Why Aftermarket Excavator Parts Can Be Just as Good as OEM (If You Know Where to Look)

Spoiler alert: it's not about luck—it’s about choosing the right supplier.

Let’s be honest for a second. The phrase “aftermarket part” still gives some people the heebie-jeebies. You’ve probably heard horror stories: gears made from cheese, hydraulic seals that leak faster than your uncle’s 1984 Ford bakkie, or “brand new” parts that look suspiciously like they were dug out of a scrapyard in the dark.

But here’s the real truth, straight from the greasy, diesel-stained trenches of the construction world: aftermarket excavator parts can absolutely be as good as OEM—if you know where to look.

In this no-fluff guide, we’re going to break down the myths, show you what makes a good aftermarket part, and—most importantly—help you avoid getting screwed.

OEM vs Aftermarket: What’s the Deal Anyway?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):

OEM parts are made by the same company that built your excavator. These are the “official” parts, blessed by the machine gods themselves, complete with premium price tags and dealer markups that make your wallet cry.

Aftermarket:

These are parts made by third-party manufacturers. Some are incredible. Some are trash. And some fall into the grey area of “it worked... for a while.”

The reality:Not all OEM parts are perfect. And not all aftermarket parts are dodgy. It's all about quality control, materials, and where you buy them from.

Why People Automatically Trust OEM Parts

It’s all about branding and fear. The manufacturers have convinced the world that only they can make parts that won’t kill your machine. And hey, there’s some truth there—OEMs have standards. But they also have shareholders, dealer networks, and markup goals.

We get it. You want to protect your investment. But does that really mean paying 2x or 3x more for a part that a solid aftermarket brand makes just as well? Not necessarily.

The Case For Aftermarket Parts

Let’s break down the big wins.

1. They Cost Less (But Not in a “Cheap Crap” Way)

A good aftermarket final drive, hydraulic pump, or undercarriage part can cost 30–70% less than OEM—and still last just as long. Why?

• No expensive branding.

• No dealer markup.

• Less red tape.

You’re paying for the part, not the packaging or the prestige.

2. Many Come From the Same Factories as OEM Parts

Here’s an industry secret: some OEMs outsource their parts. That final drive labeled “Brand X”? It might be made in the same factory as an unbranded aftermarket version, minus the badge and plus a huge price hike.

We’ve seen this firsthand. Some top-tier aftermarket manufacturers supply both the OEMs and the independent market.

3. They’re Readily Available

OEM parts can take weeks to arrive, especially if you're in South Africa and the part’s shipping from a warehouse in Belgium. A good aftermarket supplier like Vikfin? We’ve got shelves full of high-quality parts ready to ship or collect today.

When your machine is dead in the dirt, time is money. Waiting for OEM? That’s burning money.

But Not All Aftermarket Parts Are Created Equal

Here’s where things get real. Not all aftermarket parts are quality. Some are glorified scrap metal. That’s why you need to do your homework or—better yet—work with a supplier who already did it for you.

Here’s how to tell the difference between a good aftermarket part and one that will cost you jobs:

1. Look for Reputable Brands (or Reputable Rebuilders)

You wouldn’t buy bakkie tyres from a guy selling them off the back of a donkey cart in a parking lot (well, we hope not). The same applies to excavator parts.

There are solid aftermarket brands out there—brands with real quality control, performance testing, and warranties. We source from many of them. In fact, some aftermarket parts outperform OEMs in field tests.

Questions to ask:

• Who made the part?

• Where was it made?

• Is it ISO-certified?

• Does the supplier stand behind it?

2. Check the Warranty

A real manufacturer stands behind their work. If the warranty is “we’ll pray for you” or “you break it, you bought it,” run.

At Vikfin, we offer real warranties on our aftermarket parts. That’s because we trust our suppliers, and we test parts in real-world conditions—not in a lab with a clipboard.

3. Ask if the Part Has Been Tested

This is huge, especially for used or rebuilt parts. Pressure tested, flow tested, visually inspected—whatever the part demands, it should be proven functional before it goes into your machine.

We test all major components before they leave our shop. That’s not “extra”—that’s basic professionalism.

4. Avoid eBay AliExpress Specials

Look, the internet is full of cheap knockoffs that’ll look fine until you install them—then boom, they turn into hot shrapnel and take out your whole hydraulic system.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Stick with local suppliers who know the South African construction scene. We know what works here—and what doesn’t.

5. Get Advice From People Who Actually Know Machines

Your supplier should sound like a mechanic, not a call centre operator reading a script. If they can’t explain flow rates, gear ratios, or why your CAT 320C's final drive is different from the 320D’s—walk away.

At Vikfin, we know these machines because we’ve lived in the mud with them. We’re not here to sell junk. We’re here to get your machine running right.

What Parts Are Safe to Go Aftermarket?

Almost everything—if you get it from the right place. Some of our bestselling aftermarket parts include:

✅ Final Drives

Our aftermarket final drives are tested and built to handle serious abuse. They cost less and deliver results.

✅ Hydraulic Pumps

Rebuilt or aftermarket hydraulic pumps are a smart choice. Just make sure flow rates and pressures are matched properly.

✅ Undercarriage Parts

Rollers, sprockets, tracks—you name it. Most undercarriage wear parts are perfect for aftermarket sourcing.

✅ Swing Motors

As long as it’s pressure tested and properly matched, aftermarket swing motors work great.

🚫 What We’re Wary Of:

• Electronic control modules (ECMs): Sometimes tricky. Compatibility issues galore.

• Sensors: Hit or miss depending on the brand.

• Safety systems: Always go OEM here. Not worth gambling.

Real Talk: Why Vikfin Backs Quality Aftermarket

We don’t just sell parts—we test them, rebuild them, and install them. If something doesn’t hold up, we hear about it (and we fix it).

Our mission is simple:To help South African contractors and operators keep their machines moving, without getting bent over a parts counter.

We’ve built long-term relationships with trusted manufacturers and only stock parts we’d put in our own machines. You won’t find sketchy no-name garbage in our yard.

So… Should You Choose Aftermarket?

YES, if:

• You want to save money without sacrificing quality

• You trust your supplier to source solid parts

• You’re willing to ask a few smart questions

• You need it now, not six weeks from now

NO, if:

• You buy parts off shady websites and hope for the best

• You don’t double-check specs

• You think all parts are the same

• You don’t trust your supplier to tell you the truth

Final Thoughts

The right aftermarket part can save you thousands and keep your machine digging strong. But the key isn’t just the part—it’s the supplier. That’s why people all over South Africa trust Vikfin to deliver the real deal.

When you buy from us, you’re getting:

• Real advice from people who know machines

• Tested, trusted aftermarket parts

• Honest warranties and support

• Zero bulls**t

Whether you’re running a single digger or a whole fleet, we’ll help you stay moving without bleeding money.

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Need a quote? Got questions?Want to send us a photo of a broken part and say, “HELP”?

Call us. WhatsApp us. Or just rock up at Vikfin. We’ll sort you out.

Because the only thing worse than a broken excavator… is paying too much to fix it.