For the out-of-warranty fleet owner, two choices exist when it comes to purchasing parts to service or repair vehicles and equipment: the OE dealer network, and aftermarket distribution channels. In many cases, OE dealers are the first choice. This is often because OE dealers are local and well-known sources. Plus, fleets return to the OE dealer since they already have an existing relationship with the initial vehicle or equipment purchase.
While the OE dealer can provide the parts and services sought by fleets, aftermarket channels can also offer comparable solutions and, in some cases, better value. OE product offerings and cost savings can be found through aftermarket distribution channels. For instance, Bosch and Stanadyne Diesel Service Dealer networks can offer fleets OE fuel system solutions without having to go back to the OE dealer. In addition, the Alliant Power Service Dealer network can offer a mix of OE and OE quality products.
Offerings from aftermarket channels
The vehicles and equipment that are in use by today’s fleets have many components through various OEMs who have set up aftermarket distribution networks outside of the OE dealer network.
For decades, these service locations have rebuilt components using only OEM parts, or act as an aftermarket outlet for components remanufactured by the OEM. The best examples are through Bosch, Stanadyne and Alliant Power Diesel Service Dealer networks.
Bosch Authorized Service Dealers are using original components to rebuild common rail injectors for Ford, GM and Chrysler diesel pickup truck applications; in addition to supplying injectors that are remanufactured by Bosch. Older fuel system applications, commonly found on diesel agriculture and industrial equipment, are rebuilt or replaced by Bosch and Stanadyne Authorized Dealers using OE components.
The Alliant Power Authorized Service Dealer network offers brand new OE HEUI injectors from Caterpillar for Ford and Navistar applications. In addition, Alliant Power has recently partnered with Pure Power Technologies, which manufactures and remanufactures G2.8, G2.9 and common rail injectors for Ford and Navistar applications.
Aftermarket channels are a great alternative to alleviate downtime when a fleet cannot wait and needs the part quickly.
Evaluating cost savings
The statement of “cost savings” is ambiguous. In some cases, perception of lower cost means lesser quality. Quality, however, is not an issue if there is a clear understanding of where the boxed part originated. Pricing is not standardized among different aftermarket channels, so some fleets may have experienced a savings purchasing through aftermarket channels, while others have paid the same or more.
When comparing apples to apples with a specific part, each geographical market is different as many fleets have experienced a savings through aftermarket channels. A good example is remanufactured G2.9 injectors from Alliant Power. Many fleets with Navistar trucks have saved up to 15 percent (depending upon the geographical market) on G2.9 injectors through an Alliant Power Authorized Service Dealer.
Savings also come in the form of repair kit options. Alliant Power offers a variety of repair options that include G2.8 injector connectors, fuel injection control module connectors and two-wire pigtails.
Alternative options available through aftermarket
OE dealers have sold many years of vehicle and equipment applications. Knowing what parts to stock is not always an easy task. Not having a part readily available can mean downtime, which all fleets look to avoid. Aftermarket channels are a great alternative to alleviate downtime when a fleet cannot wait.
Through Bosch and Stanadyne Diesel Service Dealer networks, fleets with older industrial applications will find that these dealers have pumps and injectors available for exchange. When running into a situation of a fuel system part being obsolete, a Bosch or Stanadyne Service Center has the ability to rebuild or source through another dealer.
In the case of the Alliant Power Dealer network, they can offer remanufactured common rail injectors for John Deere 4.5L, 6.8L, 8.1L and 9.0L applications. These injectors are reverse-engineered and come with a trim code. Some fleets have turned to this network as a result of the local OE dealer not having the injectors in stock.
Services after the sale
Fleets need parts, but information can be just as valuable when keeping a fleet up and running. Many aftermarket outlets also repair vehicles and equipment, in addition to distributing parts and components. They have attended training classes through OEMs or industry associations and many are willing to share their expertise with fleets.
In addition, aftermarket suppliers like Alliant Power have an entire department dedicated to technical questions a fleet owner or service manager may have. It’s not just about selling parts, as the end-goal is to get the vehicle or equipment back out in the field.
At times, the aftermarket has been synonymous with re-used parts and poor service. While there have been a few such cases, the aftermarket cannot be painted with one brush.
Fleets can benefit from partnering with an aftermarket parts and service provider with cost savings and less vehicle downtime.
Continued investments by aftermarket businesses in technical training provide fleets with peace of mind knowing that the aftermarket source is committed to keeping their vehicles and equipment running.
Nate Breunig has been with Diesel Forward for 13 years, starting as a sales representative for the Alliant Power product line, followed by the Diesel Forward Sales Representative in the upper Midwest and Northeastern Territories. He is currently the Senior Manager of National Accounts for the Alliant Power product line, in addition to export sales for Diesel Forward.
