Some parts are easy. Others feel like trying to find a unicorn in a junkyard.

Whether you’re chasing an obsolete control panel, a weirdly sized bolt, or a discontinued valve for an older machine, tracking down construction equipment parts can get complicated, fast. One wrong number, and you’re stuck with a part that fits about as well as flip-flops on a jobsite.

But here’s the good news: sourcing hard-to-find parts isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing what to do (and what not to do), and teaming up with folks who know how to track down the stuff you can’t Google your way into.

Let’s break it down.

Why Are Some Parts So Hard to Track Down?

Sometimes it’s the age of the machine. Sometimes it’s supply chain delays, discontinued models, or limited production runs for specific attachments. Other times, it’s just the season like that first cold snap when every cab heater decides to call it quits. Either way, the key is knowing who to call when you don’t have time to wait.

DO: Start With the Right Info

The part number’s not just a suggestion.

Make, model, serial number. If you’ve got a parts diagram, even better. That info helps us zero in on what you actually need and makes sure we don’t waste time sending you something that’ll end up as a shiny new paperweight.

If you’re not sure where to start, skip the search engine rabbit hole and call your dealer. Our parts pros are trained to know your equipment inside and out. We’ve seen it all, cross-referenced it all, and we’re not shy about asking the right questions to get it right the first time.

DON’T: Trust Random Internet Strangers

We love a good Facebook group. But when it comes to your machines? That guy named “DozerDad_72” might not be your best bet.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is folks asking around online and getting bad part numbers or suggestions for components that won’t fit. That might save you time up front, but it’ll cost you way more in delays, rework, and maybe even damage.

Stick with verified sources, authorized dealers, and folks who actually talk to the OEMs. Like us.

DO: Explore All Your Options (Not Just New OEM)

Just because it’s hard to find, doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

When you’ve got a reliable dealer like Southeastern beyond you, you’re able to look beyond the typical channels. We’ll check our dealer network, reach out to legacy and reman suppliers, and even borrow from brand-new machines in a pinch. If a part’s truly out of stock, we’ll provide you with OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured options, along with price, lead time, and warranty details, whenever possible.

Not sure which way to go? That’s where we come in. We’ll walk you through it based on your timeline and budget.

Let Southeastern Be Your Shortcut to the Right Source

You might not have time to call five different suppliers, scan diagrams, or play phone tag with the OEM. But we do.

Our team works behind the scenes, calling manufacturers, checking dealer inventories, and tapping into a trusted network of vendors that specialize in new, old, and oddball parts. If there’s a way to get it, we’ll find it. Sometimes we even have another dealer ship it to us, so you can skip the hassle.

DON’T: Assume It’s Just One Part

Sometimes it’s not just a part. It’s the whole setup.

A lot of hard-to-source parts are tied to upgrades, attachments, or rare machine configurations. That joystick might look like the right one, but if your machine had a mid-year update or was fitted with a specialty add-on, you could be chasing the wrong component altogether.

That’s why our team double-checks compatibility using the serial number and configuration. If it’s unclear, we’ll even pull diagrams or reach out to the manufacturer directly.

DO: Ask the Right Questions

If you’re shopping around, here’s what to ask before clicking “add to cart”:

• Is this part OEM, aftermarket, or reman?
• Is it in stock, or backordered?
• What’s the ETA?
• Is there a warranty or return policy?
• Does it fit my exact model and serial number?

And here’s a tip: if they can’t answer all those, they probably shouldn’t be selling it to you.

DON’T: Wait Until You’re in a Pinch

The first frost. The hottest week of the year. That big job with a tight deadline.

That’s when the “can’t-find-it” parts start causing chaos. Preventive maintenance (PM) is your best defense against part-sourcing headaches. Keep tabs on high-wear items, such as instrument panels and filters, and other components that tend to fail at the worst possible time.

Even better? Set up a PM plan with Southeastern, and we’ll help you stay ahead of the curve.

DO: Work With a Team That Actually Picks Up the Phone

We’re not an anonymous eCommerce site. We’re not a bot. And we’re definitely not gonna leave you hanging on hold while you listen to elevator music from 1993.

When you work with us, you get real humans with real answers and relationships that last longer than your machine’s oil change interval. We don’t just sell parts. We track ‘em down, verify they fit, and keep you updated every step of the way.

Use the Fitment Tools Online (Then Call Us Anyway)

Our online parts portal lets you search by year, make, model, and serial number range to help you find the right fit faster.

But if it’s tricky, rare, or just not showing up? Our team can pull diagrams, check inventory from CASE and other major OEMs, and guide you to the right option. And when a part’s not listed, you can call us directly. We’ve got experienced folks at the ready, every time.

Plus, for every dollar you spend, you earn Equipment Rewards points (which never expire) that can be used on future parts.

Get the Part Without the Wild Goose Chase

Sourcing hard-to-find construction equipment parts doesn’t have to be a guessing game. When you work with the right partner, it becomes a whole lot simpler.

We’re not just here to hand you a catalog and wish you luck. We’re boots-on-the-ground problem-solvers. Whether it’s an oddball part for a legacy machine or something every other dealer says is “on backorder indefinitely,” we’ll go the extra mile to find it or find something that works just as well.

So skip the dead ends and the internet rabbit holes. Call your local Southeastern branch, or head to our 24/7 online parts portal to get started. And if you’re staring down a sourcing nightmare right now? Don’t sweat it. We’ve got your back.