It has been happening forever and it definitely won’t be changing any time soon: Consumers tend to take a price-conscious approach when purchasing items.
It happens in the trucking industry where genuine parts can be expensive, seemingly overpriced compared with non-genuine parts.
So, is there a difference between genuine and non-genuine parts? Is it really worth shelling out the extra dollars purely for genuine parts?
Powering more types of equipment in more markets than any other engine company, Cummins warns there is a difference and that non-genuine parts can have potentially serious consequences in terms of an engine’s lifespan, resulting in a blow-out of whole-of-life costs.
“When you look at the R&D put into the design and manufacture of Genuine Cummins Parts, the non-genuine suppliers don’t do that, so the risks are obvious,” said Travis Lloyd, aftermarket director for Cummins Asia Pacific.
There is a big difference between genuine and non-genuine parts. Image: CumminsDestructive testing
He points out that Cummins engineers conducted lab analysis and destructive testing on over 300 non-genuine overhaul kit components for ISX and N14 engines, including pistons, piston rings, piston pins, cylinder liners, main bearings, connecting rod bearings, head gaskets and injectors.
Of the over 300 non-genuine parts tested, none met all Cummins Design Specifications.
“Non-genuine parts are usually reverse-engineered with poor quality materials and loose specifications,” said Lloyd. “They are not designed or tested to Cummins’ exacting engineering and quality standards and this can lead to rapid wear, poor reliability, high fuel and oil consumption, excessive emissions and even engine failure.
“Non-genuine parts can also pose a safety risk if they are poorly produced or made of substandard materials. For example, fire risk or electrical failure may result from faulty components.”
He points out that while manufacturers of non-genuine parts may claim their products will work in a Cummins engine, the fact is they are not fit for purpose. Only genuine components are built to meet the original factory specifications while using the latest materials, component designs and manufacturing techniques.
“With Genuine Cummins Parts, customers know where and how they have been manufactured, so they can be confident in the quality, durability and reliability of the parts. In the event of failure, Cummins takes responsibility in providing warranty.”
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