Used OEM vs Aftermarket: Which Excavator Parts Are Worth the Investment?

Spoiler: Not All “Bargains” Are Created Equal

Let’s not sugar-coat it—excavators aren’t cheap. And the parts? Even worse. When something breaks (and it will), you’re staring down a decision that every South African contractor knows too well:

Do I go for the bargain-bin aftermarket part?Or Do I hunt down a used OEM part that’s seen some action—but still has fight left in it?

It's a bit like choosing between a bakkie that’s been in one fender bender... or a shiny new scooter from Wish.com.

In this blog, we’re putting Used OEM Parts and Aftermarket Parts in a side-by-side cage match. We’ll cover cost, durability, warranty support, ease of installation, and resale value—so you can make smart decisions the next time your machine throws a tantrum.

Let the showdown begin.

1. Cost: The Seductive Siren of Aftermarket Deals

Let’s start with the obvious. Aftermarket parts are almost always cheaper upfront. Like, really cheap. Sometimes you can get two or three aftermarket parts for the price of one used OEM part.

But—and it’s a big but—you get what you pay for.

Example:

• Aftermarket final drive: R35,000

• Used OEM final drive: R60,000

• New OEM final drive: R100,000+

On paper, the aftermarket one looks like a steal. But here’s what that R35k might actually buy you:

• A part made with lower-grade steel

• Bearings that cry when the pressure hits

• A lifespan that’s about as long as a TikTok trend

Verdict:

✅ Winner: Aftermarket (short-term wallet relief)❌ Loser: Your sanity when it fails after 3 months

2. Durability: Built Tough or Built to Fail?

Here’s where things get spicy.

Used OEM parts—think Cat, Volvo, Hitachi, Komatsu—are built like tanks. These brands engineer parts to survive years of abuse, 40-degree heat, bad operators, and even the occasional “oops, I hit a rock” moment.

Aftermarket parts? Well… let’s just say some are great, many are meh, and a few are straight-up landfill with bolts.

Why Used OEM Holds Up:

• OEM specs and materials: Chrome-hardened steel, forged components, real engineering

• Proven in battle: If it’s already survived 3,000+ hours of work and still works, it’s probably bulletproof

• Tolerances that fit: It bolts on. It works. No “slight modification” needed.

Common Aftermarket Issues:

• Bearings that wear faster

• Shafts that are 0.2 mm off

• Castings that crack

• Rubber seals that degrade after one Joburg summer

Verdict:

🏆 Clear winner: Used OEMWhen you want parts that actually last, second-hand original beats brand-new cheap knock-off every time.

3. Warranty & Support: The “Oops Insurance” You’ll Wish You Had

Let’s talk about something no one thinks about... until it’s too late: warranty.

Aftermarket:

• Some offer 30-day warranties

• Many offer no meaningful support

• If it fails, you’ll hear: “Sorry, you must’ve installed it wrong”

Used OEM (from a reputable supplier like Vikfin):

• Pressure-tested, inspected, often with 3–6 month limited warranties

• You can speak to someone who actually knows what the part does

• Better chance of returns, swaps, or at least solid troubleshooting support

Let’s be real: no warranty covers every scenario. But backing matters. With used OEM, you’re buying from someone who actually cares about the machine. With some aftermarket suppliers, you’re just buying from a box mover.

Verdict:

🏆 Used OEM wins for peace of mind.If something goes pear-shaped, you’ll want someone to call who doesn’t hide behind a Gmail address.

4. Ease of Installation: Does It Actually Fit?

Picture this: You’re halfway through replacing a final drive. Everything lines up perfectly with a used OEM part. Bolt holes match. Shaft splines slot in like they were made for each other. Because they were.

Now imagine trying the same thing with an aftermarket part.

Three hours later you’re:

• Filing bolt holes

• Hammering spacers

• Googling “why does my aftermarket swing motor leak hydraulic fluid?”

OEM parts are made to the micrometer. Aftermarket parts can vary wildly—even from the same supplier.

Real Talk:

• Used OEM = drop-in fit

• Aftermarket = maybe it fits, maybe it fights back

Verdict:

🏆 Used OEM wins againTime is money. If you’re paying your fitter R500/hour, the “cheap” part becomes expensive real fast if it doesn’t bolt on right.

5. Resale Value: Will Your Machine Still Hold Value?

Thinking of upgrading or selling your excavator in the next year or two? Here’s what used OEM parts will do that aftermarket ones won’t:

✅ Maintain your machine’s resale value

✅ Make buyers feel confident in your maintenance history

✅ Avoid that awkward “What brand is this final drive?” question

Used OEM parts preserve the brand integrity of your machine. That matters—especially if your name is on the side of it.

Example:

• Machine with used OEM swing motor? R500k resale.

• Same machine with an unknown Chinese swing motor? Maybe R400k… if it’s working on the day.

Verdict:

🏆 Used OEM wins againBecause even your buyer knows the difference.

6. Availability: Who Has What When You Need It?

This is the only category where aftermarket sometimes wins.

Many aftermarket parts are available brand new and shipped same-day. Used OEM parts, on the other hand, rely on availability from machine teardowns. Not every part is always on the shelf.

But—and this is important—a good used parts supplier has a massive inventory, and even if the part isn’t there today, they probably know where to find it.

Pro Tip:

Call someone like Vikfin first. You’ll be surprised what they’ve got tucked away—or what they’re tearing down next week.

Verdict:

✅ Aftermarket for “I need it yesterday”🤝 Used OEM for “I want it done right the first time”

Summary: The Cage Match Results

Category	Used OEM	Aftermarket
Cost	🟡 Decent	✅ Cheapest Upfront
Durability	✅ Superior	❌ Inconsistent
Warranty & Support	✅ Real Help	❌ Minimal to None
Installation Fit	✅ Drop-in Ready	❌ May Require Mods
Resale Value	✅ Preserves It	❌ Lowers It
Availability	🟡 Can Vary	✅ Fastest Access

Final Verdict: Used OEM = Long-Term Win

Aftermarket has its place. If you’re fixing a backup machine, or doing a short-term job on a tight budget, go for it. But if you’re running a serious operation with tight deadlines, expensive operators, and clients who don’t care that your swing motor packed up—Used OEM is the smarter play.

It's all about value over time, not just savings today.

Why South African Contractors Trust Vikfin for Used OEM Parts

At Vikfin, we don’t just sell parts—we supply solutions. Every component we sell is:

• Stripped from real excavators

• Fully inspected and tested

• Tagged with serial numbers

• Backed by years of experience in heavy machinery

• Competitively priced without cutting corners

We carry parts for major OEMs: Cat, Volvo, Komatsu, Hitachi, Doosan, Hyundai—you name it. From final drives to booms, cabs to pumps, we’ve got the used parts that make sense (and cents).

Ready to Stop Gambling on Aftermarket?

Call us, message us, or swing by. Let’s get your machine back to work—with parts that won’t let you down.

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