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

(Educational, clear, practical — written for real excavator operators and buyers in South Africa) When you walk into a parts yard or message a supplier, the first thing they’ll ask isn’t your excavator’s colour, bucket size, or where it last got stuck in the mud.They’ll ask you one thing : “Do you have the OEM part number?” For many machine owners, that question instantly triggers panic. They flip open a manual from 2004, scratch their heads, and pray the number they send isn

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

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

When a machine as mighty as the Hitachi ZX520  rolls into Vikfin’s yard, you know something serious is about to happen. This isn’t your average teardown. This is a mechanical autopsy —the careful dismantling of one of Hitachi’s most powerful heavy-duty excavators to give new life to other machines still out there doing the hard yards. For contractors, operators, and fleet managers across South Africa, this is big news. Because every time Vikfin strips a giant like the ZX520,

Field Edition — Practical Guide for Everyday Operators 1. INTRODUCTION Congratulations — you’re in control of one of the most powerful and versatile pieces of machinery on any site.This manual will help you operate your excavator safely, efficiently, and with confidence. It covers: Basic machine knowledge Daily inspections and maintenance Safe operating techniques Working on different terrains Transporting and parking Emergency procedures Whether you’re a new operator or an o

When you’re in the market for a hydraulic excavator, there’s one question that always rises to the surface before anything else: Do you go for a wheeled excavator or a tracked one? Both look similar from a distance — a powerful boom, a bucket, and that familiar rotating cab — but what lies beneath makes all the difference. Whether you’re digging trenches, clearing debris, or handling material on a construction site, the type of undercarriage (wheels or tracks) determines how

Another powerhouse has entered the Vikfin yard — and it’s one every operator knows and respects. We’re currently stripping a JCB JS220 , one of the UK’s most reliable and best-selling 22-ton excavators. Known for its balance of power, precision, and durability, the JS220’s components are in high demand — and we’re making them available to you, fully tested and ready for work. From the proven JCB Dieselmax engine to its smooth hydraulic system and heavy-duty undercarriage, eve

Another heavy-duty legend has made its way into the Vikfin yard — and we’re giving it a second life. We’re currently stripping a Daewoo Solar 220LC-V , one of the most popular 22-ton class excavators ever produced. Its parts are now available for purchase, fully inspected and ready for action. From the trusted Doosan DB58T engine to its robust hydraulic system and undercarriage, every component from this workhorse is being recovered, cleaned, and tested for reliability. Wheth

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

When an excavator breaks down, every minute matters. In industries like construction, mining, and infrastructure development, downtime...

You can have the biggest bucket, the toughest boom, and an engine that roars like a lion… but without a working final drive , your...

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

(And How Vikfin Helps You Dodge Every Single One) In today’s digital world, buying used excavator parts online can feel like a...

When your excavator is the backbone of your operation, every breakdown equals downtime—and downtime costs money. One unexpected part...

In the rugged world of construction, mining, and earthmoving, excavators are the workhorses that keep projects moving. But even the...

At Vikfin , we’re in the business of keeping machines moving and businesses profitable. If you’ve ever had an excavator parked on-site...

In the high-stakes world of earthmoving and construction, downtime is money, and every decision you make on repairs impacts your bottom...