What are OEM parts and why should you choose them? This is a question many people ask themselves when they look for riding mower parts online. Who can you trust when one company stresses the importance of "OEM" but does not define the term, while another boasts about having the cheapest parts, but makes no mention of the term?

The first thing you need to know is what "OEM" stands for. It stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." You are probably still confused, especially if you have already noticed that some of the parts on your brand of mower are not made by the same "manufacturer" of your lawn mower. Understanding the fact that the company that markets a mower is not necessarily the same company that manufacturers its parts is the first step towards clearing the confusion.

Briggs & Stratton is one of the best known known manufacturers of mower engines in the world. This company has established such a sterling reputation that many people will not buy a mower that does not feature an engine made by Briggs and Stratton. Because of their quality and reputation, their engines are sold on a wide variety of lawn mower brands.

This is not to say that B and S is the only engine manufacturer that makes quality products. Many companies install their motors on some of their models but engines manufactured by another comapny on other models. Also, this company does not manufacture all of the parts for mowers, even on those that feature their engines.

How can you possibly find OEM parts, when your mower will have parts from several different manufacturers on your mower? Do you have to do extensive research in order to find the original manufacturer of the part? It is always wise to get OEM parts, because even common parts like fan belts and spark plugs are manufactured slightly differently by every company. Fortunately, you don't need to know what company manufactured the parts you need. You only need to know the make and model of your mower.

Go to the website of a large and well-established authorized dealer in ride-on mowers for your riding mower parts. They will have a clearly indicated "OEM Parts" tab, probably right there on their homepage. Simply click that tab and it will take you to a search facility.

When you go to this page, you will be able to narrow down your search. A drop down menu will give you a list of brands to choose from. Then another menu will list the various models and years of manufacture of their mowers. When you find yours, you will be directed to detailed views of the sections of the mower. Let's say you are looking for an ignition system part for a Kohler mower, for instance. You will find an exploded diagram that clearly indicates every part, right down to the tiniest screw.

These authorized online dealers are the best place to not only find OEM parts but to purchase your mower. Very often, they will only sell riding mower parts to their existing customers. This is in an effort to keep costs down and OEM parts supplies always available to their customers. Purchasing parts and equipment from a company like this has many other advantages, as well. You will get speedy delivery at such a competitve price that you will never have to settle for generic parts for your mower.