Inside Vikfin: A Day in the Life of South Africa’s Leading Used Excavator Parts Supplier

RALPH COPE
Apr 23
5 min read

Updated: Apr 28

At Vikfin, we understand that when your excavator is down, time is money. Our mission is simple: to keep your machinery moving with high-quality used excavator parts you can trust. But what goes on behind the scenes to make that happen? What does it take to run South Africa’s leading used excavator parts supplier?

Today, we’re giving you a rare, behind-the-scenes look into a typical day at Vikfin — from the moment an excavator arrives at our yard, to the final quality check before a part is shipped off to a customer. This is more than just a business; it’s a finely tuned operation driven by passion, precision, and a relentless commitment to quality.

6:00 AM – Early Start, Big Machines

The sun rises over our workshop and stripping yard in South Africa, casting golden light over rows of excavator booms, arms, and cabs. By the time the coffee has kicked in, our team is already lacing up steel-toe boots and reviewing the day’s schedule.

Every day starts with a safety briefing. At Vikfin, safety isn’t negotiable — it's part of our culture. We handle massive machines and parts that can weigh several tons, so every bolt loosened or hydraulic line detached is done with calculated care.

7:00 AM – New Arrivals at the Yard

Used and damaged excavators from across the country roll into our yard. Some come from construction sites where they’ve reached the end of their service life; others have been decommissioned or involved in accidents. This is where the real work begins.

Our yard supervisor and procurement team assess each new machine to determine its potential. Not all machines are equal. We evaluate make, model, year, damage, wear, and most importantly, the condition of core components.

If it’s a CAT 320D or a Komatsu PC200 — two of the most popular models in the South African market — we know the parts are in high demand. But we don't just jump into dismantling. We test and verify wherever possible.

8:00 AM – Stripping with Precision

Stripping an excavator isn't about smashing things apart — it’s a systematic, skilled process. Our workshop team begins dismantling usable components, starting with the obvious: booms, arms, cabs, undercarriage components, and hydraulic cylinders.

Each part is carefully removed using heavy lifting equipment and specialized tools. Components are tagged, logged, and sent to different departments for cleaning, testing, or storage. Even bolts and pins are collected — nothing goes to waste unless it absolutely has to.

We’ve got decades of combined experience, and our technicians know the ins and outs of every model we work with. That deep understanding is what allows us to work efficiently and safely.

10:00 AM – Testing, Testing, Testing

Not all parts are sold as-is. In fact, at Vikfin, testing is one of our strongest quality guarantees.

In our testing bay, a team of mechanics and engineers puts components through rigorous checks. Hydraulic pumps and motors are connected to test benches to evaluate pressure performance and flow. Engines are test-started and compression-tested. Alternators and starters go through electronic diagnostics.

Anything that fails to meet our standards is either reconditioned or scrapped. We won’t sell parts we wouldn’t use ourselves. It’s this process that sets Vikfin apart and why many of our clients — from independent mechanics to large construction companies — trust us.

12:30 PM – Lunch Break with the Team

At midday, the yard quiets down as the team gathers for lunch. There’s laughter, stories from past jobs, and plenty of “shop talk.” For us, this isn’t just a workplace — it’s a community of gearheads, engineers, and logistics pros who genuinely care about what they do.

The lunch break is also a good time for inter-department catchups — sales checks in with procurement to see what new arrivals are worth marketing, while logistics coordinates the afternoon deliveries.

1:30 PM – Cleaning and Cataloguing

After testing, parts are sent to our cleaning station. Here, decades of grease and grime are stripped away using industrial cleaning equipment. We take pride in delivering parts that not only work great but look good too.

Once cleaned, every part is tagged with a unique ID and photographed. The photos, along with detailed specifications and test results, are uploaded into our inventory system. This digital catalogue feeds our online listings and helps the sales team give customers accurate information — fast.

In the background, our admin and marketing teams are already prepping new parts for online promotion. It’s all hands on deck — and it’s all about keeping customers informed and satisfied.

3:00 PM – Fulfilling Orders and Delivering Nationwide

With a steady flow of calls, emails, and WhatsApp inquiries coming in, our sales team is always on their toes. Customers rely on our advice to find the right part — whether it’s a travel motor for a Hitachi ZX200 or a cabin door for a Hyundai R210.

Once an order is confirmed, the logistics team jumps into action. Parts are carefully packed, wrapped in protective materials, and loaded onto trucks. We work with courier partners that cover every corner of South Africa and neighboring countries.

For urgent jobs, we even offer same-day delivery in select areas. We understand that when an excavator is down, every hour counts.

4:30 PM – Repairs and Rebuilds

Not all parts are ready to go straight out of a donor machine. Some need repairs or refurbishing. At this point in the day, our rebuild specialists focus on giving these components new life.

We repair cylinders, rebuild final drives, and overhaul control valves. Our workshop is equipped to do most jobs in-house, which speeds up turnaround times and keeps our standards consistent.

Rebuilt parts come with warranties and quality assurance — a testament to the confidence we have in our work.

5:30 PM – Wrapping Up, Planning Ahead

As the sun sets over the yard, our team finishes up the day’s tasks. It’s time for cleaning tools, locking up the inventory, and logging the last few sales.

But before heading home, there’s a final meeting to review the day’s successes and challenges. Any new arrivals, difficult dismantles, or customer feedback is shared, helping us improve constantly.

We don’t just want to be the biggest name in used excavator parts — we want to be the best.

More Than Just Parts

What makes Vikfin South Africa’s leading supplier of used excavator parts isn’t just our inventory. It’s our people, our processes, and our passion.

Every part we sell has been through a journey — from the field, to our yard, through testing, cleaning, and cataloguing — before making its way to a new machine somewhere out there, getting the job done.

Whether you’re an equipment rental company, a mechanic in a rural town, or a contractor with a deadline, we’ve got your back. And we’ve got the parts to prove it.

Why Customers Keep Coming Back to Vikfin

We know the market is filled with options, so why do so many customers choose Vikfin?

Reliability: Our parts work — and we stand behind them.
Expertise: Decades of combined experience means we know exactly what you need.
Availability: With a massive range of parts in stock, chances are we’ve got what you’re looking for.
Transparency: Detailed part listings, clear photos, and honest assessments.
Support: From inquiry to delivery, our team is here to help.

And most importantly…

Integrity: We believe in doing business the right way — with fairness, honesty, and respect.

Ready to Work With Us?

Whether you're looking for a specific part, need help identifying a component, or just want to talk shop — we’re here for you.

Come visit our yard, check out our inventory online, or give us a call. At Vikfin, we’re more than just a supplier — we’re your trusted partner in keeping your excavators running strong.