Top 5 Excavator Parts That Are Perfect to Buy Used (and Why)

Because New Isn’t Always Better—and Definitely Not Cheaper

Let’s be real: being a contractor in South Africa isn’t for the faint-hearted. Between load-shedding, price hikes, and “supplier delays” that last longer than a government project, you’ve got enough on your plate. The last thing you need is a R150,000 repair bill for your excavator.

So what’s the solution?

Buy used.But not just any used parts—we’re talking used OEM excavator parts. The kind that have already proven themselves in the trenches, cost a fraction of new, and still perform like champs.

Now, not every part is ideal to buy secondhand (looking at you, dodgy wiring harness). But some? Some are absolute no-brainers. So grab a cup of coffee (or a beer, we won’t judge), and let’s break down the Top 5 Excavator Parts That Are Perfect to Buy Used—and Why.

1. Final Drives – The Underrated Workhorses

If your excavator’s final drive fails, you're not going anywhere. It’s the mechanical equivalent of blowing out both knees—game over.

Why Used Makes Sense:

• Built to Last: OEM final drives are designed to outlive the machine itself. A used one with decent hours and no leaks? Still got loads of life left.

• Ridiculously Expensive New: A new final drive can set you back R100,000+. A used OEM one? Maybe a third of that.

• Easily Testable: Reputable suppliers like Vikfin pressure-test and spin-test these units. If it’s smooth, leak-free, and sounds like it should, you’re golden.

What to Look For:

• Oil leaks? Bad sign.

• Excessive play or noise? Walk away.

• A supplier who tested it? Now we’re talking.

Bonus Tip:

Stick to OEM brands—Volvo, Cat, Komatsu—because their final drives were built by engineering nerds who don’t sleep.

2. Hydraulic Pumps – High Risk, High Reward (If You Know Where to Buy)

Your hydraulic pump is like the heart of your excavator. Blow it, and everything stops: your boom, your arm, your bucket—and possibly your will to live.

Why Used Makes Sense:

• Durable Core Components: A quality OEM hydraulic pump is built to handle crazy pressures and abuse.

• Can Be Tested & Reconditioned: Reputable suppliers run these on a test bench, check pressures, flow rates, and seal integrity.

• Big Savings: You’re looking at savings of 50–70% versus new, and if it's been properly inspected, it’ll perform like new too.

What to Look For:

• No signs of cavitation or scoring inside the housing.

• Smooth, consistent rotation.

• Clean oil channels—sludge means someone neglected it.

Red Flag:

If the supplier can’t prove it was tested, you’re gambling. And this isn’t the lotto.

3. Booms – Big, Bulky, and Built to Take a Beating

Look, a boom is basically a glorified steel arm. No electronics. No intricate moving parts. Just good old-fashioned brute strength.

Why Used Makes Sense:

• Steel Doesn’t Age Like Milk: As long as it’s straight and crack-free, a boom doesn’t care how many birthdays it’s had.

• Crazy Expensive to Replace New: New booms are hellishly pricey—not to mention the wait time for importing one.

• Easy to Inspect Visually: You don’t need an engineering degree. Cracks? Bad. Welds everywhere? Also bad. Solid and clean? Buy it.

What to Check:

• Stress fractures around pivot points

• Weld repairs (small ones are fine—Frankenstein jobs are not)

• Rust inside the arm cavity

• Straightness (a bent boom = a bent wallet)

Pro Tip:

Bring a straight edge or use a string line. If it bows, it goes.

4. Cabs – For When You Need Shelter, Not Bluetooth Speakers

You don’t need a new cab unless you’re entering your excavator in the Concours d’Elegance. Function over fashion, people.

Why Used Makes Sense:

• It’s a Metal Box with Glass: If the structure’s solid and the windows shut, you’re in business.

• Crazy Markup on New Ones: Seriously—why does a cab cost more than your bakkie?

• Easily Swappable: Bolts on, bolts off. Done.

What to Inspect:

• Door seals

• Visibility (no cracks in glass or cloudy perspex)

• Rust around the corners or floor

• Operator controls and seat (bonus if they’re intact)

Smart Move:

Buy the whole cab with intact joysticks, pedals, and wiring harness if you can. It’s plug-and-play, and far cheaper than buying controls separately.

5. Undercarriage Parts – Tougher Than Your Foreman

Tracks, rollers, sprockets—this is the part of the excavator that literally takes the most abuse. But because it’s built for war, it’s a great candidate for used.

Why Used Makes Sense:

• Modular System: You don’t need to buy the whole undercarriage—just replace what’s worn.

• Visual Inspection Works: You can measure wear with a caliper. No need to guess.

• OEM Parts Last Longer: Even when used, OEM track rollers will outlive cheap aftermarket ones.

Focus On:

• Track chains and pads: As long as there’s meat left and no cracks, go for it.

• Rollers and idlers: Check for leaks, flat spots, or wobble.

• Sprockets: Look at the teeth. Rounded? Too far gone. Sharp and pointy? Still got bite.

Caution:

Used undercarriage parts should always be inspected on a flat surface. If they look like they survived a landmine, move on.

Honorable Mentions (Good to Buy Used, But With Caveats)

• Swing Motors – Great used, but make sure they’ve been tested under load.

• Stick Arms – Like the boom, just smaller. Visual checks are enough.

• Counterweights – If it’s not cracked and fits your machine, it’s just a big lump of steel.

• Oil Coolers – Can be a great score, but check for corrosion and pressure test before buying.

What NOT to Buy Used (Unless You’re Feeling Lucky)

Alright, here’s where you don’t want to cheap out:

1. Electrical Components

Sensors, ECUs, wiring harnesses... just don’t. One wrong surge and your whole machine becomes an expensive statue.

2. Seals and Bearings

These wear fast and are often impossible to inspect without full disassembly. Always go new here.

3. Hydraulic Hoses

Rubber ages, cracks, and fails when you least expect it. Not worth the risk.

The Bottom Line: Save Money Without Sabotaging Your Machine

Buying used excavator parts isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making smart decisions that keep your machine running, your crew working, and your bank account alive.

Here’s why used OEM parts make sense:

• Tested durability – They've already proven they can handle the job.

• Massive cost savings – 30–70% less than new.

• Faster availability – No waiting for overseas shipments.

• Reusability of heavy-duty components – Especially for structural or mechanical parts.

But Here’s the Catch: Know Your Supplier

A used part is only as good as the bloke who sold it to you.

That’s where Vikfin comes in.

We don’t deal in scrapyard surprises or back-alley knock-offs. Every used OEM part we sell is:

• Stripped from real machines

• Inspected, tested, and cleaned

• Catalogued with serial numbers

• Backed by people who know what they’re doing

Final drives, hydraulic pumps, booms, cabs, undercarriages—we’ve got them all, and we know their history.

If you're a South African contractor looking for tough, tested, and trusted excavator parts, stop hunting in the dark.

Let’s Recap: Your Smart Shopping List

Here are the parts that are perfect to buy used:

✅ Final Drives✅ Hydraulic Pumps✅ Booms✅ Cabs✅ Undercarriage Parts

And remember—always check:

• Wear and tear

• Testing records

• OEM markings

• Supplier credibility

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