( Virtual Showroom ) Leading South African mining and construction companies are migrating away from OEM equipment parts to replacement parts of equal or better quality, allowing them to reduce reliance on single suppliers and reduce operational costs.

This is according to Johan Botes, MD of Tractor & Grader Supplies (TGS), a leading provider of high-quality earthmoving and mining replacement parts in South Africa.

Botes says ongoing mining activity and the resumption of infrastructure development in South Africa, combined with ever increasing operating costs, have led to a surge in demand for quality replacement parts for heavy equipment, to ensure the longevity, efficiency and lifecycle cost of machinery. Branded OEM parts are no longer the first and only choice for many organisations.

Botes says the perception that only OEM-manufactured parts can be trusted for mission-critical heavy equipment has changed. “We now see major, blue chip organisations moving away from OEM-only parts to quality alternative parts. They have come to realise that alternative parts can offer equal or even better quality, at a more competitive price. In some instances, the alternative parts manufacturers have improved on the OEM part so they are better than the originals.”

He says: “Historically, non-OEM replacement parts were often seen as inferior quality parts. However, major international manufacturers with decades-long track records now manufacture quality replacement parts of equal or better quality - generally at a significantly more competitive price. These parts undergo rigorous testing and quality control to deliver exceptional durability and reliability. TGS is the exclusive Southern African distributor for many of these leading suppliers.”

He highlights TGS warranties, which are aligned as closely as possible to OEM warranties. “Warranties are important for customers and we ensure that all our product warranties are competitive. However for us, it’s not just about the warranties, it's about the quality of the parts, combined with the service and superior technical support that customers can expect from our team.”

Botes notes that trust and value are crucial when equipment breakdowns can cost organisations hundreds of thousands of rand an hour. “Mining and construction companies can’t afford downtime, and they must be able to count on their suppliers to be there to support them around the clock,” he says. “This is why leading companies are moving to work with TGS as a specialised supplier of alternate parts. It allows them to derisk their supply chains, achieve substantial cost savings and benefit from superior technical support. Our many loyal, long term customers that won't buy from anybody else are testament of this.” 

He highlights the importance of aftermarket service and support in this sector. “Mines and many of our other customers don’t work office hours, so we must be there for them whenever they need us. We open our offices early every day and respond quickly 24/7, 365 days a year. As a value add, TGS also carry out proactive technical inspections for customers, giving them guidance in terms of best practices and areas for improvement. This helps customers avoid breakdowns and assists them in optimising their parts procurement to reduce unnecessary costs.”

TGS has supported South Africa’s mining and construction industries for over 40 years, with many long-standing customers retained for decades. TGS is the exclusive distributor of CTP replacement parts; and O&K Hydraulic Mining Shovels parts. TGS also sells and supports Black Cat Wear Parts, GET (Ground Engaging Tools) for numerous heavy equipment machinery brands.

Botes notes that TGS is committed to customer support and delivering tangible business value. “Quality, value and technical support are crucial for our customers, and we ensure that we deliver all of these.” 

TGS is a BBBEE Level 1 contributor and proud supporter of the YES government program for job creation.