What is the OEM number on a construction machine part, and where do you find it?
The OEM number is the part’s reference number at the machine manufacturer. Most of the time it is on the part itself, in the parts catalogue or on an old invoice. It is also the first thing we ask for when you request a quote.
Written by Kazım Ölmez Digital Marketing
When a mechanic asks “what’s the part number?”, they mean the OEM number. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, the company that built the machine in the first place. That company gives every part a number, and the part is sold under that number for years. Even two covers on the same machine that look almost identical can carry different numbers. With the number in hand, the chance of getting the wrong part is close to zero.
How the numbers are written
The format changes from brand to brand. JCB numbers are split by a slash, as in 450/12401. Carraro numbers are mostly six digits: 066855. On Dana Spicer you will see dots or dashes, for example 112.06.050.04. ZF numbers look like 4475-306-344.
When you search our site, it makes no difference whether you type the slashes, dots or spaces. Whether you type 45012401 or 450 12401, the same part comes up.
Look at the part first
On cast and forged parts the number is usually raised in the casting or stamped into the body. On small parts such as pins there is often no number at all, or it wears off in service.
Before trying to read it, clean the part with a wire brush and a little diesel. Raised lettering disappears under oil and mud, and it can usually be read once it is clean. Taking a photo with the phone’s light held to one side helps too. If the part is still on the machine, stop the engine first and lower the bucket and boom to the ground.
Don’t be surprised to find more than one number on a part. The casting date, mould number or batch number may be marked as well. The OEM number is usually the one that follows the brand’s own numbering format. If you can’t tell, send photos of all of them and we will pick out the OEM number.
If you can’t get to the part
- Parts catalogue: The catalogue that workshops use shows each group with a drawing. The number is listed next to the part in the drawing.
- Old invoice or delivery note: If you have bought the part before, the number is very likely on the invoice.
- The machine’s serial number: It is on the data plate in the cab or on the chassis. If the part changed over the years on the same model, we find the right one from the serial number.
- Measurements and photos: If none of the above is available, photos from a few angles and basic dimensions such as the number of holes, diameter and length are often enough.
What is a cross-reference number?
The same part can be sold under different numbers by different machine brands. Carraro axles are also fitted to Komatsu, Volvo and Case machines, so the same planetary carrier has a Carraro number and a Komatsu number. The Carraro 066855 planetary hub carrier, for example, appears as CA0066855 in the Komatsu catalogue and as 11709500 in the Volvo catalogue.
Sometimes several numbers circulate for the same part. The JCB 450/12401 pump cover is also searched for as 450/10216, 458/M4230 and 334/Y3895. We list these numbers on our product pages too, so you can search with whichever one you have.
When you ask for a quote
If you have the OEM number, it is often enough on its own. Still, include the make and model of the machine so we can check the number against the machine as well. You can attach a photo of the part to the quote form or send it on WhatsApp. We make the covers, axle parts, linkage parts and pins at our factory in Konya, and every product’s OEM number is shown on its own page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are an OEM part and an aftermarket part the same thing?
No. An OEM part is sold by the machine manufacturer under its own brand. An aftermarket part is made by another company to the same OEM number and dimensions. The parts we make are aftermarket parts, and each one matches an OEM number.
Can the part still be found if the number has worn off?
Usually, yes. Send us the machine model, the serial number and a photo of the part. For pins, the diameter and length also make the job much easier.
How do I search the site by number?
Just type the number into the search box. Leaving out the slashes, dots or dashes does not change the result. You can also search with one of the cross-reference numbers.
