When you look for riding mower parts online, you often run across references to "OEM" parts. The seller of these parts always stresses the importance of OEM parts, but rarely explains what they are. On another site, the seller will simply say their parts "can be used on Brand A, B or C." What does OEM actually mean? Who should you buy your parts from?
OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." At a glance, this can be confusing, especially if you need riding mower parts from one brand name and yet find the OEM parts come from another "manufacturer." When you understand that often the company that manufactures a piece of equipment and/or its parts is not the company under whose brand the equipment is sold, the meaning becomes clear.
Briggs and Stratton is one of the best known known manufacturers of mower engines in the world. This company has established such a sterling reputation that many people will not buy a mower that does not feature an engine made by Briggs and Stratton. Because of their quality and reputation, their engines are sold on a wide variety of lawn mower brands.
B and S is not the only quality engine manufacturer and the same company that uses their engines on some models may not use them on all models. Also, while the engine may be a Briggs, other riding mower parts almost certainly will not be. That's where the confusion about Original Equipment Manufacturer parts arises.
One thing about OEM parts that is not ambiguous is that it is always a safe bet to buy them. Even common parts, such as belts and spark plugs will vary slightly in quality and machining, depending on who makes them. When you buy OEM, you know for certain that you are getting the riding mower parts you need for your make and model of mower. Now, how do you know how to locate those parts? Do you first need to do research? No: that has already been done for you.
The best place to find OEM riding mower parts is from a reputable company that sells and services a variety of the best ride-on mowers on the market. On their website, they will have a tab that says "OEM Parts." Click on that tab and you will be directed to a list of brand names.
From there, you can find the exact make, model and year of mower that you need parts for, regardless of its original manufacturer. Then there will be exploded views of the various sections of the mower. If you need parts for the ignition system of a Kohler product, for example, you will be able to find everything from the smallest screw to the largest component quickly and easily.
When you purchase a new or used walk behind or ride on lawn mower, it's a good idea to buy it from one of these authorized dealers. They often sell OEM parts as a service only to their existing customers in order to keep the costs as low as possible. They offer overnight or two day delivery on most riding mower parts, so there is no reason to settle for non-genuine parts from a local parts shop. If you start with the best and stick with the best, you will always get the most value and economy out of your mower.
OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." At a glance, this can be confusing, especially if you need riding mower parts from one brand name and yet find the OEM parts come from another "manufacturer." When you understand that often the company that manufactures a piece of equipment and/or its parts is not the company under whose brand the equipment is sold, the meaning becomes clear.
Briggs and Stratton is one of the best known known manufacturers of mower engines in the world. This company has established such a sterling reputation that many people will not buy a mower that does not feature an engine made by Briggs and Stratton. Because of their quality and reputation, their engines are sold on a wide variety of lawn mower brands.
B and S is not the only quality engine manufacturer and the same company that uses their engines on some models may not use them on all models. Also, while the engine may be a Briggs, other riding mower parts almost certainly will not be. That's where the confusion about Original Equipment Manufacturer parts arises.
One thing about OEM parts that is not ambiguous is that it is always a safe bet to buy them. Even common parts, such as belts and spark plugs will vary slightly in quality and machining, depending on who makes them. When you buy OEM, you know for certain that you are getting the riding mower parts you need for your make and model of mower. Now, how do you know how to locate those parts? Do you first need to do research? No: that has already been done for you.
The best place to find OEM riding mower parts is from a reputable company that sells and services a variety of the best ride-on mowers on the market. On their website, they will have a tab that says "OEM Parts." Click on that tab and you will be directed to a list of brand names.
From there, you can find the exact make, model and year of mower that you need parts for, regardless of its original manufacturer. Then there will be exploded views of the various sections of the mower. If you need parts for the ignition system of a Kohler product, for example, you will be able to find everything from the smallest screw to the largest component quickly and easily.
When you purchase a new or used walk behind or ride on lawn mower, it's a good idea to buy it from one of these authorized dealers. They often sell OEM parts as a service only to their existing customers in order to keep the costs as low as possible. They offer overnight or two day delivery on most riding mower parts, so there is no reason to settle for non-genuine parts from a local parts shop. If you start with the best and stick with the best, you will always get the most value and economy out of your mower.
About the Author:
Riding Mower Parts blogs offers great advice and tips for all needed parts online. Parts diagrams for riding and Push Mower Parts are available to view and search by at LawnEq's website.
