Aftermarket Tractor Weights versus Branded Tractor Weights.
1.
Aftermarket tractor weights are often produced by the same foundries as BRAND NAME (OEM) tractor weights. All foundries produce castings to the buyer’s specifications or the buyer would reject the products. Some “aftermarket” weights are produced to specifications less than those required by the OEMs. Some are produced to the same specifications as those of the OEMs and some are produced that exceed those of the OEMs. It follows; differing brands don’t require the same specifications and the casting quality and finish of branded weights can differ substantially between brands. Choosing a reputable supplier that properly specifies their products and enforces quality control is far more important than whether the tractor weight is branded or is an “aftermarket” version.
2.
Most Original Equipment Manufacturers (Brand Manufacturers) do NOT produce their own tractor weights in-house. They are usually produced by contracted 3rd party suppliers (iron foundries). Many of these iron foundries also produce tractor weights with the same materials and on the same machinery as used to produce the contracted original equipment manufacturer’s parts. These “aftermarket” weights are usually purchased from the iron foundry in large quantities by smaller (sometimes short line) equipment manufacturers, distributors, etc. Thus, the definition of “aftermarket” can be pretty fuzzy.
3.
Where the OEM usually shines is with their in-house quality control. They typically enforce a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) with their supplier foundries and test samples of incoming castings for weight, porosity, coating thickness, paint performance, dimensional accuracy, etc. TractorWeights.com follows this same procedure on all of our castings. While it is still possible to get a bad weight from any foundry, Tractorweights.com, like most OEMs, will warranty any defective casting.
4.
Is there a difference? Yes and No. As a general rule, the “aftermarket” weights will not have the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) part numbers or other identifying marks cast into the weight and will not be covered by any warranty offered by the OEM. The color may be exact or may be very close. So close it is hard, if not impossible, to determine a difference with the naked eye. The fit, form, and function is usually the same. Sometimes the “aftermarket” weight may have slight modifications that make it work better across more applications.
5.
It has not been unusual for some OEM’s to lower the actual weight of the product produced rather than raising the price to the end customer. The less it weighs the less it costs the OEM to purchase from the foundry. Breakfast cereal would be another example. Less cereal in the box, smaller box, same retail price as original. Typically, “aftermarket” weights usually maintain their original dimensions and weight.
6.
Most iron foundries specialize in a fairly narrow range of products and processes. OEM’s often contract their line of tractor weights from more than one supplier foundry as required either by size or manufacturing process. Many “aftermarket” tractor weight dealers and distributors only use one or two foundries with similar capabilities. Foundries that can really make small weights well may not be able to make large weights with similar costs or quality and vice versa.
7.
TractorWeights.com uses our own foundry, partner foundries and the preferred manufacturing processes for our weights. Differing processes involve differing costs. This is why we never quote weights as a price per pound. Simple jolt squeeze molding processes work great for some weights and some weights require the more expensive high pressure, vacuum or no bake molding processes to achieve the required quality.
8.
In short, cast-iron tractor weights are very durable items. Both branded and aftermarket weights from reputable suppliers will function and hold their value in a near identical manner. Aftermarket weights do not usually have the same list of profit takers as does the branded weight and most often result in increased value to the end user.
This blog is general information only, representing the opinions of the author, and does not cover all aspects of the subject matter. Use of the information contained herein is voluntary.
