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

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,

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 climb into an excavator, you’re not just taking the controls of a machine — you’re taking responsibility for tonnes of steel, hydraulics, and raw mechanical force. Whether you’re moving earth, trenching for utilities, or loading a truck, the smallest mistake can turn a productive day into a life-threatening disaster. At Vikfin , South Africa’s trusted supplier of used excavator parts , we’ve seen it all — broken swing motors, snapped booms, cracked final drives, and

Excavators are incredible machines on their own, but what makes them truly versatile are attachments.  Buckets, hammers, grapples,...

When you look at an excavator, it’s easy to get caught up in the obvious: the giant boom, the roaring diesel engine, the steel tracks...

When it comes to excavators, the undercarriage is where the rubber (or steel) meets the dirt. Literally. It’s also where up to 50% of...

If your excavator suddenly experiences a lack of power, it can be frustrating and costly, especially if downtime impacts your...

In the mining industry, operational efficiency is paramount. Excavators are the backbone of material extraction and movement, but...

Excavators are indispensable in construction, mining, and earthmoving industries. Their robustness, versatility, and capability to tackle...

Excavators are the backbone of the construction, mining, and scrap metal industries. These machines handle intense workloads daily,...

In the current economic climate, with energy prices soaring to unprecedented levels, managing fuel costs has become a critical concern...

Starting a demolitions business can be both a lucrative and demanding venture. Success in this field requires not only expertise and...

Excavators, the workhorses of the construction industry, come in a myriad of types and sizes, each tailored for specific tasks and...

Operating heavy machinery is a task that demands not just technical skill and expertise but also a set of physical qualities that ensure...

Operating an excavator efficiently and safely requires skill, patience, and knowledge, regardless of your experience level. Whether...

As oil prices hover near record highs, construction and excavation companies are increasingly feeling the pinch, with fuel expenses...