When you’re repairing or maintaining an excavator, choosing the right parts comes down to one question: Am I getting a genuine OEM part, or a cheap aftermarket imitation? That question matters because the difference between the two is HUGE. A genuine OEM component will last longer, fit perfectly, protect your machine, and deliver the performance the manufacturer intended. A bad aftermarket imitation can ruin an engine, damage a final drive, or create safety problems on site.

Hydraulic systems are the heart of an excavator.Power, precision, lift capacity, digging strength — it all comes down to one thing: The hydraulic oil you choose. Pick the right oil, and your pumps, valves, cylinders, and final drives last thousands of extra hours.Pick the wrong oil, and you’ll destroy components faster than any operator mistake can. Most excavator owners know oil matters — but very few understand why  it matters.This blog breaks down the science, the logic, a

(An educational, step-by-step guide for anyone purchasing used OEM final drives in South Africa) A final drive isn’t just another excavator part.It ’s the heart  of your machine’s travel system — and one of the most expensive components you’ll ever replace. Buying used OEM final drives is one of the smartest ways to save money… if  you know how to check their condition properly. Because let’s be honest:A final drive can look fine on the outside and still be an expensive disas

Counterfeit excavator parts are becoming a global plague — and South Africa is no exception. They look like OEM. They’re packaged like OEM. Some are even stamped like OEM. But inside? They’re time bombs. Cheap metals, sloppy tolerances, low-grade seals, and zero quality control. The worst part?Contractors buy them thinking they’re getting a “good deal.”Then their machine detonates three jobs later — and suddenly that “cheap” part becomes the most expensive decision they’ve ma

Every excavator part has a story. Some live long, some die young, and some soldier on through rebuild after rebuild until they finally give up and get thrown onto the scrap pile behind a workshop in Germiston. Understanding the full lifecycle of an excavator component  helps you: plan maintenance better budget more accurately know when to repair instead of replace avoid catastrophic failures buy smarter when sourcing used OEM parts Most failures don’t come out of nowhere — th

Sawubona, truth-seekers and wallet-watchers. Ralph and Justin here, standing in the middle of the Benoni strip yard with two identical Komatsu PC400-6 final drives on the bench: Left bench: genuine Komatsu OEM final drive, 9 800 hours, pulled from a low-abuse coal loader. Price from Vikfin: R48 000. Right bench: brand-new Chinese aftermarket copy bought by a customer who “saved” R28 000 up-front. Ran 2 410 hours. Now looks like it lost a fight with a blender. We’ve stripped,

Sawubona, mfowethu! If you’ve ever stood next to a 40-tonne excavator that’s been sitting dead for three weeks waiting for a R280 000 hydraulic pump from Japan, then this 3 000-word deep-dive is written specifically for you. My name is Ralph – I’m one of the guys at Vikfin who actually turns the spanners, drives the forklift, and argues with customs officials so your parts land in Kitwe or Walvis Bay without drama. Today I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how Vikfin has

Another powerhouse has rolled into the Vikfin yard — a machine that needs no introduction. We’re currently stripping a Caterpillar 323D , one of the most dependable 23-ton excavators ever built. Known for its balance of power, precision, and reliability, the CAT 323D is a legend on South African job sites. And now, its genuine CAT components are up for grabs — fully inspected, tested, and ready to keep your fleet running strong. From its rugged C6.4 Acert engine to its smooth

At Vikfin, we’ve got exciting news for all CAT enthusiasts and construction professionals — we’re currently stripping a Caterpillar 320GC , and every component is now available for sale! From its powerful C4.4 engine to its hydraulic system, cabin, and undercarriage, every part is being expertly removed, inspected, and prepared for reuse. If you’re running a fleet of Caterpillar excavators or maintaining one of your own, this is your opportunity to get genuine CAT parts  at a

In the world of construction and mining, the machines are massive, the stakes are high, and the costs are brutal. Excavators are the...

Real Stories of How Used OEM Parts Beat the Clock—and the Budget Downtime is the silent killer of profitability in the earthmoving and...

In the world of heavy machinery, every decision counts. And few choices impact your bottom line more than the parts you put into your...

If you're in the construction, mining, or agricultural business in South Africa, you already know that excavators  are the lifeblood of...