Finding Parts for Older Machines

[daenah12]

Hello! 

New to this forum. As a parts person/customer service rep for a dealer of construction and forestry equipment, I have found that many really love their older machines, but it seems to be very difficult to find parts. My question here is if anyone would happen to know some resources to find older parts, obsolete parts or perhaps avenues for places that remanufacture parts for older machines. 

I really want to help keep these older machines running as long as they can and want to be able to help my customers do that

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks!

[lshobie]

You've found it.

[bushmechanic]

Aftermarket Parts Inc. have a lot of obsolete parts for forestry machines, they don't deal with the general public, dealers only.  AkA rightparts.com

[Satamax]

I have found that lots of parts are sometimes generic, or adaptations of other things. 

Measuring, finding the right words, knowing the norms, SAE or ISO DIN etc. Can help a fair bit. 

[Kodiakmac]

There's three good things about having old equipment: you get to know the wrecking yards; you get really good at jury-rigging; and you find the cheapest and most reliable mechanics and machinists in the neighbourhood.