The True Cost of Skimping on Crane Parts

Muhidin, a seasoned crane operator turned maintenance manager, shared a story that left a lasting impression. “I thought I was saving money,” he recounted, “but that counterfeit bearing almost cost us dearly.” He had chosen a non-genuine crane part to replace a worn-out bearing, only for the crane to seize mid-operation two weeks later. Luckily, a vigilant rigger prevented a major disaster.

This situation is all too common in the heavy equipment industry. When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to opt for cheaper spare parts. However, the real cost of using non-genuine crane parts extends far beyond the initial savings.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Alternatives

Imagine putting low-quality brakes on your family car—would you do it? Probably not. Yet, we sometimes rationalize compromising on crane components. The math might seem favorable—alternative parts can be 30-40% cheaper than genuine crane parts. But that’s where the savings end, and the expenses begin.

Muhidin’s cheap bearing caused damage to the shaft, contaminated the gearbox, and resulted in a week of downtime. The emergency repairs, lost productivity, and reputational damage turned that 40% savings into a significant loss.

Safety: More Than Just a Priority

Maintenance managers often worry about the safety implications of their parts decisions. Genuine crane parts are designed and tested to function as part of a system, with certifications, quality guarantees, and traceability—features rarely found in alternatives.

Jeni, a procurement officer, aptly stated, “Every time I consider saving on parts, I think about the people working under that crane. That thought makes the choice clear.”

Long-Term Benefits of Quality Parts

Genuine crane parts offer several advantages:

• Longer lifespan (2-3 times that of alternatives)
• Better efficiency throughout their service life
• Technical support and warranty coverage
• Preservation of the crane’s resale value

Companies that consistently use genuine crane parts experience lower maintenance costs, fewer emergency repairs, and better equipment reliability.

Justifying the Investment

To convince management, track the real costs of using alternatives:

• Document downtime incidents
• Track labor costs for repeated repairs
• Calculate production losses
• Consider insurance and liability impacts

One maintenance supervisor created a spreadsheet comparing total ownership costs of cranes maintained with genuine parts versus mixed components. The results were revealing—the savings from cheaper parts vanished within months.

The Bottom Line

In crane maintenance, there’s no such thing as a good deal on poor-quality parts. Choosing genuine crane parts is an investment in safety, reliability, and peace of mind.

Muhidin now insists on genuine Kobelco crane parts, stating, “The money you think you’re saving today becomes the problem you’ll pay for tomorrow.”

Every part choice affects safety, productivity, and your bottom line. Make it count.