The word “aftermarket” tells you who made the part. It doesn’t tell you how well the part was made.
That distinction matters when you’re replacing a hydraulic pump or component that your equipment depends on every day. The lowest-priced part isn’t always the best choice, and the OEM option isn’t always the only reliable one.
At PUSH Hydraulics, we believe customers should have another option: brand-new aftermarket hydraulic components designed to provide OEM-equivalent fit, function, and performance.
But what does OEM-equivalent actually mean? And what should you look for when choosing an aftermarket hydraulic component?
What Does OEM-Equivalent Mean?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM component is produced by the company that originally supplied the equipment or by a manufacturer contracted by that company.
An OEM-equivalent aftermarket component is produced by a different manufacturer and designed to match the original component's important specifications and operating requirements.
That can include factors such as:
- Dimensions and mounting specifications
- Displacement
- Pressure capabilities
- Flow requirements
- Shaft and connection configurations
- Materials
- Internal component design
- Operating tolerances
The goal isn't simply to make a part that looks like the original. It needs to be engineered and manufactured to perform the job the original component was designed to perform.
Aftermarket Doesn't Automatically Mean Lower Quality
There are plenty of aftermarket products on the market, and their quality can vary.
That's why choosing the supplier is just as important as choosing the part.
A quality aftermarket hydraulic component should come from a manufacturer with the engineering, machining, inspection, and testing capabilities necessary to produce consistent components. Modern manufacturing technology has also made it possible for aftermarket manufacturers to produce highly precise hydraulic components using CNC machining, advanced inspection equipment, and controlled production processes.
For customers, this creates an alternative to automatically purchasing an OEM replacement.
The important question isn't simply, “Is it aftermarket?”
The better question is, “Who made it, how was it made, and does it meet the requirements of my application?”
Brand-New Aftermarket vs. Remanufactured
There's another important distinction when shopping for replacement hydraulic components.
Aftermarket does not mean remanufactured.
PUSH Hydraulics distributes brand-new aftermarket hydraulic pumps and components. These are new products manufactured as alternatives to original equipment components.
A remanufactured component, on the other hand, starts with a previously used component that is disassembled, inspected, repaired or replaced as needed, and returned to service.
Both are different approaches to replacement, but they should not be confused with one another.
When you purchase a brand-new aftermarket component through PUSH, you're purchasing a new component—not a previously used pump that has been rebuilt.
Why Aftermarket Components Matter for Older Equipment
One of the biggest advantages of the aftermarket hydraulic industry is its ability to support equipment that is no longer actively supported by the original manufacturer.
Equipment doesn't necessarily become obsolete just because a manufacturer stops producing a particular pump.
A machine may still have years of useful life left. Replacing the entire machine simply because a hydraulic component has been discontinued isn't always practical.
This is where aftermarket manufacturers can provide an important solution.
By reverse-engineering discontinued hydraulic pumps and components, manufacturers can develop new replacement products for equipment that may otherwise be difficult to support.
For customers, that can mean keeping valuable equipment in service instead of dealing with an expensive replacement or extended downtime.
A Better Way to Look at Aftermarket
Our goal is straightforward: make quality aftermarket hydraulic pumps and components easier to find, easier to source, and easier to buy.
We’re building relationships with manufacturers that share our commitment to quality while continuing to expand the pumps and components we can offer our customers.
As PUSH Hydraulics grows, we’re also looking to partner with additional quality manufacturers and distributors. The goal is to build a trusted source for aftermarket hydraulic pumps and parts that gives customers more options without sacrificing quality, service, or reliability.
We want to make finding the right replacement easier for the people who depend on their equipment every day.
OEM-Equivalent Aftermarket Hydraulic Components.
That’s what PUSH Hydraulics is building.