Sea Side Scrap Book » Riding Mower Parts: Why OEM is Best

Riding Mower Parts: Why OEM is Best

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?

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.

Take for example the well-known Briggs and Stratton company. This company manufactures engines that are used on a number of different brands of mowers. The company has a reputation for building quality engines and many people will only buy mowers than feature Briggs and Stratton engines, regardless of the brand of mower.

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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.

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.

Riding mower parts are always needed for the typical wear and tear on your equipment. LawnEq has a great selection of push mower parts and riding lawn mower parts available for purchase.