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If you need to replace a belt, you may be considering whether to choose an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket belt to meet your specific needs. In this guide, we compare OEM vs aftermarket belts and help you choose the right option for your application.
WHAT IS AN OEM BELT?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. A genuine OEM belt is supplied as an original part by or for the equipment manufacturer and is designed to meet the specifications required for that machinery. This makes OEM belts a straightforward choice when replacing an existing belt, whether it’s used in garden machinery, agricultural equipment or other powered machinery.
Choosing a belt designed specifically for your equipment takes the guesswork out of finding the right replacement. Rather than relying on dimensions alone, you can search using the manufacturer or original part number to identify a compatible belt.
At The Bearing Company, we stock a wide range of OEM belts, including John Deere, Gates, Honda, Belle and Black & Decker.
BENEFITS OF OEM BELTS
OEM belts offer several advantages when you need a dependable replacement for your machinery:
- Reliable compatibility: Designed to meet the requirements of specific equipment, helping ensure the correct fit and operation.
- Consistent performance: Manufactured to defined specifications for reliable power transmission during use.
- Straightforward replacement: Matching manufacturer details and part numbers make it easier to identify the belt required for your equipment.
- Quality assurance: OEM belts are produced to the equipment manufacturer’s specified standards and requirements.
WHAT IS AN AFTERMARKET BELT?
An aftermarket belt is a replacement belt manufactured by a third-party company. These belts are produced for existing machinery and equipment, offering an affordable and readily available alternative when the original belt needs replacing.
Aftermarket belts are available across a wide range of sizes, profiles and specifications, with options suitable for everything from garden and agricultural machinery to industrial equipment. Depending on the manufacturer, they may be designed to match the specifications of the original component or provide a slightly different alternative suited to the same application.
BENEFITS OF AFTERMARKET BELTS
Aftermarket belts can provide a practical alternative to OEM belts, with several benefits when sourcing a replacement:
- Wider choice: Available from a broad range of manufacturers, giving you more options when choosing a replacement belt.
- Competitive pricing: Aftermarket belts can offer a more cost-effective option compared to genuine OEM parts.
- Greater availability: A wider selection can make replacements easier to source, particularly when an original part is difficult to find or no longer made.
- Choice of specifications: Different manufacturers offer belts across a variety of sizes, materials and constructions to suit different requirements.
OEM BELTS VS AFTERMARKET BELTS: KEY DIFFERENCES
While both OEM and aftermarket belts can provide suitable replacements, there are a few key differences to consider:
MANUFACTURER
OEM belts are supplied as original parts by or for the equipment manufacturer, while aftermarket belts are produced by third-party manufacturers for use as replacements.
PRICE
OEM belts can come at a higher price because they are supplied specifically for particular equipment. Aftermarket belts are often competitively priced, giving you more choice when working within a budget.
AVAILABILITY
Aftermarket belts are produced by a wider range of manufacturers, which can provide more options when an original belt is unavailable or difficult to source. This can be particularly useful for older machinery or obsolete parts.
COMPATIBILITY
OEM belts are designed around the requirements of specific equipment, making compatibility easier to establish by looking up the make, model or part number. With aftermarket belts, it is important to check the dimensions and specifications carefully.
CHOICE
Aftermarket belts can offer greater choice across different manufacturers, materials and specifications. OEM belts provide a more straightforward route when you want a replacement that corresponds directly with the original component.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BELT FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Understanding the requirements of your machinery is the first step to choosing the right belt. The size, profile and specification are important, but you should also consider how and where the equipment operates. Different conditions such as temperature, moisture, dust, exposure to oils and the load placed on the belt can all affect which option is best-suited to your needs.
It is also worth considering availability, expected service life and cost when comparing OEM and aftermarket belts. An aftermarket belt may be a practical alternative if the original is difficult to source or obsolete, but compatibility should be the top priority to ensure continued, reliable operation.
If you are unsure, our experts at The Bearing Company can help identify a suitable replacement based on your existing belt, machinery and application requirements.
OEM BELTS AT THE BEARING COMPANY
Whether you need a direct OEM replacement or help finding the right belt for your machinery, The Bearing Company offers a wide range of timing belts, mower belts, ribbed belts and other essentials. With over 50 years of industry experience, our team can provide practical advice and help source hard-to-find or obsolete parts when required.
Alongside knowledgeable support, The Bearing Company offers competitive pricing and fast delivery options, making it easy to find the right replacement for your application. Shop our range of belts online today or contact the team if you need help identifying the right product.