Making a genuine difference.

Powernews sat down for a chat with Richard Bates, Perkins product lifecycle manager, who for the last 18 years, has held roles across product support and service teams, and so is expertly placed to provide his insight into how genuine Perkins parts differ from other aftermarket products and why their use is so important.

“It’s really quite simple,” Richard explained, “Perkins engines power everything from critical generator sets to indispensable agricultural and construction equipment all over the world. So, reliability and uptime are vital issues to millions of end users.

“Every component in an engine plays a vital role in performance, safety, and longevity. Even a small failure in something like an oil filter can result in significant downtime and big, costly repairs. That’s why when it comes to maintenance and repair, choosing genuine OEM parts is the smartest way to protect your investment. And for a Perkins engine, that means genuine Perkins parts.”
 

Genuine versus ‘will fit’

Which of course begs the question on how exactly do genuine Perkins parts differ from aftermarket ‘will-fit’ alternatives then?

“Genuine Perkins parts are the exact same parts that were originally fitted to the engine in our factory. They are designed, tested, specified and validated with the engine they will serve and then manufactured to our specifications and supplied by the original manufacturer, Perkins,” explained Richard.

“A genuine Perkins part delivers exact fit and function, proven compatibility and engineered performance. It has been engineered to the same exacting standards as the engines themselves and just as rigorously tested for 1000’s of hours for durability, efficiency, and fit in multiple applications and the most extreme of environments.

“Anything else, like a ‘will fit’, has been reverse engineered by someone. It may look similar, but often does not match the same tolerances as the real thing, leading to potential failure or excessive wear.”

But, what, I hear you cry, about the cost? As the cost-of-living crisis affects people and businesses around the world, can the additional cost of a genuine part always be justified?   

Richard added: “I know times are tough for some individuals and businesses, but honestly, while non-genuine parts may seem cheaper upfront, they often wear out faster or cause collateral damage to other components. A poor-quality fuel filter, for example, can damage injectors leading to decreased fuel efficiency and potentially a major engine rebuild.

“On the other hand, genuine parts are designed for longevity and optimal performance to ensure running costs remain controlled. They also can help reduce the frequency of repairs and lower your total cost of ownership over the life of the engine.

“That is why we can say that choosing genuine Perkins parts minimise risk, save time, protects the full engine system, and ultimately keeps the jobsite moving.”
 

The importance of engine health

Performance is just one of the benefits of using genuine parts, as they can also save valuable time in the workshop that translates into improved uptime.

Richard continued: “Regular servicing and preventative maintenance is the backbone of engine health. Genuine Perkins filters, fluids and components are designed to match our recommended engine service schedules.

“A genuine part is a 100% match for the original and that saves time in the workshop because installation is straightforward and predictable. The downtime and labour costs that pile up when technicians must troubleshoot fitment or compatibility issues are reduced and often eliminated.

“Over the long run, genuine parts also reduce the risk of secondary damage. What looks like a cheap replacement today can become a major repair bill tomorrow if a non-matching component fails.

“It really does not matter what kind of equipment is being used, the same principles apply across the board. Genuine parts help keep generator sets available and operational when needed. They ensure that pumps and compressors deliver reliable pressure and flow. And, they help construction machinery stand up to heavy, repetitive loads. Precise fit and performance matters every time.”
 

Remember your warranty terms

It is of course important to remember that part choices can impact your warranty, not only for the parts themselves, but also for other parts on the machines they are installed on.

“A broken or mis-performing part can lead to total machine failure and it’s important to understand the terms of your warranty if problems do occur,” said Richard. “Perkins parts are backed by a robust 12-month warranty from the date of purchase when bought from an authorised Perkins distributor.

“The warranty-backed protection reduces the financial risk if a genuine part fails prematurely. Not only will the warranty cover the replacement part, but any resultant damage to other Perkins parts will also be covered if the genuine part is found to be the root cause. Non-genuine parts may come without a warranty, and even if they do, it may be a very limited one.”
 

How do I know if it’s a genuine part?

It’s happening in all walks of life, but again, don’t be caught out by parts packaging that’s been deceptively packaged or is backed by false claims.

Richard explained: “All genuine Perkins parts have a Perkins hologram on their packaging. The distinct hologram is your protection against the risks associated with counterfeit and non-genuine parts. When it is there, you can be assured that the parts you have bought have been manufactured by us to the specific technical requirements of your engine.

“Any part that does not have our hologram on the packaging is not genuine and, as such, will not carry the 12-month Perkins warranty that comes as standard with all replacement parts.”
 

Always remember…

“If you’re one of the millions of end users of who depend on Perkins powered equipment, the best advice I can give is that when uptime matters and performance is non-negotiable, don’t take chances. I want our customers to get the best productivity and performance from their engines, time after time, so for correct fit and function always use genuine Perkins parts. It’s just that simple.”

Click for more information on Perkins parts or if you need maintenance information to keep your engine operating at its best then visit our handy maintenance tips and tricks.