(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

Hydraulics are the beating heart of your excavator. You blow that system, and you’re not just dealing with a repair — you’re dealing with a full-scale financial ambush. Operators complain about fuel costs, attachments, labour, insurance… but the one thing that quietly drains bank accounts across South Africa is poor hydraulic maintenance . And yes — it’s avoidable.And yes — most contractors know better.But no — they don’t do better. This blog breaks down exactly how skipping

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

When excavator owners complain about undercarriage wear, they usually blame the terrain, the operator, the machine brand, or even the weather.But the number one undercarriage killer — the silent assassin — is something far more basic: Incorrect track tension. Too tight → burns money.Too loose → causes damage.Just right → extends life dramatically. In this educational deep dive, you’ll learn exactly  how track tension works, why it affects every major undercarriage component,

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

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

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

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 heavy machinery, parts are often as valuable — sometimes more so — than the machine itself. At Vikfin , we understand that even as a Komatsu PC350-8 comes to the end of its working life, its components still hold tremendous value. That’s why we’ve decided to strip and harvest every viable part from our PC350-8, ensuring each item is inspected, refurbished (where needed), and offered to buyers seeking reliability, performance, and value. In this blog, we’ll wal

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