Volvo vs Doosan: Which Excavator Brand Gives You Better Value on the Used Parts Market?

If you run excavators in South Africa, you already know: keeping them moving isn’t just about buying machines — it’s about keeping them alive.And when things break (because they will break), your real profits come down to one question:

“Can I get quality replacement parts — fast and affordably?”

That’s where two of the biggest names in the industry come into focus: Volvo and Doosan.

Both are powerhouse brands with loyal followings, solid engineering reputations, and huge global footprints. But when it comes to used OEM parts, the game changes. Not all brands perform equally once they hit the second-hand market.

So, let’s break it down — which excavator brand actually gives you better value, reliability, and availability in South Africa’s booming used parts market?

1. The Real-World Economics of Used Excavator Parts

Before we compare the two, let’s get one thing straight:In today’s economy, buying new OEM parts for every breakdown just doesn’t make sense.

Between the weak rand, shipping delays, and OEM price inflation, contractors are turning to tested used OEM parts as their go-to solution.

Used doesn’t mean worn-out — at least, not when you buy from Vikfin. Each component is stripped, cleaned, pressure-tested, and matched by serial number. You’re getting the same quality and fitment as new OEM — without the price shock.

That means:

• Lower running costs

• Less downtime

• No “close-enough” aftermarket hassles

So, when you’re choosing between Volvo and Doosan, you’re really asking:

“Which brand gives me the best long-term parts ecosystem — for both new and used components?”

Let’s find out.

2. Volvo Excavators: The Scandinavian Workhorses

Volvo excavators are like the German sedans of the construction world — engineered for precision, comfort, and longevity.

They’re known for:

• Smooth hydraulics

• Strong build quality

• Operator-friendly cabins

• Reliable Volvo Penta engines

Strengths in the Used Parts Market

Volvo machines are built to last — which means their components have a long second life.Even used Volvo parts, when tested and maintained, can outperform cheap new alternatives.

At Vikfin, some of the most in-demand used Volvo parts include:

• Hydraulic pumps and travel motors from EC210, EC240, EC290, and EC360 models

• Volvo Penta D6D, D6E, and D7E engines

• Boom and stick cylinders

• Final drives and swing motors

Volvo’s OEM engineering standards mean that these parts, even used, deliver top-tier performance.

Downside

Volvo parts — even used — can be pricier than others due to brand reputation and demand. But what you get in return is reliability.

If uptime and precision are your priorities, Volvo wins hands down.

3. Doosan Excavators: The Korean Contender

Doosan (now under Hyundai Doosan Infracore) has built a strong reputation for durable, cost-effective excavators that perform exceptionally well in rough terrain and heavy-duty operations.

They’re the workhorses of Africa’s construction and mining sites — tough, simple, and easy to maintain.

Strengths in the Used Parts Market

Doosan’s biggest strength is value for money.Their machines are generally cheaper to buy, and their parts (both new and used) are more readily available in South Africa thanks to a strong dealer network.

At Vikfin, common Doosan parts that move fast include:

• DH220, DX225, and DX300 series hydraulic components

• Final drives and swing reducers

• Engine components for DB58T, DL06, and DL08 series

• Control valves and pilot pumps

Because Doosan machines share a lot of components with Hyundai (especially in the newer models), there’s also cross-compatibility — a huge plus for fleet owners running mixed brands.

Downside

Doosan parts, especially from older models, sometimes show more wear when salvaged. While they’re affordable, their service life can be slightly shorter than Volvo equivalents.

4. Side-by-Side Comparison: Volvo vs Doosan Used OEM Parts

Feature	Volvo Excavators	Doosan Excavators
Build Quality	Premium, high-grade materials	Strong, functional, but lighter build
Used Part Longevity	Excellent — high reuse potential	Good — varies by model and usage
Parts Availability (Used)	Moderate (growing stock via Vikfin)	High (especially for DX/DH series)
Initial Cost (Used OEM)	Higher	Lower
Hydraulic System Performance	Extremely smooth and responsive	Strong, rugged, slightly less refined
Engine Durability	Proven Volvo Penta reliability	Solid, easier to maintain
Cross-Compatibility	Mostly Volvo-exclusive	Strong overlap with Hyundai
Environmental Efficiency	Excellent — low emissions tech	Moderate
Operator Comfort	Industry-leading	Functional and ergonomic
Resale Value	Very high	Moderate

Verdict:Volvo wins for long-term reliability and precision engineering.Doosan wins for affordability, ease of maintenance, and broader used part supply.

5. The South African Context: Dust, Heat, and Hard Work

Machines in South Africa don’t live easy lives.They face extreme heat, abrasive dust, uneven terrain, and long work hours.

This means your parts — especially hydraulic seals, hoses, and engines — need to handle abuse.

• Volvo parts tend to last longer under heat stress and high pressure.

• Doosan parts are cheaper to replace and widely available — which helps keep costs predictable.

That’s why many smart contractors mix brands — running Doosans for heavy, short-cycle jobs and Volvos for precision or long-duration work.And since Vikfin supplies tested used OEM parts for both brands, you can maintain your entire fleet without compromise.

6. The “Aftermarket Trap” — and Why OEM Still Wins

When budgets are tight, aftermarket parts look tempting. But let’s call it what it is — a gamble.

Aftermarket parts often:

• Don’t fit perfectly (leading to leaks or misalignment)

• Use inferior metals or rubber

• Lack consistent quality control

That’s why operators who switch back to used OEM rarely go back.

A used OEM Volvo or Doosan part from Vikfin is:

• 100% genuine

• Pressure-tested and cleaned

• Guaranteed for fit and function

• Proven to handle real-world site abuse

Bottom line: Aftermarket is cheap now, expensive later. Used OEM is affordable now, reliable forever.

7. Engine Showdown: Volvo Penta vs Doosan DL Series

Volvo Penta D6 & D7 Engines

• Built for long service intervals

• Excellent fuel efficiency

• High torque at low RPM

• Commonly used in EC210–EC360 models

• Known for easy cold starts and smooth performance

Doosan DL06 & DL08 Engines

• Tough, simple to maintain

• Excellent cooling systems

• Great fuel economy for their price range

• Found in DX225–DX420 excavators

In the used engine parts market:

• Volvo Penta parts command higher resale value.

• Doosan engine parts are easier to source and cheaper to rebuild.

So again, it’s a trade-off — performance versus economy.

8. Hydraulics: The Deciding Factor for Many Contractors

Hydraulic performance can make or break your productivity.

Volvo’s hydraulic systems are famous for smooth control and precision — perfect for fine trenching, grading, and slope work.

Doosan’s hydraulics, on the other hand, deliver raw power — ideal for bulk earthmoving or quarry work where finesse matters less than speed.

From a used parts perspective:

• Volvo hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and valves retain value longer and test stronger.

• Doosan hydraulic components are more plentiful and often easier to swap out.

With both brands available through Vikfin’s tested stock, the smart approach is matching the part to the job — not just the logo on the boom.

9. Parts Availability in South Africa: The Vikfin Advantage

Here’s where the real battle is won.

Vikfin maintains a constantly rotating inventory of used OEM parts for Volvo, Doosan, Hyundai, Caterpillar, and Komatsu excavators.

That means when you call, you don’t wait months for overseas shipping — you get:

• Immediate stock checks

• Model compatibility confirmation

• Same-day dispatch in most cases

Whether it’s a Volvo EC290 swing motor or a Doosan DX300 final drive, Vikfin’s local availability beats the global supply chain bottlenecks every time.

10. Sustainability and the Circular Economy

Both Volvo and Doosan are investing heavily in sustainability — but the biggest win for the planet happens after a machine’s first life ends.

When Vikfin reclaims OEM parts, tests them, and puts them back to work, it’s a perfect example of the circular economy in action:

• Less waste

• Fewer raw materials mined

• Lower carbon footprint

• More affordable operations for contractors

Whether it’s a used Volvo hydraulic pump or a Doosan swing reducer, every reused OEM part keeps a piece of engineering excellence in service — instead of in a scrapyard.

11. The Smart Fleet Approach

Here’s what most seasoned South African operators are doing today:

• Run mixed fleets (Volvo + Doosan + Hyundai).

• Buy used OEM parts for 70% of maintenance needs.

• Replace critical components proactively before failure.

This strategy keeps uptime high and operating costs predictable.

Vikfin supports that approach with tested, guaranteed parts across all major brands — giving you the flexibility to maintain whatever’s in your yard.

12. The Verdict: Value Depends on What You Value Most

So — who wins the used parts war?

If You Value...	Go With...
Longevity and engineering precision	Volvo
Lower part cost and easy availability	Doosan
Superior hydraulics and comfort	Volvo
Simplicity and rugged reliability	Doosan
Highest resale value	Volvo
Best overall operating economy	Doosan (with Vikfin used parts)

In truth, there’s no wrong choice — only the wrong supplier.

Because whether you run a Volvo EC290 or a Doosan DX300, the secret isn’t the badge on the arm — it’s the quality of the parts keeping it moving.

And that’s where Vikfin gives you the edge.

13. The Bottom Line

Used OEM parts from Vikfin let you:

• Stretch your maintenance budget

• Keep machines in the field, not the workshop

• Avoid aftermarket failures

• Extend machine lifespan

• Support sustainable operations

Whether you bleed Volvo yellow or Doosan orange, Vikfin’s got your back — with genuine OEM reliability at used-part prices.

Because in this business, uptime isn’t everything — it’s the only thing.

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