Why You Should Always Choose OEM Riding Mower Parts

When looking for riding mower parts online, you will often see a reference to “OEM” parts. This seller will stress the importance of OEM parts. On another site, you may not see this. Instead, the seller will emphasize the low cost of their parts, which are “suitable for use on X, Y or Z brand.” What is meant by OEM? Whose sales pitch should you trust?

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.

For example, you will find Briggs and Stratton parts on a wide variety of lawn mower brands. In fact, the majority of lawn mower brands use engines from this manufacturer. The Briggs and Stratton name is synonymous with quality and many customers look for mowers with their engines first and the brand name only secondarily.

This is not the only manufacturer of quality engines. Often, a company that puts B and S engines on some of their mower models will install another manufacturer’s engine on other models. Also, this company does not make all the parts for any mower. The fact that different parts on one brand or model of mower come from different manufacturers is where the confusion about OEM begins.

It is always best to get OEM parts, because even everyday parts like belts and spark plugs vary slightly or significantly in quality and machining from manufacturer to manufacturer. By purchasing OEM, you know you are getting exactly the right riding mower parts for your piece of equipment. Does this mean that in order to find these parts, you have to do a lengthy search online in order to find out who that manufacturer is? Fortunately, it does not.

Go to the website of a reputable company that is an authorized riding mower dealer for several quality brands of mowers. The company should be large enough to sell and service a large variety of grounds keeping equipment. They will have a separate section on their website for “OEM Parts.” Just go to that page and select yours from their list of brand and model names.

When you go to this page, you will be able to narrow down your search. A drop down menu will give you a list of brands to choose from. Then another menu will list the various models and years of manufacture of their mowers. When you find yours, you will be directed to detailed views of the sections of the mower. Let’s say you are looking for an ignition system part for a Kohler mower, for instance. You will find an exploded diagram that clearly indicates every part, right down to the tiniest screw.

The best idea is to purchase your new or used riding mower from a dealer like this in the first place. You will get personalized, long term service from them that may include exclusive access to discounted OEM parts. Often these companies offer the parts only to their customers so they can be sure to always have them in stock. Because the will offer overnight or at most 2 or 3 day delivery, there is no reason to settle for second best. If you are looking for value for money, start with the best and stick with it.

For great information and tips to help you with servicing your equipment check out the Riding Mower Parts blogs listed on LawnEq’s website. Diagrams are available for searching riding and Push Mower Parts at LawnEq.com.