Volvo excavators have a well-earned reputation for smooth, precise swing control. But that precision comes at a cost: when something goes wrong, the fault is often not obvious , and the swing motor is frequently blamed when it’s innocent. At Vikfin, we see this constantly on Volvo EC machines—EC210, EC240, EC290, EC360, and EC480 especially. This guide breaks down Volvo-specific swing motor failures , how their systems differ from other brands, and how to diagnose them withou

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

Save Money, Reduce Downtime, and Get OEM Reliability Without Paying OEM Prices When an excavator breaks, you’ve got two problems: the machine is down, and your wallet is about to cry. Modern OEM parts are insanely expensive — especially from brands like Volvo, CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi, Doosan , and Hyundai . Even simple components can cost more than the entire machine is worth if it's older or high-hours. But here’s the truth smart contractors understand: Some excavator parts ar

How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Best OEM Components (and Not Expensive Scrap Metal) Buying used excavator parts can save your business a ton of money — but only if you know how to identify what’s high-quality and what’s a ticking time bomb . The harsh reality of the used parts world is this: There’s good stock…There’s bad stock…And then there’s the absolute horror show that some sellers try to pass off as “good condition.” At Vikfin, we’ve built our entire reputation on s

Let’s cut through the marketing bullshit: when you see a giant excavator, wheel loader or other earth-moving beast in South Africa (or anywhere), there’s a very good chance the engine heart under the hood comes from Perkins — a company owned by Caterpillar. Their relationship shapes how big machines move dirt.We’ll trace: the history of Perkins, how Caterpillar acquired it, why it matters for earth-moving gear, the technical/repair implications (our bread & butter at Vikfin),

When you watch an excavator in action, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff — the roaring engine, the swinging boom, the bucket biting into the earth. But behind every precise movement, there’s a powerhouse component working under immense pressure to make it all happen: the dipper arm cylinder . It’s one of those parts that most operators only think about when it starts leaking — but by then, you’re already losing power, precision, and money. At Vikfin , South Africa’s trusted

When it comes to excavators, most operators think power means horsepower, torque, or hydraulic muscle. But there’s another kind of power hiding down below — one that doesn’t get the spotlight but literally keeps the whole machine moving. It’s the track adjuster , and without it, your excavator wouldn’t get far. This small but mighty component ensures your tracks stay tight, your undercarriage stays aligned, and your productivity stays on track — literally. At Vikfin , South A

If you’ve ever stood on a construction site and watched two excavators side by side — one with steel tracks grinding through the mud and another with rubber tyres rolling smoothly over asphalt — you’ve probably wondered: Why the difference? It’s not just about looks. The choice between a steel-tracked excavator  and a wheeled excavator  completely changes how the machine behaves, what kind of terrain it can handle, how it’s maintained, and even how the operator should think b

In today’s world, efficiency  isn’t just about how much dirt your excavator can move in an hour — it’s also about how smartly you run your operation. And part of running smart means thinking about sustainability. Construction and mining companies are under growing pressure to reduce waste, limit emissions, and cut their environmental footprint — all while staying profitable. But there’s a simple, powerful way to do both: using used OEM excavator parts . When you buy from Vikf

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

Buying used excavator parts can be like walking through a scrapyard minefield — full of hidden gems and total junk, often side by side. One part could save your project thousands; the next could cost you your machine. In South Africa’s tough construction scene — where margins are tight and downtime kills — knowing how to tell a high-quality used OEM excavator part  from a worn-out dud isn’t just good business sense. It’s survival. This guide from Vikfin , South Africa’s leadi

In the world of heavy-equipment maintenance, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is whether to go with original equipment manufacturer (OEM)  parts or cheaper aftermarket  alternatives. For those working with excavators — especially contractors, fleet owners, and maintenance teams in South Africa — this isn’t just a theoretical debate. It’s a decision that impacts downtime, reliability, costs, and ultimately profitability. In this post, we’ll dig deep into why OEM e

When it comes to the anatomy of an excavator, most operators and mechanics immediately think about the boom, bucket, or hydraulic pump. But deep inside the undercarriage and swing frame lies one of the most critical — yet least appreciated — structural components of the whole machine: the X-frame . It doesn’t move oil or lift dirt, but the X-frame  forms the structural spine  of your excavator’s lower body. It’s what keeps the tracks properly aligned, the upper structure stab

When you think about an excavator’s hydraulic system, the first parts that come to mind are usually the pump, the cylinders, and the control valves. These are the muscle and the brains of the machine’s movement. But sitting quietly between the engine and the hydraulic pump is an often-overlooked hero — the pump bell housing . It may look like a simple chunk of cast metal, but the bell housing plays a critical structural, alignment, and vibration-damping role  that directly im

Your excavator’s engine governor quietly controls speed, fuel use, and power under load. Learn how it works, common signs of failure, and where to find quality used OEM replacements from Vikfin — South Africa’s trusted supplier of excavator parts. When your excavator is working hard — trenching, digging, or swinging a heavy load — it needs to deliver smooth, consistent power. You probably never think about how  your engine stays steady when the hydraulic load changes. But beh

In the fast-paced world of construction, equipment downtime can derail projects, inflate budgets, and frustrate contractors. When an excavator breaks down, finding reliable, cost-effective replacement parts is critical to getting back on track. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) used excavator parts offer a compelling solution, combining quality, compatibility, and affordability. At Vikfin, we specialize in providing high-quality OEM used parts to keep your machines runnin

As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, contractors and fleet managers are seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing performance or profitability. One powerful solution lies in choosing OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) used excavator parts for repairs and maintenance. By opting for used parts, you can significantly lower your ecological footprint while keeping your equipment running eff

In the demanding world of construction, every decision about your excavator’s maintenance can impact project timelines, budgets, and equipment longevity. When it’s time to replace a worn or damaged part, contractors and fleet managers face a critical choice: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) used parts or aftermarket alternatives. While both options have their place, OEM used parts often provide superior quality, compatibility, and value, making them the preferred choice

Excavators are the backbone of many construction projects, tirelessly digging, lifting, and moving earth to keep your operations on track. However, like any heavy machinery, excavators experience wear and tear over time, and failing to address worn or damaged parts can lead to costly breakdowns and project delays. Recognizing the signs that your excavator needs new parts is critical to maintaining efficiency and avoiding unexpected downtime. At Vikfin, we provide high-quality