New vs. Used Cat Parts

When your Cat^® equipment needs a replacement part, you’ll want to get your machine back up and running with minimal impact on your business. At the same time, you have to consider the long-term reliability of your machines. Choosing between new and used Cat parts can be a tough decision, but each option has unique considerations. Explore the pros and cons of new Cat parts and used parts so you can make an informed decision. At Gregory Poole Equipment Company, we offer a diverse range of new and used Cat parts to suit your needs. 

The Advantages of Buying New Cat^® Parts

There are many advantages to buying brand-new Cat parts, including: 

• Correct fit: Genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Cat parts fit your machine seamlessly and work as they should. This means you save time getting the right-fitting part the first time, which performs as efficiently as you’d expect. 
• Longevity: It can be cost-effective to invest in a brand-new part due to its long lifespan. This keeps your business moving forward with minimal downtime as you don’t have to replace that part in the near future.
• Zero wear: With no wear or tear, new Cat parts ensure your machine can run at maximum performance for the task at hand.
• Tested: Each piece of new Cat equipment is made to a high specification with quality materials and tested for quality. 
• New technology: New parts are built with the latest technology, which can upgrade your machine and help it deliver excellent performance.

OEM Cat Parts vs. New Aftermarket Alternatives

It is important to note that new OEM Cat parts are different from new aftermarket parts. While it may seem more cost-effective to buy cheaper aftermarket parts, the quality of those parts is not guaranteed, as they may not have been put through the same rigorous tests. This means that many of the advantages of buying new in the first place may be reduced. Check those aftermarket options carefully and opt for new or used OEM parts for optimal performance and reliability.

The Advantages of Buying Used Cat Parts

For tighter budgets, used Cat parts could provide a good option to keep your machines running. The advantages include:

• Cost-effective: Used Cat parts can reduce the outlay of replacing a part while keeping your equipment running at high performance. This can free up resources for you to reinvest where you need to make the most progress in your operations.
• Right fit: When you buy used Cat parts from a trusted dealer, you can use their online catalogue system to make sure your replacement part is the right fit.
• Available: Used parts are readily available and often have minimal lead times. This increases your machine’s uptime by getting you back in action more quickly. 
• Reliable: Used Cat parts are reliable, especially when you buy Cat Certified Used (CCU) equipment, as this is selected, inspected and serviced to a high standard. CCU parts undergo a 140-point inspection and come with a documented service history so you have full assurance. 
• All hardware included: When using a used part to replace a major component like an engine or transmission, these parts often come with any hardware you’d need to replace your original part. This means you save time and resources from purchasing the hardware or fastener kits separately. 

Key Decision Factors — Cost, Uptime, and Application

Choosing between new and used Cat parts requires a careful balance of cost-effectiveness, uptime, and consideration of the application that your replacement part will support.

At the bottom line, cost-effectiveness may ultimately drive your decision. Your budget will determine how much you can spend on new or used Cat parts. New Cat parts have a high initial cost but come with the latest technology, zero wear, and a long service life. Old Cat parts are a cost-effective way of quickly finding a reliable, quality replacement part to keep your business moving. 

Uptime may also affect your decision. When sourcing a replacement, used Cat parts can be helpful when new parts are no longer manufactured or are hard to find. This means you can get your machines running again with minimal delay. The long life of a new Cat part offers the benefit of peace of mind that you can complete your job with a rigorously tested new part installed.

Also consider how you will use the Cat equipment you are repairing or preparing replacement parts for. For heavier applications, you may need the most durable, long-lasting parts to save time on repairs or servicing. For lighter jobs, you may just need a reliable part that performs well. 

How to Choose the Right Part for Your Needs

Making the right choice when buying a new or used part is entirely down to your business’s priorities. Decide what matters most to you when it comes to making the biggest positive impact in your business operations, whether that’s initial cost, length of service, or level of performance. Choosing between new and used Cat parts isn’t a decision about which is superior overall. There are many shared benefits between new and old Cat parts, like reliability and correct fit. 

Your search for the right part for your needs will require some research. Get quotes for both new and old parts so you can make the right call. Also, reach out to experts who can answer any questions about your specific application needs. You may be able to learn more about how long a particular part is expected to last, for example.

Whatever your choice, new or old, check that parts are genuine before purchasing them. With genuine Cat parts from trusted dealers, you can rely on the replacements for their quality and performance, with a warranty to back that up. Replacing your machine’s part with an aftermarket part may be less cost-effective in the long run if you’re having to replace those parts earlier than an OEM replacement.

Get Reliable New or Used Cat Parts From Gregory Poole

When your Cat machine needs servicing and requires a replacement part, your main priority is getting it back online. But a few key factors, like initial cost, uptime, and application, will dictate whether you choose new or used Cat parts. For quality new and used Cat parts you can rely on to get the job done, use Gregory Poole Equipment Company.

With over 70 years of experience and 13 locations across eastern North Carolina, Gregory Poole is the trusted Cat dealer for the region. Our service experts can guide you on the pros and cons of used vs. new Cat parts, and most replacement parts can be delivered to you within 24 hours or less.  

Find the right new or used Cat part for your machine online today.