How to Identify a Failing Excavator Part Before It Costs You Thousands

RALPH COPE
Apr 24
3 min read

Updated: Apr 28

When your excavator is the backbone of your operation, every breakdown equals downtime—and downtime costs money. One unexpected part failure can spiral into a major financial hit, especially if it causes collateral damage to other systems or results in missed project deadlines.

The good news? You can avoid those expensive surprises by knowing the early warning signs of part failure and replacing problematic components before they cause real damage.

At Vikfin, we help South African contractors, farmers, and operators keep their machines running smoothly with affordable, high-quality used excavator parts.

Let’s dive into the tell-tale signs of failing parts—and how to fix them before they break the bank.

1. Hydraulic Pump: The Silent Workhorse

The hydraulic pump is crucial to almost every movement on an excavator. If it starts failing, you could be looking at a replacement cost north of R90,000 for a new one.

Signs of failure:

Sluggish or jerky movements
Loss of power in the boom or arm
Unusual whining or grinding noises
Leaking hydraulic fluid

Pro tip: If you notice reduced performance or inconsistent pressure, don’t wait. A proactive replacement with a tested used hydraulic pump from Vikfin can save you thousands.

2. Final Drive: The Power Behind Movement

A damaged final drive can halt your excavator’s movement entirely—and cost upwards of R120,000 to replace with a new unit.

Watch for:

Strange noises while tracking (clunking or clicking)
Leaking oil near the sprocket
Loss of traction or power
Overheating after short use

Save big: At Vikfin, we stock refurbished final drives that perform like new for a fraction of the cost.

3. Swing Motor & Gearbox: Turning Trouble

This component helps rotate the upper structure of your excavator. Replacement costs for swing gearboxes can exceed R80,000.

Warning signs:

Sluggish or delayed swing motion
Grinding or knocking sounds
Inconsistent movement or sticking

Avoid the expense: A used swing motor from Vikfin can keep your rotation smooth without breaking the bank.

4. Undercarriage: Where Wear Happens First

Your undercarriage faces constant wear—especially in tough South African terrain.

Red flags:

Uneven or excessive track wear
Loose or broken track links
Cracked rollers or idlers

Why it matters: Neglecting undercarriage wear leads to more expensive drivetrain repairs. Replacing worn components early with quality used parts from Vikfin can save you up to R100,000 in long-term repair bills.

5. Engine: Don’t Ignore the Heartbeat

An excavator engine failure is the most expensive scenario—with rebuilds costing R100,000 to R200,000, depending on the model.

Early symptoms:

Hard starting or misfiring
Excessive smoke (blue, white, or black)
Loss of power under load
High oil or coolant consumption

Smart fix: Swapping in a low-hour used engine from Vikfin is often a quicker and cheaper option than a full rebuild.

The Cost of Waiting

Let’s say you ignore that jerky boom movement or that noisy undercarriage. Within weeks, you could be looking at:

R75,000+ in major repairs
3–5 days of lost work
Project penalties or lost contracts

All of which could have been avoided with a R15,000–R25,000 used replacement part from Vikfin.

Why Choose Used Parts from Vikfin?

✅ Tested & trusted: Every part is inspected and quality-checked.
✅ Huge savings: Get OEM-quality parts for 30–70% less than new.
✅ Fast shipping: We deliver across South Africa.
✅ Expert advice: Not sure what’s failing? We’ll help you diagnose it.

Final Word: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Catching and replacing failing parts early isn’t just smart—it’s essential for anyone relying on excavators in construction, mining, or agriculture. Don’t let one faulty component lead to financial disaster.

Call Vikfin today and let’s find the right part before your excavator costs you thousands.