FAQ

What is Genuine Part?

Genuine part – or original part, is manufactured exclusively for the original forklift makers (Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Komatsu, TCM, etc).

Newly purchased forklifts from official authorized distributors/dealers are constructed with genuine parts and genuine accessories. Genuine parts are of the highest quality built to the exact specification required by the original forklift makers. Therefore, exact same appearance, quality and dimensions can be expected for all genuine parts. Genuine parts always come with genuine label in their packaging. In general, pricing for genuine parts are the highest compared to OEM parts and aftermarket parts.

What is OEM Part?

In forklift parts supply industry, OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”.

(Please note the term “OEM” might be defined differently for other industries, we are strictly discussing about forklift parts supply industry on our website.)

OEM parts are made by the same manufacturers appointed by original forklift makers (TOYOTA, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI/CATERPILLAR, etc) to manufacture genuine forklift parts, while selling the exact same parts in a different packaging with their own brand name, usually at a lower pricing.

Some of the renowned OEM manufacturers are: NIPPON DENSO, AISIN, KOYO, NPR, RIK, DAIHO, KAYABA, SHIMADZU, etc. Quite often, OEM manufacturer’s brand name and OEM reference number can still be seen on the genuine part.

OEM Part’s dimension and quality are exactly same as genuine part. On some occasion, when the genuine part’s packaging/label is lost, it will be categorized as OEM part.

Not surprisingly, some suppliers tried to blur the line between OEM parts and aftermarket parts. While they can claim their aftermarket products as “OEM Quality”, please be aware that OEM parts and aftermarket parts are never the same. The quality of OEM parts we carry is superior to our aftermarket parts.
NO EXCEPTION.

What is Aftermarket Part?

Aftermarket part – or non-genuine replacement part, is not manufactured by/for original forklift makers. These parts are imitations of genuine parts.

All of the aftermarket/replacement parts we carry are lesser quality compared to genuine/ OEM parts. While still serviceable, the cost of aftermarket/replacement parts is only a fraction of genuine/OEM parts. Nowadays, the forklift parts supply industry is flooded with aftermarket/replacement parts; especially with numerous Chinese forklift parts manufacturers/suppliers on the rise. Our job is to filter out the low-quality replacement parts/suppliers/manufacturers.

Sometimes it does make sense to go for replacement parts. A common example will be - while an aftermarket/replacement forklift air filter might only last one-third to half of the life span of a genuine air filter, the price is only one tenth of genuine air filter, and it can be easily replaced.

With the improved manufacturing technology and experience gained by these replacement parts manufacturers, overtime, the quality of replacement parts we carry has improved steadily. We can confidently sell these replacement parts to our customers knowing they will perform at a satisfiable level, bearing in mind the significant cost savings.

- LYF Forklift Parts February 13th, 2012