Finding the right replacement tractor part can get complicated quickly. A search by tractor make and model might bring up several parts that look nearly identical, especially on older equipment that was produced for many years.
One of the best places to start is with the OEM part number.
Whether you're working on a John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Ford/New Holland, Case IH, Kubota, Allis Chalmers or another tractor brand, knowing the original part number can make searching for a compatible aftermarket tractor part much easier.
What Is an OEM Part Number?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM part number is the identifying number assigned to a component by the original manufacturer.
That number might look like a random combination of letters and numbers, but it's much more useful when searching for tractor parts than a description such as "Ford tractor hydraulic pump" or "John Deere seat."
Aftermarket parts suppliers often use the original OEM number as a cross-reference. This allows you to search an original part number and find an aftermarket replacement designed for the same application.
The replacement doesn't necessarily have to carry the same manufacturer's branding. The OEM number is being used as a reference to help identify the part you need.
Where Can You Find the OEM Part Number?
Start with the old part whenever possible.
Depending on the component, the part number may be stamped into metal, molded into a housing, printed on a label or found on a tag. Filters, belts, electrical components, hydraulic parts and many other tractor parts may have identifying numbers directly on them.
If you can't find a readable number, check your tractor's parts manual or parts diagram. Illustrated parts diagrams are especially useful because you can locate the component visually and then find the corresponding OEM part number.
Old receipts, packaging and previous order records can also be worth checking.
One important distinction: a casting number isn't always the same thing as a part number. If you find a number cast into an old housing or component, don't automatically assume that's the number you should use to order a replacement.
Search the OEM Number Before Searching by Description
Once you have a possible OEM number, search that number directly.
For example, instead of searching:
replacement hydraulic pump for old Massey Ferguson tractor
try searching the exact OEM number.
A specific tractor part number lookup can eliminate hundreds of unrelated results and help uncover aftermarket replacements, cross-reference numbers and updated part numbers.
When searching online, try the number exactly as it appears first. If you're not getting useful results, you can also try variations with or without spaces and hyphens.
Watch for Superseded Part Numbers
This becomes especially important with older tractors.
Manufacturers sometimes discontinue an original part number and replace it with a newer number. This is commonly referred to as a superseded part number.
So, finding nothing when you search a 30- or 40-year-old tractor part number doesn't necessarily mean the part is unavailable. The original number may simply have been replaced by another reference number.
Searching for phrases such as "[part number] replacement," "[part number] cross reference," or "[part number] superseded" may help uncover the newer number.
Don't Rely on the Part Number Alone
An OEM number is an excellent starting point, but you should still verify the application before ordering.
Tractor manufacturers sometimes made changes in the middle of a model's production run. Two tractors with the same model number may use different components depending on the serial number, engine, transmission, production year or configuration.
Before ordering a replacement tractor part, compare as much information as possible:
- OEM and cross-reference numbers
- Tractor make and model
- Tractor serial number when applicable
- Dimensions
- Bolt or mounting pattern
- Spline or tooth count
- Electrical connections
- Photos of the original part
That extra check can save you from discovering a small but important difference after the tractor is already torn apart.
Finding Aftermarket Tractor Parts by OEM Number
This is where an OEM number becomes particularly valuable.
A quality aftermarket replacement part can provide another option when an original component is expensive, difficult to locate or no longer readily available. Many aftermarket listings include the OEM numbers they are designed to replace, making it possible to search directly by the number from your original part.
At Reliable Aftermarket Parts, we carry replacement parts for a wide range of agricultural equipment, including John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Ford/New Holland, Case IH, Kubota, Allis Chalmers and many other makes.
If you already have an OEM number, enter it into the search bar at ReliableAftermarketParts.com. You may be able to go from an old number on a worn-out part to the replacement you need without digging through page after page of unrelated components.
And when you're unsure, take an extra minute to verify the model, serial number and specifications before ordering. With tractor parts, a little research up front can save a lot of downtime later.