Howzit, undercarriage warriors. Ralph in Benoni and Justin in Cato Ridge here. Between us we’ve measured more than 1 200 sets of 20–45 tonne undercarriages in the last eight years, and we’ve got bad news and good news. Bad news: the average South African 40-tonner is throwing away R800 000–R1.4 million on undercarriage every 6 000–8 000 hours because of lazy habits and dealer scare tactics. Good news: the top 10 % of operators in this country are getting 11 000–15 000+ hours

Howzit, legends. Ralph here from the Benoni yard. Right now I’ve got three final drives on the bench: one that came in yesterday completely seized, one that’s leaking like a politician’s promise, and one that’s perfect inside despite 14 000 hours. All three are from 30–40 tonne machines. All three could have been saved for pocket money. In the last 18 months we’ve sold 87 final drives out of these two yards. Every single failure story starts with one (or more) of the same sev

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

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

Excavators are the powerhouse of construction sites, but like any heavy machinery, they demand regular care to perform at their peak and avoid unexpected breakdowns. As an operator or fleet manager, mastering simple maintenance hacks can extend your equipment's lifespan, cut repair costs, and boost productivity. In this guide, we'll share practical DIY tips that every excavator operator should know, from daily checks to quick fixes. At Vikfin, we specialize in high-quality OE

Excavators are beasts of balance. On one side, you’ve got a boom, stick, and bucket stretching out to move tons of earth, rock, or...

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

When people think of excavators, they usually picture raw hydraulic power, heavy steel, and giant diesel engines. But there’s another...

Excavators are engineering marvels. They rip through rock, lift enormous loads, and stretch their arms into trenches as if they were made...

Excavators are built to dig, lift, and shift. But none of that would be possible without one often-overlooked system: the swing...

Excavators are built to move mountains, but even the toughest machine can be brought to its knees by one invisible enemy: heat. When an...

Hydraulics are the beating heart of every excavator. Without hydraulic pressure, your 30-ton machine is nothing more than an oversized...

When you're out on a construction site watching a hulking steel-tracked excavator pirouette on the spot or crawl gracefully through rough...

When it comes to heavy equipment, few machines embody raw power and precision like an excavator. These mechanical beasts dig, lift,...

Operating an excavator in wet conditions comes with unique challenges that demand caution, skill, and preparation. Heavy rain can affect...

The undercarriage of an excavator is a crucial component that facilitates the machine's mobility, stability, and overall operational...