How Using Genuine Parts Can Increase Your Crane's Resale Value If you’ve ever sold heavy equipment, you know buyers look past paint and stickers. They want confidence. They want machines that have been cared for. Genuine parts do more than keep a crane running. They make it easier to sell — and for better money. Why buyers pay more for machines with genuine parts Buyers are buying certainty. When a crane has a clear history of OEM replacements, it signals lower risk. Genuine parts come with batch numbers, specs, and often a paper trail. That traceability reduces the unknowns a buyer worries about: hidden wear, mism atched components, or patched repairs. For the buyer, less uncertainty equals a higher offer. Genuine components also tend to wear predictably. That predictability matters when someone inspects the machine. If a Manitowoc boom has had OEM pins and seals swapped on schedule, an inspector can reasonably estimate remaining life. That makes it easier t o price the crane fairly. Maintenance records: the resale multiplier Parts alone help, but documentation multiplies the value. A replacement log that lists Manitowoc parts, part numbers, dates, hours, and the tech who did the work is gold to a buyer. It t urns maintenance from anecdotes into verifiable facts. Good records also show you ran a plan — not just ad - hoc fixes. Buyers pay a premium for machines with consistent, documented care. In practice, that can move an offer from “maybe” to “firm.” Avoiding the buyer’s biggest fears What scares buyers most? Hidden failures and calibration issues. Counterfeit or unknown parts are prime culprits. They can introduce failure modes that aren’t obvious on a quick walk - around. Using genuine parts from a known crane parts supplier reduces tho se fears. If a hydraulic pump was rebuilt with OEM seals and filters, that’s a check in the “no surprises” column. Warranties and transferable value Some genuine parts come with limited warranties or support. That can be a selling point — especially for a buyer who plans heavy use. Even if warranties aren’t transferable, the existence of OEM replacements shows you didn’t cut corners. It’s another line on the positive side of the ledger during negotiation. How genuine parts reduce downtime and increase appeal Downtime is a direct hit to value. Buyers think about how soon they can put a machine to work. A crane with documented OEM maintenance and Manitowoc parts is less likely to need immediate, costly repairs. Fewer unknowns mean less downtime risk. That percei ved reliability often converts to a higher bid. Also, genuine parts usually fit right the first time. That reduces the odds of rework or compatibility issues after purchase. A buyer knows they won’t spend the first few weeks hunting wrong - sized pins or mismatched electronics. The insurance and compliance angle For many buyers — especially rental houses and contractors on public projects — compliance matters. Using genuine parts helps show due diligence. If an insurer or regulator asks for maintenance history, OEM parts and clear records make the conversation easier. A crane that’s easy to insure and that meets compliance checks is more marketable. Choosing the right crane parts supplier Not all vendors are equal. A reputable crane parts supplier will provide documentation and stand behind what they sell. They’ll help match part numbers, confirm fitment, and sometimes advise on service intervals. When you build a relationship with a good s upplier, you get faster turnaround and fewer mistakes. That improves uptime while you own the crane — and that improves resale value later. Practical steps that increase resale value today You don’t need to overhaul your maintenance strategy overnight. Small, consistent moves pay off. 1. Use OEM parts for critical systems. Prioritize brakes, boom pins, hydraulics, and electronics. 2. Keep clear, dated records for every replacement. Include part numbers and technician names. 3. Keep original packaging and certificates when possible. They’re proof of origin. 4. Work with a vetted crane parts supplier and note their contact info in your files. 5. Maintain a small stock of common Manitowoc parts to avoid emergency, questionable purchases. 6. Train techs to note where aftermarket parts were used and why. Transparency matters. These actions take modest effort but build buyer trust. Cost vs. long - term value: the right perspective OEM parts usually cost more upfront. That’s true. But the question is total cost of ownership, not initial price. A cheap part that fails early adds labor, downtime, and possibly secondary damage. Those costs are real and immediate. Replacing with genuine Manitowoc parts tends to be cheaper over the machine’s lifetime. And when it’s time to sell, the machine’s history pays back another premium. Storytelling helps sell When you list the crane, don’t bury the maintenance story in a file. Highlight it. Note the recent OEM replacements. Mention the crane parts supplier you used. Provide a summary of the last major service with dates and part numbers. Buyers read listings qu ickly. A clear, honest maintenance summary can tip the scales. Common buyer questions — and how genuine parts answer them 1. Will it need repairs soon? With OEM parts and records, you can answer confidently. 2. Were non - OEM parts used? If you’ve been transparent, you can explain why and how they were managed. 3. Is the machine safe and compliant? Again, records and genuine parts help prove it. Final thought: resale value is a cumulative result Resale value isn’t a single decision. It’s the result of many small, sensible choices. Choosing Manitowoc parts when it matters, keeping clear records, and working with a trusted crane parts supplier all add up. They build a narrative: this crane was cared for. Buyers pay for that confidence. If you’re maintaining a fleet, treat parts choices as an investment in your future sale price. It won’t cure every market dip, but it reduces seller risk and makes your crane easier to value. At the end of the day, that practical approach puts more cash in your pocket when you cut the next deal.