Top 10 Excavator Parts That Are Perfect to Buy Used—And Why Vikfin Has Them All
- RALPH COPE
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
When it comes to maintaining and repairing excavators, every decision you make impacts your bottom line. From part sourcing to repair timelines, even the smallest choice can lead to big savings—or unexpected costs. For many equipment owners and fleet managers, buying used excavator parts is a strategic way to cut costs without compromising reliability. But not all parts are created equal when it comes to buying used.
At Vikfin, we specialize in high-quality used OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts that perform as well as new but at a fraction of the cost. This blog dives into the top 10 excavator parts that are perfect to buy used and explains why Vikfin is your go-to source for all of them.
1. Final Drives
Why They're Ideal Used: Final drives are robust components that transfer power from the excavator's engine to the tracks. These are built to withstand immense torque and pressure, making them highly durable.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Our final drives are OEM-certified, thoroughly tested, and often rebuilt to like-new condition. We inspect for leaks, noise, and gear wear to ensure they meet or exceed performance expectations.
2. Swing Motors
Why They're Ideal Used: Swing motors manage the 360-degree rotation of the excavator's upper structure. These hydraulic components are designed for longevity and often outlast the frame they're attached to.
Why Buy from Vikfin: We bench-test each swing motor to ensure peak hydraulic performance. Plus, we carry a wide variety of models, including those for older or discontinued excavators.
3. Hydraulic Cylinders
Why They're Ideal Used: These powerhouses move your boom, stick, and bucket. OEM hydraulic cylinders are made from hardened steel and precision seals—components that don’t wear out quickly.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Every cylinder we sell is pressure-tested and inspected for pitting, scoring, and seal integrity. Our inventory covers all major brands, ensuring a perfect match.
4. Booms and Arms (Sticks)
Why They're Ideal Used: Structural parts like booms and arms don’t contain complex internal components, making them ideal candidates for used purchases. As long as there are no cracks or distortions, they retain full functionality.
Why Buy from Vikfin: We perform full weld inspections, stress tests, and dimensional checks to ensure all structural elements meet OEM specs.
5. Track Assemblies and Components
Why They're Ideal Used: Tracks, rollers, and idlers are built to be rugged and wear-resistant. If properly maintained, they can offer thousands of additional operating hours, even when used.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Our track components are carefully inspected for wear patterns and stress points. We offer complete track assemblies and individual parts, giving you flexibility in your repair strategy.
6. Control Valves
Why They're Ideal Used: Control valves are built to precise tolerances and are engineered for durability. When properly maintained and pressure-checked, used valves can perform nearly as well as new.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Each control valve undergoes pressure testing to ensure no internal leaks and proper flow rates. We also match part numbers exactly to avoid compatibility issues.
7. Cabs and Operator Controls
Why They're Ideal Used: Operator cabs, including seats, joysticks, and dashboards, wear slowly and often remain in excellent shape long after the original machine is retired.
Why Buy from Vikfin: We refurbish cabs to near-new condition, replacing upholstery, recalibrating control panels, and testing all electronics.
8. Undercarriage Components
Why They're Ideal Used: Components like sprockets, track shoes, and carrier rollers are overbuilt to last and are often removed from machines that were taken out of service for unrelated issues.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Our undercarriage parts are graded, cleaned, and inspected so you can replace worn parts without replacing the entire assembly.
9. Radiators and Cooling Systems
Why They're Ideal Used: Radiators, oil coolers, and fans can last for many years if maintained properly. They typically don’t suffer from internal wear like moving components do.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Every cooling system component is cleaned, pressure-tested, and checked for corrosion. We guarantee leak-free performance.
10. Gearboxes and Transmissions
Why They're Ideal Used: Gearboxes in excavators are precision-engineered and can last through multiple machine lifespans with proper lubrication and care.
Why Buy from Vikfin: Our gearbox units are disassembled, inspected, and reassembled with OEM-spec components. We test each unit under load before it goes out the door.
The Advantages of Buying Used OEM Parts from Vikfin
Now that we've covered what to buy, let's talk about why buying from Vikfin makes all the difference.
1. OEM Quality Assurance
All of our used parts are OEM, which means they’re made to the exact specifications of the original manufacturer. You won’t face compatibility issues or premature wear like you might with generic aftermarket components.
2. Cost Savings Without Compromise
Used parts can cost anywhere from 30% to 70% less than new ones. When those parts are inspected and verified by experts, you're saving money without gambling on quality.
3. Sustainability in Action
Buying used helps reduce waste and lowers your environmental impact. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in reducing the demand for raw materials and energy-intensive manufacturing.
4. Speed and Availability
When new parts are backordered or discontinued, downtime can stretch into weeks. Vikfin’s ready-to-ship inventory means you can get your machine back to work faster.
5. Trusted Expertise
With decades of experience, our team knows what makes a used part good or great. We don’t just sell parts—we partner with you to ensure you get exactly what you need.
Common Myths About Used Excavator Parts—Debunked
Myth 1: Used parts don’t last as long. Fact: Many used OEM parts last just as long as new ones, especially when they’ve been properly refurbished and tested.
Myth 2: It’s hard to find the exact part I need. Fact: Vikfin’s extensive inventory is organized by make, model, and year, making it easy to find the right match.
Myth 3: Used means poor condition. Fact: We only stock high-quality parts that pass our rigorous inspections. If it’s not up to standard, we don’t sell it.
Real-World Results: A Contractor's Story
A mid-sized excavation company in Bloemfontien needed a new swing motor for one of its Komatsu excavators. A new part from the dealer was priced at R120,000 with a six-week lead time. Instead, they turned to Vikfin.
We shipped a thoroughly inspected used OEM swing motor for R35,000, arriving in three days. Not only did they save over R80,000, but the machine was back on the job site in under a week.
That’s the power of smart sourcing.
Final Thoughts
Buying used doesn't mean cutting corners. It means making smart, informed decisions that help your business thrive. The key is knowing which parts retain their value and performance—and partnering with a supplier who stands behind their products.
At Vikfin, we make it easy to buy used with confidence. Whether you need a final drive, swing motor, or a hard-to-find control valve, we’ve got the parts, the process, and the people to help you get back to work.
Contact us today to speak with one of our parts experts or browse our ever-expanding inventory. Let Vikfin help you keep your excavator in peak condition—for less.
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