We get quite a few calls here at Conequip Parts from Caterpillar machine owners looking for used mufflers. This is understandable considering a muffler from CAT can be very pricey. In an effort to avoid the expensive price tag, Caterpillar owners are willing to settle for a muffler that may have a little rust, cracking, or even worse. Many CAT owners do not realize that the aftermarket industry is a great place to get new replacement Caterpillar parts, especially mufflers.
For instance, a new OEM muffler for a Caterpillar 320L excavator can cost up to $300. A used part generally fetches about half of the OEM list price, making a used muffler for a CAT 320L in the $150 range. Aftermarket mufflers for that machine will run around $200 depending on where you buy the part from.
Obviously, it makes more sense to get the new aftermarket muffler. But what about the quality you may ask? If return rates are any indication, going with a new aftermarket muffler is a no-brainer. We usually only see returns for CAT aftermarket mufflers if the wrong one was ordered. This generally happens when we are provided the incorrect part number or serial number for a machine or engine. Warranty claims are few and far between. Compare that to the warranty claims we get on used mufflers, which is about 10% of the time, you'll understand why spending another $50 to get a new aftermarket muffler makes the most sense.
