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?
The first thing you need to know is what "OEM" stands for. It stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." You are probably still confused, especially if you have already noticed that some of the parts on your brand of mower are not made by the same "manufacturer" of your lawn mower. Understanding the fact that the company that markets a mower is not necessarily the same company that manufacturers its parts is the first step towards clearing the confusion.
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 to say that B and S is the only engine manufacturer that makes quality products. Many companies install their motors on some of their models but engines manufactured by another company on other models. Also, this company does not manufacture all of the parts for mowers, even on those that feature their engines.
How can you possibly find OEM parts, when your mower will have parts from several different manufacturers on your mower? Do you have to do extensive research in order to find the original manufacturer of the part? It is always wise to get OEM parts, because even common parts like fan belts and spark plugs are manufactured slightly differently by every company. Fortunately, you don't need to know what company manufactured the parts you need. You only need to know the make and model of your mower.
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.
The first thing you need to know is what "OEM" stands for. It stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." You are probably still confused, especially if you have already noticed that some of the parts on your brand of mower are not made by the same "manufacturer" of your lawn mower. Understanding the fact that the company that markets a mower is not necessarily the same company that manufacturers its parts is the first step towards clearing the confusion.
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 to say that B and S is the only engine manufacturer that makes quality products. Many companies install their motors on some of their models but engines manufactured by another company on other models. Also, this company does not manufacture all of the parts for mowers, even on those that feature their engines.
How can you possibly find OEM parts, when your mower will have parts from several different manufacturers on your mower? Do you have to do extensive research in order to find the original manufacturer of the part? It is always wise to get OEM parts, because even common parts like fan belts and spark plugs are manufactured slightly differently by every company. Fortunately, you don't need to know what company manufactured the parts you need. You only need to know the make and model of your mower.
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 will provide you with helpful tips and resources for all of your parts needs online. Find parts diagrams for your riding and push mower parts needs at LawnEq's online site.
