A 12-month pro-rated warranty on undercarriage parts covers a manufacturing defect for a year, with the claim value reduced by the part's service time at the time of failure. The pro-rated math is simple: the longer the part worked, the smaller the covered amount. This guide explains how the warranty works, what it covers, and the documentation that makes a claim fast.
Related reading: for the claim process, see our warranty claim guide, and for counterfeit protection, see our counterfeit parts guide.
What a Pro-Rated Warranty Means in Practice for Parts
Pro-rated means the coverage is proportional to time in service: a part that fails at two months is covered for more of its value than one that fails at ten months. The claim value is calculated from the warranty period and the service time.
The practical effect is that the warranty stands behind the part's manufacturing quality for a full year, while the buyer shares the wear risk as the part ages. The terms in writing define the exact calculation.
The pro-rated math also explains why the installation record matters: the service time at failure is the number the calculation starts from. A part installed without a recorded date cannot be pro-rated fairly, which is why the installation record belongs with the order from day one.
This page describes the general structure of a pro-rated warranty. The published warranty terms provided with each AFT Parts order govern the actual coverage, exclusions, and claim calculation for your part.
For the step-by-step claim process — documenting the failure, contacting support, and the return — see our warranty claim guide. This page covers the terms and coverage; that page covers the procedure.
Coverage by Part Type: What the Warranty Does and Does Not Cover
Coverage applies to manufacturing defects in covered components, and the part type sets the boundary: tracks, rollers, idlers, and sprockets are covered under the published terms, while normal wear is not a defect.
The line between defect and wear is the question most claims hinge on: a seal that fails early may be a defect, while a track worn flat by abrasive ground is normal wear. The documentation decides which case the claim is in.
The part type also sets the coverage boundary in practice: moving parts with seals and bearings carry the defect question most often, while wear surfaces carry the normal-wear answer. Reading the part type before the claim starts sets the expectation for the outcome.
Filing a Warranty Claim: The Steps and the Timeline
The claim starts with the failure: document the part, the machine, the hours, and the condition, then contact support with the order number and the serial number. The return and inspection follow, and the resolution is confirmed in writing.
The timeline depends on the inspection and the documentation. A claim with the complete file moves faster than one that arrives with only a photo and a part number.
The claim steps should be read against the published warranty terms before the order, because the terms define what the claim can cover. Reading the terms at purchase time is what sets the expectation for the claim at failure time.
The timeline also depends on the return route: the part travels back, the inspection runs, and the resolution ships under the program terms. Confirming the expected timeline when the claim opens keeps the machine plan realistic.
The Documentation That Speeds Up Warranty Claims
The claim file carries the order confirmation, the fitment confirmation, the installation date, and the service records. Each document answers a question the inspection would otherwise have to research.
| Claim document | What it answers |
|---|---|
| Order confirmation | The part and the delivery date |
| Fitment confirmation | The machine it was ordered for |
| Installation record | The service time at failure |
| Failure photos | The failure condition |
| Service records | The maintenance history |
What Isn't Covered
Normal wear, damage from incorrect installation, damage from misuse or the wrong application, and parts fitted to a machine they were not confirmed for are outside the coverage. The published terms define the boundaries.
The practical rule is to keep the fitment confirmation and the installation record, because both answer the coverage question before the claim starts. A part installed outside its confirmed fitment is a claim that will not pass.
The exclusion list also covers damage from incorrect installation and from applications the part was not specified for. Reading the exclusions at purchase time is the step that keeps the claim expectation aligned with the terms.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
Ask the supplier the questions that define the warranty before the order: what the period is, what it covers, how the pro-rated value is calculated, and what documentation the claim requires. The answers in writing are the warranty the buyer can rely on.
The written terms are part of the buying decision, not a formality. A supplier that documents the warranty like the specification is a supplier worth the comparison.
Conclusion
A 12-month pro-rated warranty covers manufacturing defects proportionally to service time, and the claim value is decided by the documentation. Keep the order, fitment, installation, and service records, and the claim process follows the terms in writing.
Key Takeaways for Canadian Operators
- Read the pro-rated calculation and the coverage terms in writing.
- Keep the order, fitment, and installation records with the machine.
- Document the failure with photos and hours before the claim.
- Confirm what is not covered before the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pro-rated mean on a parts warranty?
The claim value is reduced by the part's service time: a part that fails earlier in the warranty period is covered for more of its value. The exact calculation is in the written terms.
Is normal wear covered under a pro-rated warranty?
No. Normal wear from service is not a manufacturing defect. The boundary between defect and wear is decided by the documentation.
How do I make a warranty claim faster?
Document the failure with photos and hours, and keep the order confirmation, fitment confirmation, and installation record ready. The complete file is what speeds the inspection.