An Educational Guide for Excavator Owners, Operators & Fleet Managers in South Africa The final drive is one of the most abused—and most expensive—components on any excavator. It’s the muscle that turns your tracks, pushes the machine through mud, climbs slopes, and rotates under load. And yet, most failures don’t come from “bad luck” or “a weak part.” They come from operation .How the machine is driven matters just as much as what’s inside the gearbox. At Vikfin, we’ve seen

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

In the construction game, downtime  is the enemy. When your excavator’s parked instead of digging, every minute costs you money — in idle crews, missed deadlines, and lost contracts. But there’s one simple, smart way to slash downtime without breaking the bank: using used OEM excavator parts  from a trusted supplier like Vikfin . Let’s break down exactly how  genuine OEM parts — even used ones — can keep your machines in the dirt and out of the workshop. 1. Perfect Fit, Every

Every powerful excavator you see on site — roaring, digging, breaking — is a collection of thousands of precision-engineered parts working together. But what happens when one of those machines reaches the end of its life? Does it all go to waste? Not at Vikfin. Behind every used OEM part that leaves our warehouse, there’s a story — a process that starts long before it lands in your hands. It’s a story of engineering precision, grit, and South African know-how. This is the sec

You’ve probably heard it before: “Oil is the lifeblood of your machine.”It’s not just a catchy saying—it’s literal truth. For an excavator, oil testing isn’t some optional extra you do when you’ve got time. It’s an essential diagnostic tool that tells you what’s going on inside the machine long before you hear the first grind, smell the first burn, or see the first warning light. Skipping oil testing is like ignoring your own blood test results because “you feel fine.” The re

Excavators are the workhorses of the construction, mining, and forestry industries. Whether you’re trenching, digging foundations, or...

When people think about keeping an excavator running, the big stuff usually comes to mind: engines, final drives, hydraulic pumps, or...

(And Why Vikfin Is Your Lifeline When Sh*t Breaks Anyway) If your excavator was a body, the final drive would be the Achilles...

When it comes to excavator performance and reliability, the heart of the machine—its engine—makes all the difference. And if you’re...

Let’s talk about something no one wants to admit, especially not in public or in front of their crew: buyer's remorse . That...

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

Your excavator is a beast. It digs, lifts, crushes, and conquers. But just like a bodybuilder with a weak heart, it’s only as strong as...

Your excavator is a war machine. A dirt-chomping, trench-digging, rock-smashing monster. But at the core of this steel beast lies its...

Let’s be honest: excavators are the heavy metal rockstars of the construction world. They’re big, badass, and when they’re on point, they...

One pushes. One smooths. Both are built like tanks. But only one wears the crown. Welcome to the ultimate earthmoving showdown: Dozer vs...

When it comes to excavator maintenance, one of the most important decisions operators face is whether to go with OEM (Original Equipment...

Whether you're managing a fleet or running a single excavator, equipment downtime is more than an inconvenience — it’s a costly...

In the heavy machinery world, especially when it comes to excavators, every component plays a critical role. When a part fails, downtime...

Transporting heavy earthmoving machinery, such as excavators, safely and efficiently requires meticulous planning, careful preparation,...

When it comes to excavators, operators and fleet managers often focus on high-profile components like engines and hydraulics. However,...