Back to all news

OEM vs Aftermarket Blow Bars: Why OEM matters for Performance and Reliability

BY 
 - 
19 Feb
 
2026

Choosing Keestrack OEM blow bars over aftermarket alternatives ensures consistent quality, exact fitment, and reliable crusher performance. While aftermarket options may seem cheaper upfront, OEM delivers better long-term value through reduced downtime and predictable wear life.

OEM vs Aftermarket Blow Bars: Why OEM matters for Performance and Reliability

OEM vs Aftermarket Blow Bars: Why OEM matters for Performance and Reliability

When it comes to crusher performance, the quality of your blow bars matters. Choosing the right option can mean the difference between consistent production and costly downtime. Craig from Equip2 Parts recently shared insights into why Keestrack OEM blow bars out perform after market alternatives — and why the right investment pays off long-term.

If you’re weighing up OEM vs aftermarket blow bars, here’s what you need to know.

What Makes Keestrack OEM Blow Bars Different?

Keestrack OEM blow bars are manufactured in a single, dedicated Keestrack foundry. That matters.

Because they come from one trusted source, you’re guaranteed:

  • High production standards
  • Strict quality control (QC) every time
  • Consistent Metallurgy and performance
  • Exact fitment for your machine

When you purchase Keestrack OEM blow bars, you're not just buying wear parts — you're investing in:

  • Perfromance
  • Reliabilty
  • Consistency
  • Tonnage output

Every bar is built specifically for your machine, ensuring ease of installation and a product Equip2 Parts confidently stands behind.

The Risk of Aftermarket Blow Bars

It can be tempting to choose aftermarket blow bars based on price alone. On the surface, the lower upfront cost may look appealing.

However, there’s an important detail many operators overlook:

Even if you purchase from a single supplier, those aftermarket bars may be sourced from multiple foundries.

That means:

  • Variations in material quality
  • Inconsistent casting standards
  • Unpredicable wear life
  • Questionable quality control

When consistency varies, performance follows.

How Inconsistent Quality Impacts Your Operation

Inconsistent blow bar quality can directly affect your bottom line.

Potential consequences include:

  • More frequent bar changes
  • Increased machine downtime
  • Reduced production output
  • Lower overall tonnage

Downtime doesn’t just cost money in parts — it costs production hours. Changing bars more often means your crusher isn’t running, and when your crusher isn’t running, you’re not producing.

In high-demand operations, that loss of production can quickly outweigh any initial savings from cheaper aftermarket options.

Exact Fitment Matters

Keestrack OEM blow bars are designed for exact fitment. That means:

  • Easier installation
  • Correct alignment
  • Reliable performance
  • Reduced installation issues

With OEM components, you eliminate the guesswork. You know the bars are built for your machine - because they are.

OEM Blow Bars: A Long-Term Investment

While aftermarket bars may offer short-term savings, Keestrack OEM blow bars deliver:

  • Consistent quality
  • Predicable wear life
  • Maximum performance
  • Reduced downtime

When you factor in reliability and production output, OEM often proves to be the smarter long-term investment.

Talk to the Equip2 Parts Team

If you’d like to discuss the difference between Keestrack OEM blow bars and aftermarket options, or want advice tailored to your operation, contact Craig or anyone at Equip2 Parts.

We’re here to help you keep your equipment performing at its best - with the reliability and consistency you can count on.

keep reading

Related Articles

Have you registered for the 2023 Equip2 demo day?

Click here to see more information