When it comes to John Deere equipment, both users and enthusiasts know the vehicles are not simple consumables. They will last for decades given the right support and replacement. However, that requires a good supply of aftermarket parts as needed. Therein lies the challenge; John Deere aftermarket parts are multiple, but the right one for the job can be a bit of a search at times for folks who aren’t getting solid self-repair support at home.
Dependable Equipment Still Needs Regular Maintenance
John Deere equipment has proven itself over the years for the quality of its construction. However, even the best built machines eventually have wear and tear and will need mechanical maintenance. The massive amount of energy these engines produce eventually breaks down parts. Some are designed to wear down, some break after so many years of use. In either case, mechanical repair is needed along with the right replacement part to get the vehicle or equipment working again.
Most fleet managers are fully aware of what can happen with equipment, being fully versed in the need to carry an inventory of commonly replaced parts for immediate use and repair. However, the individual equipment owner may find things a bit more of a difficulty, or the local dealer may not carry the right parts for a simple replacement and swap out.
Supply Lines Going Crazy Made Things Harder to Find
The recent pandemic has made things even more of a leap. Supply lines that were regularly dependable have been disrupted, creating disconnects regionally as well as nationally for even the most versed fleet managers who have a robust library of contacts for replacement parts. Heavy diesel parts in particular have been realizing harder sourcing, affecting all types of agricultural vehicles. That includes skid steers, excavators, backhoes, loaders, hauling, farming, and harvesters. The problem started with a significant drop in demand as functions and activity plummeted in the early days. Then, as people adjusted and activity with equipment picked up again, the supply lines that stopped didn’t restart. Globally, lull in demand and production continue to be sputtering to a start again. In the meantime, parts needed now are starting to become a bit of a treasure hunt.
For the most part, the demand has been for internal parts. Much of the John Deere line is built solid for external protection. So, outer shell and body components generally last for years unless there is some sort of collision damage. It’s the internal issues, usually with the engine, transmission or chassis that end up creating the demand for spare parts and replacement.
How to Find Aftermarket Parts for John Deere Equipment Correctly
Knowing where to look for John Deere parts first starts with knowing what to look for, especially if one wants to get into preventative repair (which is usually less expensive than recovery repair). Market and ordering research conclusively confirms that the primary repairs tend to be associated with the cooling system. Cooling parts and lubrication consumables are far cheaper than replacing a transmission or an engine overhaul, by any comparison, so these are the areas where John Deere owners should be focusing their attention for prevention, especially with diesel motors.
With the parts identified, then it’s a matter of looking at whom to get them from. Again, local John Deere dealers tend to be the traditional source, but they simply don’t have the capacity in many cases to stock all that is needed. In many cases, they are also ordering online from bigger suppliers and just feeding the parts locally with a markup for managing all the logistics. Given that’s the case, folks looking to repair their own equipment might as well deal with a full supplier directly, which is quite possible online today. Suppliers that are reputable and dependable are key, and a long-standing reputation of service and delivery tends to be the premium detail that has good businesses standing apart from the fly-by-night characters.
Focus on Prevention Where Possible
Remember, when it comes to diesel engines and related fuel systems, maintenance is a must. John Deere is no exception. Either one pays up front to keep things running right, or the cost comes back later. And to do that maintenance correctly, one needs to have a steady source of John Deere aftermarket parts that are correct, durable, and have a solid quality support behind them. That only happens with a good, established John Deere aftermarket part supplier. Consolidators and various third-party sources are simply focused on moving volume and expanding profit margins, not making sure customers have the right parts to work with for a critical repair.
A good aftermarket John Deere part supplier will pay attention to the type of equipment the customer has and will focus on helping build a long-term relationship to keep that equipment running properly with the right parts. That includes both preventative work as well as period tune-up parts and even regular repair as well. Customers get the parts they need instead of being pushed components that are a waste of time, and the reputable supplier sees customers coming back again and again for solid service. This is what makes the winning difference in John Deere aftermarket sourcing.
