top of page
Search

Why OEM Used Excavator Parts Are Better Than Aftermarket Alternatives

  • Writer: RALPH COPE
    RALPH COPE
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 3 min read

Stop Gambling With Cheap Parts — Your Machine Deserves Better

Let’s cut the crap. South African contractors are under pressure to cut costs, hit deadlines, and keep machines running.


The temptation? Cheap aftermarket parts. They look okay, they fit… sometimes.


But here’s the cold, hard truth: aftermarket parts are a gamble. And the house usually wins — you pay.


Here’s why OEM used parts from Vikfin are the smarter choice.


1: Fit and Compatibility — Don’t Guess

OEM parts are built for your specific machine, down to the smallest bolt:

  • Volvo, CAT, Komatsu, Hyundai — every model has slightly different specifications

  • Aftermarket parts? Might “fit,” but tolerances are off

  • Result: leaks, vibration, premature wear, and failures


SA contractor tip: Cheap fit = expensive downtime.


2: Reliability — Tested vs Hopeful

Vikfin’s OEM used parts aren’t just pulled from old machines and sold. They are:

  • Inspected for wear and damage

  • Tested under real-world conditions

  • Certified ready for installation


Aftermarket parts? Usually no testing, no history, no guarantees.


Ask yourself: which would you trust to lift R30,000 worth of dirt per bucket — a tested OEM pump or a cheap off-brand that could fail tomorrow?


3: Longevity — Save Money Long-Term

Cheap aftermarket components often fail faster than OEM used parts, meaning:

  • Replacements more often

  • Increased downtime

  • Additional wear on other machine components


OEM used parts may cost more upfront than a no-name replacement, but they last longer and reduce headaches, saving tens of thousands in SA conditions.


4: Warranty and Documentation — Peace of Mind

Vikfin provides:

  • Documentation of hours and testing

  • Guarantees on reliability

  • Compatibility checks for your machine


Aftermarket parts? Forget it. One failure, no recourse, and your project stops. In South Africa, downtime = lost money. Simple as that.


5: Performance Under Stress — SA Sites Are Brutal

  • Rocky quarries, muddy construction sites, and heavy workloads

  • Machines are pushed to the limit daily

  • OEM parts withstand stress, heat, and load better than cheap alternatives


Aftermarket parts might hold up for a week — then fail at the worst possible moment, usually under heavy load.


6: Operator Safety — Don’t Risk It

A part failure isn’t just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous:

  • Hydraulic leaks = slips, burns, or uncontrolled movements

  • Broken final drives or swing motors = tipping or track derailing

  • Electrical failure = loss of control over boom, arm, or bucket


OEM used parts minimize these risks — aftermarket gamble doesn’t.


7: Availability and Cost — Think Smart

Vikfin supplies tested OEM used parts across South Africa:

  • Fast delivery = less downtime

  • Cost-effective vs repeated aftermarket failures

  • High-quality = lower total cost of ownership


Aftermarket parts may be cheap, but failure costs more in money, time, and stress.


8: Contractor-Proven Advice

Every SA contractor knows:

  • Downtime kills productivity

  • Cheap parts often lead to more expensive repairs

  • Reliability is worth every extra Rand


Vikfin’s OEM used parts let you work smart, avoid repeat failures, and keep machines running longer.


9: Final Word — Don’t Gamble With Your Excavator

Let’s be brutally honest:

  • Aftermarket parts are cheap — until they fail

  • OEM used parts cost less over the long term, last longer, and perform better

  • Choosing the wrong part can cost R50,000–R150,000+ in downtime and repairs

If you care about your machine, your crew, and your bottom line, OEM used parts from Vikfin are non-negotiable.


Stop gambling. Stop cutting corners. Invest in tested, certified, reliable parts that keep your excavator moving — and your business profitable.


 
 
 

Comments


Workshop Locations

Durban: Cato Ridge

Johannesburg: Fairleads, Benoni

Vikfin logo

Telephone/WhatsApp

083 639 1982 (Justin Cope) - Durban

071 351 9750 (Ralph Cope) - Johannesburg

©2019 by Vikfin (PTY) Ltd. 

bottom of page