Why Buying Aftermarket Parts Can Cost You More in the Long Run

(And Why Smart Operators Choose Used OEM Instead)

Let’s get straight to it. You’ve got a machine down, a deadline looming, and a replacement part that needs to be sourced—fast. In the heat of the moment, that aftermarket part sitting on the shelf for half the price of OEM starts to look pretty appealing.

But before you reach for your wallet, let’s talk real-world consequences.

Because while that part might save you a few bucks today, it could cost you far more in the long run.

At Vikfin, we’ve spent years watching the real-life impact of aftermarket versus used OEM parts on excavators. What we’ve seen again and again? Used OEM parts consistently outperform their aftermarket cousins when it comes to durability, fitment, and long-term value.

This blog is your no-nonsense guide to understanding why used OEM parts are the smarter buy—and why going aftermarket could leave you digging your own financial grave.

The Rise of the Aftermarket Trap

The aftermarket parts industry has exploded in recent years. With global supply chains reaching into every corner of the earth and online marketplaces popping up daily, you can now buy a replacement part for almost any machine within minutes.

But there’s a reason these parts are so readily available: they’re mass-produced, often cheaply, and almost never tested to OEM standards.

And unfortunately, the construction and earthmoving industry is full of stories like this:

“The hydraulic cylinder from China looked fine—until it started leaking two weeks later.”“That aftermarket final drive fit, but the gear ratio was off, and now the machine runs unevenly.”“We saved money on the engine rebuild kit, but it blew up under load. The client hasn’t called us since.”

In each case, the short-term savings came at the cost of long-term pain.

Used OEM vs Aftermarket: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s get into it. Here’s how used OEM parts from Vikfin stack up against typical aftermarket parts in three critical areas: durability, downtime, and fitment.

1. Durability: The Real Test of Time

• Used OEM PartsOEM parts are designed by the machine’s original engineers to withstand the exact stresses of your machine’s working environment. Even after years of use, many OEM components retain structural integrity, correct metallurgy, and ideal tolerances.At Vikfin, we pressure test, clean, and inspect every part before it leaves our yard. When you install a used OEM boom cylinder or slew motor, you’re installing a part built to work hard—again.

• Aftermarket PartsBuilt to price, not to spec. Many aftermarket parts cut corners with cheaper alloys, poor welds, inferior seals, and reduced load tolerance. While some high-end aftermarket parts are decent, the average low-cost unit on the market won’t last long under pressure.Expect faster wear, poor resistance to corrosion, and higher failure rates.

✅ Verdict: Used OEM wins—every time.

2. Downtime: Can You Afford the Delay?

• Used OEM PartsWhen you buy from a reputable dealer like Vikfin, the part you need is already in stock and tested.Whether it’s a Volvo D6E engine, a Doosan track adjuster, or a Komatsu control valve, you can get your part installed and your machine working within days.

• Aftermarket PartsHere's where it gets tricky. Even if the part is available, fitment issues (we’ll get to that next) often delay installation. Worse, many parts aren’t locally stocked. You could be waiting weeks for a part to clear customs, only to find it needs modification.If the part fails early—and many do—you face a second round of downtime while arranging returns, warranties, and another installation.

✅ Verdict: Used OEM parts get you back on the job faster.

3. Fitment: Precision or Pain?

• Used OEM PartsThey came off the exact make and model you’re working on. No grinding. No forcing. No drama.That old slew ring, control lever, or final drive? It fits like it belongs—because it does.

• Aftermarket PartsThe number one complaint? “It doesn’t fit right.”Threads don’t align. Bolt holes are off. Hoses need adapters. Ports need re-threading. And that quick job becomes a time-consuming jigsaw puzzle.

Even small misalignments in gear ratios or valve tolerances can cause excessive wear, increased vibration, or total system failure.

✅ Verdict: If you want a smooth installation, OEM is the only way to go.

Real Talk: The Cost Equation

Let’s say a new OEM hydraulic cylinder costs R80,000.An aftermarket unit is R40,000.A used OEM one from Vikfin? Maybe R35,000–R45,000, tested, guaranteed, and ready to go.

The temptation is clear: aftermarket seems cheaper. But let’s break it down:

Scenario	Initial Cost	Downtime	Failure Cost	Reinstall	Client Loss	Total Cost
Aftermarket	R40,000	3–5 days	R25,000	R8,000	R15,000	R88,000
Used OEM (Vikfin)	R40,000	1 day	R0	R0	R0	R40,000

You just saved R48,000 by making the smart choice up front.

The Sustainability Factor

Here’s something few people think about: Every time you buy used OEM instead of new or aftermarket, you’re reducing waste.

• No new raw materials mined

• No new casting or forging

• No international shipping carbon footprint

• One less part in the landfill

In today’s world, repair and reuse isn’t just practical—it’s ethical. Choosing refurbished parts contributes to a greener construction industry. Your accountant and your conscience will thank you.

The Common Myths (And The Truth)

❌ “Used parts are risky.”

✅ Not if you buy from a specialist like Vikfin. We strip parts from known machines, inspect and test them thoroughly, and only sell components we’d use ourselves.

❌ “Aftermarket parts have warranties, so they’re safe.”

✅ Paper warranties mean little when your site is shut down for 10 days and you’re scrambling for transport, returns, and reinstallation.

❌ “It’s just a small part—any brand will do.”

✅ The smallest part can ruin a million-rand machine. That aftermarket pin that wasn’t heat-treated? It just bent your linkage system.

The Vikfin Difference

Not all used part suppliers are created equal. At Vikfin, we’re not just resellers—we’re experts.

Here’s what sets us apart:

🔧 Specialized StockWe focus on 20- to 30-ton excavators, stripping units from all major OEMs—Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, Doosan, Hitachi, and more.

🧠 Expert AdviceNeed help figuring out whether a Sumitomo part fits your Case CX210? We’ll guide you. We know which parts are interchangeable across brands.

📦 Tested & ReadyEvery part is inspected, cleaned, and tested before sale. You’re not buying a mystery—you’re buying reliability.

💰 Lowest Price GuaranteeWe’ll beat any genuine quote on a comparable used OEM part. Why pay more for worse quality?

🚚 Fast Nationwide DeliveryWherever your site is, we’ll get the part to you—fast.

Final Thoughts: Think Long-Term

Aftermarket parts might look like a bargain on paper—but in the real world, they can:

• Void your warranties

• Cause more damage than they fix

• Waste valuable hours of productivity

• Leave you dealing with returns, replacements, and rework

Used OEM parts, especially from a trusted supplier like Vikfin, offer the best of all worlds: ✅ Built to OEM spec✅ Ready to install✅ Proven in the field✅ Priced right

Your excavator deserves parts that work just as hard as you do. Don’t gamble with your business—go with what works.

Need a Reliable Part? Call Us First.

Before you roll the dice on aftermarket, get in touch with Vikfin. We’ll check our yard, quote you the best price, and get your machine back to work—fast and worry-free.

📞 Call or WhatsApp us today🛠️ Vikfin – South Africa’s trusted name in high-quality used OEM excavator parts

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