I have to reseal the boom and bucket cylinders on my 225. I priced out all the parts online via a few different methods:

1) CAT Parts Store via my local CAT dealer. ("High" quality, I assume all made in the USA/West)
2) Online using Amazon & eBay only. ("Aftermarket" quality, some made in USA/West, some Asia)
3) Cheapest prices online via propelparts.us/ ("Lowest" quality, I assume all made in China)

Here are the results of the pricing analysis: drive.google.com/file/d/1gIPorXAd9OlhiPX...hVs/view?usp=sharing

This is a hobby machine and not a production machine. I may use the machine another ~1000 hrs or so. (Never know however, as once you have a machine like this you "find" more projects that requires its usage etc)

What is everyone's thoughts regarding buying the cheapest seals possible vs. the CAT OEM?

I have resealed just about all the cylinders on my Ford 575D TLB with eBay/Amazon "cheap" seals, and have not had any issues yet after about 300-400 hours of use.

I guess we might be kind of opposite lol. I would rather spend more time on something as opposed to money. I guess because for me, all my equipment is for hobby purposes only, not to make money with. Also, I enjoy the work.

As far as tools, I never buy anything from China if I can avoid it (Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Runnings etc) I usually buy Proto brand hand tools online these days. Only exception is very large size wrenches/sockets that are not used all that much and kind of impossible to break due to their bulk.

The main reason I hesitate to buy the Chinese seals/parts is for political reasons. I do not like supporting the Chinese economy.

I don't have to reseal the stick cylinder as that was done by a dealer about ~300 hrs ago. I paid over $800 to have them reseal. I'd rather not do that again. The only issue I don't have a solution for if I reseal myself is the ~2600 ft-lb required for the piston nut removal/replace. I'd have to make some kind of workbench and acquire a torque multiplier capable of ~3200 ft-lbs.

Unless you are getting NOS USA seals current production is most likely foreign anyway. About all you can hope for is maybe the Brand Names might have better control of quality.

I look at it, How hard is it to do the job again (access, tooling/lifting, labour, calling in favors) and then how much will it cost if you have to drop the oil ect vs the extra for the cat branded stuff.

At least if the cat branded stuff fails you can say you gave it the best shot you could

Ill agree with OM on this. CAT on the box does not mean USA...necessarily. BUT china on the box does not mean junk.....always

No matter where its made, what ever it is, the product is produced to specs the manufacture asked for. ( theoretically )

My CAT supplied track bolts were made in china. I assume they were good quality. If I bought them on amazon... crap shoot.

I replaced a motor mount on a D6 . If i recall ( risky) CAT wanted several hundred. After market was about $100. It took a couple hours to change so I used after market. I think it depends on the part.

Anyone know how I find/purchase Cat Publication PEXP1020? I am told it is a seal kit catalog??? Looking for seal kits for my 225 51U vs. purchasing individual seals...

Give Cat the cylinder part #, they can look if there is a seal kit for it.