Counterfeit excavator parts are a real risk in this trade — and hydraulic or engine parts fail expensively when they are fakes. After nearly 20 years supplying Kobelco parts, here are the checks our team uses before any item leaves our warehouse.
1. Check the packaging
Genuine Kobelco-packaged parts carry consistent label print quality, a clear part number and barcode, and consistent box styles per product family. Blurred labels, wrong fonts, or a barcode that doesn't match the printed number are immediate red flags.
2. Inspect the markings on the part itself
- Laser-etched part numbers — genuine parts have crisp, evenly etched marks; counterfeits often show cast-in or sticker numbers.
- Machining marks — precision surfaces (pump plates, gears, pistons) should show uniform tooling marks, no chatter or tool skip.
- Weight and finish — cheap castings and surface treatment are hard to fake convincingly.
3. Verify the supplier, not just the part
This is the most reliable check. A specialist supplier with a real warehouse, real stock photos, and a verifiable history has too much to lose by selling fakes. Be careful with anyone who quotes suspiciously low and refuses photos or video calls.
4. When price looks too good
A genuine main pump has a market price range. If one quote is 30–50% below every other supplier, the difference usually comes from somewhere — counterfeit, used-rebuilt sold as new, or a bait price. Ask why the price is lower; the answer tells you a lot.