Stripping an Excavator: What Happens Before a Part Reaches Vikfin’s Shelf
- RALPH COPE
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Most people see a used excavator part sitting on a shelf and think:
“Second-hand? Maybe risky.”
What they don’t see is the process behind it—the selection, stripping, inspection, and sorting that turns a dead machine into a goldmine of reliable components.
Because here’s the truth:
A properly stripped excavator isn’t scrap—it’s value waiting to be unlocked.
This is your behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens before a part reaches Vikfin’s shelf—and why it matters more than you think.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Machine to Strip
Not every machine is worth stripping.
At Vikfin, the process starts with careful selection.
What Gets Considered:
Brand (Volvo, Komatsu, Caterpillar, etc.)
Model popularity (demand for parts)
Age of the machine
Overall condition
Cause of failure
Reality Check:
A machine might be beyond repair—but still packed with perfectly usable components.
For example:
Engine blown? → Hydraulics may still be solid
Structural damage? → Internal parts could be excellent
The goal is simple: Find machines with the highest salvage value.
Step 2: Initial Inspection (Before a Single Bolt Is Touched)
Before stripping begins, the machine is assessed.
What Gets Checked:
Engine condition
Hydraulic system performance
Visible damage
Missing components
Signs of contamination
Why It Matters:
You don’t want to waste time removing parts that are already dead.
This step separates:
Reusable components
from
Scrap metal
Step 3: Draining Fluids (Clean, Controlled, Professional)
Before dismantling, all fluids are safely removed.
Fluids Drained:
Engine oil
Hydraulic oil
Coolant
Fuel
Why It Matters:
Prevents contamination
Ensures safety
Keeps parts clean and usable
Reality Check:
A sloppy dismantling job ruins good parts. Proper fluid handling is non-negotiable.
Step 4: Systematic Dismantling (Not Just “Taking It Apart”)
This isn’t a scrapyard free-for-all. It’s a methodical process.
Order of Removal:
Attachments (bucket, arm components)
External components (panels, radiators)
Hydraulic components (pumps, cylinders, valves)
Engine and drivetrain
Why It Matters:
Prevents damage to valuable parts
Keeps components intact
Maintains traceability
Step 5: Cleaning and Degreasing
Once removed, parts are cleaned.
What This Involves:
Degreasing
Pressure washing
Removing dirt and contaminants
Why It Matters:
Allows proper inspection
Improves storage life
Makes defects visible
Step 6: Inspection and Quality Control
This is where the real value is decided.
What Gets Checked:
Wear and tear
Cracks or structural damage
Internal condition (where possible)
Functionality
Parts Are Categorised:
Ready for resale
Repairable
Scrap
Reality Check:
Not every part makes the cut. Quality control is what separates a trusted supplier from a risky one.
Step 7: Testing (Where Possible)
Some components can be tested before resale.
Commonly Tested:
Hydraulic pumps
Motors
Engines (compression tests)
Why It Matters:
Testing reduces risk for the buyer—and builds trust.
Step 8: Labelling and Cataloguing
Every part needs to be traceable.
What Happens:
Parts are labelled with model and condition
Logged into inventory systems
Stored for easy access
Why It Matters:
When a customer calls, you need to know exactly what’s available—fast.
Step 9: Storage (This Is More Important Than You Think)
Bad storage can ruin good parts.
Proper Storage Includes:
Dry, covered environments
Protection from dust and moisture
Organized shelving
Reality Check:
A high-quality part stored badly becomes a low-quality part.
Step 10: Ready for Sale (With Confidence)
Only after all these steps does a part reach the shelf.
And at this point, it’s:
Clean
Inspected
Categorised
Ready to work
Why This Process Matters to You
Let’s bring it back to reality.
When you buy a used part, you’re not just buying metal—you’re buying:
Reliability
Reduced downtime
Cost savings
But that only works if the process behind the part is solid.
The Difference Between a Good Supplier and a Risky One
Here’s the line in the sand:
Risky Supplier:
No inspection
No testing
Poor storage
“Take it as is” attitude
Professional Operation (Like Vikfin):
Careful machine selection
Structured dismantling
Quality control
Organized storage
That difference shows up where it matters most—on your machine.
Why Used OEM Parts Make So Much Sense
By the time a part reaches Vikfin’s shelf, it has:
Already proven itself in real-world conditions
Passed inspection
Been handled properly
And compared to new OEM?
Way more affordable
Compared to cheap aftermarket?
Way more reliable
Final Thoughts: There’s Nothing “Second-Hand” About Quality
The idea that used parts are inferior?
That comes from bad processes—not bad parts.
Do it right, and used OEM parts are one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Do it wrong, and you’re gambling.
Need Reliable Parts You Can Trust?
If you want excavator parts that have gone through a proper stripping, inspection, and quality process, Vikfin has you covered with tested, cost-effective used OEM components that keep your machines working—and your business moving.
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