line, you\u2019d think you were in a new manufacturing facility,\u201d Chalifoux relates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">One such MERA member is Reviva, a remanufacturer of diesel engines and components. \u201cIf a truck is new enough, there is still the potential of replacing an engine with a new engine,\u201d says Josh Stahl, president of Reviva. \u201cBut in many instances, an engine lasts a very long time. By the time it needs to be replaced, it is either no longer produced by the manufacturer or has been greatly modified. In those instances, replacing with a brand new engine isn\u2019t a feasible option for a fleet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">So what are the options?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Perform an in-frame overhaul of the existing engine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Replace with a used engine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Replace with a remanufactured engine\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cThe problem with a used engine is that you never know what you\u2019re going to get,\u201d Stahl says. \u201cAnd with today\u2019s electronically controlled engines, you need to find one that is almost an exact fit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">An in-frame overhaul can be a good option, but according to Stahl, many fleets do not have either the technician or bay availability to tackle intensive projects like this. \u201cFleets are often better off flopping a complete engine in a day or two,\u201d Stahl says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">This is where reman fits in. Stahl says Reviva does sell some long blocks, but most of the company\u2019s sales are complete drop-ins. According to Stahl, fleets can have confidence in what they are getting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cRemanufactured means the engine is completely disassembled in a factory setting,\u201d Stahl explains. \u201cWe thoroughly clean and inspect the engine to make sure all parts are qualified. Anything out of spec is discarded. We always use 100-percent new pistons, rings, bearings, and gaskets. All parts must be OE or equivalent. In many cases, it is an OE part. In others, we use reputable names. For example, we might use a Federal Mogul piston that maybe wasn\u2019t specifically made for a certain application but is a proven part and a good fit. We then put the engine on a dynamometer and test it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">In 2017, MERA launched the Manufactured Again Certification. Manufacturing and remanufacturing are held to the same international quality standards based on ISO 9001 and IATF 16949. Through this effort, a manufacturing process is certified, as opposed to specific products. That said, fleets purchasing remanufactured parts from a certified manufacturer can have an extra degree of confidence in the finished product.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The finer details of parts selection<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A fleet should develop its own set of criteria for evaluating replacement parts. According to Eaton\u2019s Bauer, that criteria will likely include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Vehicle\u2019s lifecycle stage<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">The component itself<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Cost of potential downtime\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">According to SAF-Holland\u2019s Keller, other factors can also come into play:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Product warranty<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Strength of company\u2019s presence in the industry<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Manufacturing capabilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Distribution footprint<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Knowledge and support provided by vendor\u2019s sales team<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Customer service\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Preventive maintenance is another consideration. As an example, Bauer compares Eaton\u2019s Advantage self-adjusting clutch, which is to OE specification, to Eaton\u2019s EverTough genuine aftermarket part:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Advantage \u2013 meets and exceeds OE specifications, recommended lubrication interval of 50,000 miles<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">EverTough \u2013 high-value option at a lower price point, recommended lubrication interval of 25,000 miles\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">A fleet should evaluate price point, maintenance needs, and uptime in unison to make the right decision as to which type of part makes the most sense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">It\u2019s also important for a fleet to know who is actually manufacturing the part. According to Bauer, there are some key things to understanding:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">How are the parts approved for sale and use?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Does the supplier support an ISO\/TS process when developing, releasing, and manufacturing products?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Does the supplier have an OEM position or not?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">What support network is in place to address questions or product issues?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cThere is an expectation that all parts sold in the market are proven, tested, and approved with a standard criteria \u2013 however, that is not the case,\u201d Bauer says. \u201cWhen fleets are making a purchasing decision, they should do their research and ask their parts suppliers for products by brand or manufacturer name to ensure they are getting the quality they expect, as well as what they are expecting in terms of performance and support.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Good parts suppliers provide a good selection, insightful advice, and a shopping experience that makes it as easy and fast as possible to find the right part.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cWhen you walk into a FleetPride branch, you\u2019ll see shelves stocked with the best-known brands in the industry, plus an assortment of our private brands like OTR,\u201d says Mike Harris, senior vice president of sales and branch operations for FleetPride, a provider of services and parts for heavy duty trucks and trailers with more than 270 locations across the country. \u201cWe\u2019re focused on having what the customer needs for their particular application with the quality attributes, warranty, and price points that make the most sense for the job at hand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Parts availability is also a key consideration when it comes to selecting parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Rush Enterprises has made significant investments to simplify and expedite parts shopping for fleets. RushCare Parts Connect, launched earlier this year, is an online ordering system that allows fleets to shop parts for all makes and models of medium and heavy duty trucks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cParts Connect gives the fleet e-commerce capability, as well as the ability to view all of our parts inventory across the country,\u201d Nixon says. Parts Connect is also set up to provide not only the OE part number but also up to three alternative aftermarket part numbers. Pricing is also displayed to help the fleet make a faster, more informed decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Faster, yet more informed replacement part decisions should be the goal of any fleet. By understanding the types of parts available, along with when and where each type makes the most economic sense, fleets will be well on their way toward achieving that goal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<p>By <span class=\"page-attribution__content-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com\/home\/contact\/20987851\/gregg-wartgow\">Gregg Wartgow<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"posted-by\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"g-cols wpb_row type_default valign_top vc_inner vc_custom_1585038969469\">\n<div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"w-post-elm post_content\">\n<div class=\"g-cols wpb_row type_default valign_top vc_inner vc_custom_1585038969469\">\n<div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"w-post-elm post_content\">\n<div class=\"g-cols wpb_row type_default valign_top vc_inner vc_custom_1585038969469\">\n<div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"w-post-elm post_content\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/consultancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>CUT COTS OF THE FLEET WITH OUR AUDIT PROGRAM<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/consultancy\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5377 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" alt=\"\" width=\"858\" height=\"572\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The audit is a key tool to know the overall status and provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet. We propose the following fleet management audit.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/consultancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Insights and guidelines to help fleets choose the right type of part for the right situation, keeping both uptime and the bottom line in mind. There are three general categories of replacement parts: genuine OE, aftermarket, and remanufactured. Achieving two of a fleet\u2019s most critical goals \u2013 vehicle uptime and expense control \u2013 requires an&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[53,131],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11276"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11276"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11278,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11276\/revisions\/11278"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}