Buying Used Excavator Parts in South Africa: What You Need to Know

Because paying full price is for people who hate money.

Let’s be real for a second: buying brand-new excavator parts in South Africa isn’t always an option. Between the exchange rate, rising fuel costs, and that never-ending list of repairs, you’re lucky if you can afford a proper braai on payday—never mind a brand-new final drive.

But don’t stress, bru. Used excavator parts are a smart, wallet-friendly solution… if you know what you’re doing.

This guide is your straight-talking, grease-under-the-nails manual for buying used excavator parts in SA without getting ripped off or ending up with scrap metal painted to look new. We’ll tell you what works, what doesn’t, what to look out for, and where to find the good stuff (hint: it’s called Vikfin).

Why Go Used in the First Place?

Let’s not kid ourselves—machines are expensive, and downtime is a budget killer. Used parts are:

• ✅ Cheaper than new OEM

• ✅ Readily available if sourced right

• ✅ Often just as reliable (when tested properly)

• ✅ Perfect for older machines or quick fixes

But you need to buy smart. There’s a thin line between “used but solid” and “used and abused.”

The 7 Types of Excavator Parts That Are Safe to Buy Used

Not all parts are created equal. Some used parts are solid gold. Others? Dodgy at best.

Here’s what’s usually safe to buy used—if it’s inspected and tested:

1. Final Drives

These are built tough. As long as they’re tested and not leaking, a used final drive can last years.

✅ Check for:

• No play on the shaft

• Clean oil

• Smooth rotation

• Pressure tested (if possible)

2. Swing Motors & Gearboxes

Also built to take punishment. Used swing gearboxes are great as long as the bearings and seals are in good shape.

3. Hydraulic Cylinders

Used cylinders can be a score—especially if they’ve been repacked or re-sealed.

❌ Avoid: cylinders with deep rod damage or scoring.

4. Booms, Arms & Buckets

As long as they’re not bent, cracked, or patched with chewing gum and hope—these are solid used buys. Weld repairs? Cool, if done by someone who knew what they were doing.

5. Radiators & Coolers

Used radiators are fine if they’re clean, pressure-tested, and not corroded to hell. Don’t skimp here—cooling issues = cooked engines.

6. Track Frames & Undercarriage Bits

These parts live rough lives but can be reused depending on wear. Frames are solid. Idlers, rollers, and sprockets? Only if they’re not worn flat.

7. Cab Parts, Doors, Glass, etc.

Non-mechanical parts are often a steal used—great if you’ve backed into something you shouldn’t have (we won’t ask).

The 5 Parts You Should Think Twice About Buying Used

We’re not saying never—just be careful with these.

1. Hydraulic Pumps

Used pumps can be great—but they must be tested. No test? Walk away. A worn-out pump can wreck your entire system.

2. ECUs or Electronic Modules

Tricky business. These can be coded to specific machines. If the seller doesn’t know compatibility—don’t risk it.

3. Injectors & Fuel Pumps

Small internal parts wear fast and are sensitive to dirt. Buy rebuilt if you can.

4. Wiring Harnesses

Unless you love chasing gremlins through broken wires and brittle connectors—just go new or OEM on these.

5. Rubber Tracks

Used tracks are hit-or-miss. Cracks, missing lugs, internal damage—it’s often not worth the gamble unless they’re nearly new.

How to Spot a Good Used Part (Before It Wastes Your Time and Money)

Alright, here’s the good stuff. Whether you’re standing in a scrapyard or browsing listings online, use this checklist to avoid getting shafted.

✅ 1. Ask for Real Photos (Not Stock Images)

If someone’s using Google images to sell a used part, what else are they hiding?

You want:

• Close-ups

• Part numbers

• Wear indicators

• Any defects

✅ 2. Check for Pressure Test or Flow Test Results

Especially for anything hydraulic. A tested part = a happy part.

Ask for:

• Pressure test report

• Flow test data

• Leak-down results

✅ 3. Match the Part Number Exactly

Close doesn’t count. Don’t assume a final drive from a 20-ton Cat will work in your 18-ton Hyundai. Part numbers matter.

✅ 4. Ask About the Donor Machine

Where did it come from? Why was it stripped? Was it running before?

Good sellers (like us) know their stock. Shady ones make things up.

✅ 5. Inspect for Cracks, Leaks & Obvious Damage

• Look for stress fractures

• Weld repairs (good or bad?)

• Oil stains

• Shaft play

• Broken mounting points

✅ 6. Don’t Be Fooled by Paint

A fresh coat of paint is like makeup on a hangover—it doesn’t fix the damage underneath.

✅ 7. Get a Warranty or Return Policy

Even if it’s short—30 days is better than nothing. If the seller offers no returns at all, ask why.

Where to Buy Used Excavator Parts in South Africa (Without Getting Burnt)

Let’s be blunt—this market has some cowboys in it. Anyone with a welder and a WhatsApp number can call themselves a parts dealer.

Here’s what to look for in a reputable supplier:

✅ Stock On Hand

If they have to “get back to you” every time you ask for a part, they’re likely just flipping items they don’t own. Look for suppliers with actual stock on-site.

✅ In-House Testing

Suppliers who test parts (like we do at Vikfin) don’t guess—they know what works and what doesn’t.

✅ Knowledgeable Staff

Can they tell you if a part fits your model? Or do they just read the listing back to you?

You want people who know excavators—not salespeople reading off Google.

✅ Fair Pricing (But Not Too Cheap)

Used parts should save you money—but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid the “specials” that come with no testing and no warranty.

✅ Backup & Support

Can they help you install the part? Offer technical advice? If not, they’re just middlemen.

At Vikfin, we don’t just sell parts—we help you solve problems.

What About Aftermarket Used Parts?

Now here’s a spicy topic. Used aftermarket parts are common in South Africa. And while some are absolute rubbish, others are just as good as OEM—especially from reputable brands.

If you’re buying used aftermarket, make sure:

• It was from a known brand (Kawasaki, Nachi, Doosan, etc.)

• It’s been tested

• It wasn’t a cheap knock-off to begin with

Pros and Cons of Buying Used Excavator Parts

Let’s break it down in plain terms:

✅ Pros:

• Huge cost savings

• Shorter lead times

• Good for older or low-budget machines

• Environmentally friendly (reuse > landfill)

❌ Cons:

• Not always plug-and-play

• Unknown wear (unless tested)

• Potential compatibility issues

• Risk of buying junk from dodgy sellers

The Vikfin Advantage: We Don’t Sell Scrap

At Vikfin, we’ve built a reputation on one simple thing: we don’t sell crap. Our used parts are:

• ✅ Tested (pressure, flow, you name it)

• ✅ Backed with a warranty

• ✅ Available immediately

• ✅ Matched to your exact machine

• ✅ Shipped anywhere in South Africa

We don’t paint over junk or guess what fits. We know excavators, and we stand behind what we sell.

Final Word: Used Doesn’t Mean Second-Rate

Buying used excavator parts isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being smart. But to avoid being that oke who bought a lemon with no return policy, you need the right partner.

Vikfin has helped everyone from one-man owner-operators to massive construction firms save money without sacrificing uptime. If you need used parts that actually work—we’ve got your back.

And if you’ve ever been burned by a dodgy part off Facebook Marketplace? Give us a call. We’ll help you fix that mistake.

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Want us to check a part before you buy? Snap a pic and send it on WhatsApp—we’ll tell you if it’s solid or scrap.

Vikfin. Built for the dirt. Backed by the truth.