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Why Smart Contractors Choose Vikfin: The Ultimate Guide to Used OEM Excavator Parts in South Africa (and How They Save You Millions)

  • Writer: RALPH COPE
    RALPH COPE
  • 17 hours ago
  • 8 min read
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If you’ve been in this game long enough—whether you run a single excavator or manage a fleet—you already know one bitter truth:


Downtime is the most expensive mistake you’ll ever make.

A machine standing still isn’t “resting.”It’s silently draining your profits.It’s pushing deadlines back.It’s turning small problems into major financial bleeding.It’s frustrating your operators, clients, and probably your bank balance.


And nine times out of ten?


The part you need is either overpriced, out of stock, or “on backorder” with a delivery date that might as well say: good luck, bud.


This is exactly why more construction companies, plant hire businesses, independent contractors, farmers, and earthmoving outfits across South Africa are turning to Vikfin Used OEM Excavator Parts—a brand that has quietly become the go-to powerhouse for anyone who wants OEM quality without the OEM price tag.


Today you’re getting the full deep-dive—the 5,000-word guide that finally explains why Vikfin has become the most trusted supplier of used OEM excavator parts, how the process works, why contractors swear by it, what machines we support, how you save money, how we ensure quality, and how you completely eliminate unnecessary downtime.

Let’s get into it.


1. The Harsh Truth About New OEM Parts (and Why They’re Killing Your Margins)

Let’s start with the obvious:

OEM parts are expensive. Painfully expensive.


You’re not just paying for the part—you’re paying for branding, dealership overheads, import logistics, admin, warehouses, shiny buildings, and every layer of corporate nonsense stacked between you and the excavator part you actually need.


It’s not unusual to see a new OEM hydraulic pump for a 20-ton excavator running upwards of R150,000–R250,000.A final drive? R90,000–R180,000.A swing motor? R70,000–R140,000.

And that’s before VAT, shipping, and installation.


Contractors are being squeezed from all angles:

  • fuel costs

  • labour

  • compliance

  • rising interest rates

  • unpredictable contracts

  • increased competition from small operators

  • load shedding delays

  • project penalties

And on top of that, you’re supposed to casually drop six figures on replacement components every few months?


For many businesses, that model simply isn’t sustainable.

That’s where Vikfin comes in—and changes the game.


2. Why Used OEM Parts Are Not “Second-Hand Junk” (When Sourced Properly)

Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right now:

Used OEM parts are not the same as cheap pirate parts.


Cheap aftermarket parts look new, sound new, and sometimes even smell new—but they’re often built from the cheapest possible metals with zero quality control.

Used OEM parts, on the other hand, were originally built to last 10,000+ hours.

And in most cases?


They still have thousands of hours left.

Here’s why used OEM beats aftermarket almost every time:


OEM = engineered for long life

Manufacturers like Volvo, Caterpillar, Doosan, Komatsu, Hitachi, Hyundai, and Kobelco build their components to survive:

  • extreme heat

  • extreme pressure

  • heavy loads

  • hydraulic spikes

  • dust

  • water

  • unpredictable operator behaviour

  • nonstop commercial use

Cheap aftermarket parts?Not even close.


OEM tolerances = tighter, more precise

A used OEM hydraulic pump will almost always run better than a brand-new cheap aftermarket pump—and last longer too.


OEM components have a known track record

There’s data, documentation, and decades of field performance behind the design.


Used does NOT mean damaged

At Vikfin, we dismantle excavators that still have excellent, healthy components—often retired due to:

  • overall machine age

  • insurance write-offs

  • fire damage limited to the cab

  • expensive chassis repair

  • uneconomical rebuilds

  • major structural issues

In almost every case, the working parts are in excellent condition.


Used OEM gives you the best price-to-performance ratio in the industry

This is the sweet spot every contractor wants:

OEM quality × used pricing = massive savings + reliability.


3. Why Vikfin Became South Africa’s Most Trusted Used OEM Parts Supplier

Let’s be brutally honest:


The earthmoving industry is full of cowboys.


People selling “OEM” parts that aren’t OEM.People selling worn-out junk.People selling parts that fail two weeks later.People who don’t test anything.People who don’t even know what they’re selling.


Vikfin is the opposite.


We’ve carved out our leadership position by building a reputation for trust, transparency, consistency, and serious industry expertise.

Here’s what makes us different:


3.1. We dismantle excavators ourselves

We’re not “middlemen.”We’re not “importers.”We physically dismantle machines on-site.

That means:

  • we know exactly where every part came from

  • we know how many hours were on the clock

  • we know the cause of machine retirement

  • we inspect every component ourselves

  • we test before selling

No guesswork.No mystery.No surprises.


3.2. We specialise in the brands South Africans actually use

Our yard is heavily stocked with parts for:

  • Volvo

  • Doosan

  • Hyundai

  • Caterpillar (CAT)

  • Hitachi

  • Komatsu

  • Kobelco

  • LiuGong (increasing popularity)

  • Bell (selected excavator models)

We support the machines that dominate construction, plant hire, and mining across the country.


3.3. We sell ONLY genuine OEM components

No aftermarket.No pirate parts.No fakes.

If it’s not OEM, we don’t stock it.


3.4. Every part is tested, documented, and verified

We don’t pull a hydraulic pump, wipe it down, and call it “good.”

We:

  • test it under load

  • check pressure ratings

  • check flow

  • inspect internal components

  • replace seals when necessary

  • verify manufacturer markings

  • photograph everything

This is why our return rate is one of the lowest in the industry.


3.5. We offer expert advice—not guesswork

Want to know if the problem is your travel motor or your final drive?Not sure if it's a solenoid, sensor, or wiring fault?Don’t know if the pump needs replacing or just calibration?

We diagnose with you.

Our team has decades of earthmoving experience, and we don’t shy away from giving real advice—even if it means telling you NOT to buy a part you don’t need.


3.6. You get massive savings without sacrificing reliability

Vikfin customers regularly save:

  • 40–70% compared to new OEM prices

  • days or weeks of downtime

  • money on unnecessary replacements

Combine that with OEM durability and you get the winning formula:

Lower cost + high reliability = maximum profitability.


4. What Used Excavator Parts Does Vikfin Stock? (Nearly Everything)

Vikfin carries every major excavator component, including hard-to-find and high-pressure units.

Here’s the full breakdown:


4.1. Major Power & Hydraulics

  • Main hydraulic pumps

  • Swing motors

  • Travel motors

  • Final drives

  • Control valve banks

  • Pilot pumps

  • Joysticks and pilot controls

  • Main control computers (ECUs)

  • Solenoids, sensors, wiring harnesses

  • Turbochargers

  • Injectors

  • Engine assemblies

  • Hydraulic cylinders (boom, stick, bucket)

These are the high-ticket items that typically cost a fortune new—and where the biggest savings come in when buying used OEM.


4.2. Undercarriage Components

  • Sprockets

  • Idlers

  • Track adjusters

  • Track motors

  • Track frames

  • Rollers (upper and lower)

Undercarriage is where most excavators burn through money. Used OEM parts dramatically reduce the cost.


4.3. Excavator Structural Components

  • Booms

  • Dippers / sticks

  • Buckets

  • Quick couplers

  • Counterweights

  • Mainframes

  • Cabs and doors

Perfect for accident repairs or rebuilds.


4.4. Engine & Electrical

  • Alternators

  • Starters

  • Radiators

  • Coolers

  • ECUs

  • Wiring harnesses

  • Sensors

  • Monitors

  • Throttle actuators

Electronics are notoriously expensive from dealers—this is where Vikfin saves customers thousands.


4.5. Complete Assemblies

  • Swing gearboxes

  • Travel gearbox assemblies

  • Hydraulic pump assemblies

  • Engine assemblies

  • Cooling system assemblies

Plug-and-play units dramatically reduce repair time.


5. The Vikfin Quality Process (Why Our Parts Last)

Anyone can sell used parts.Almost nobody tests them properly.

Here’s our 7-step process that ensures you get a part worth installing:


Step 1: Full Machine Background Check

Hours.Service history (when available).Previous owner type.Cause of retirement.


Step 2: Controlled Dismantling

Components are removed professionally, not hacked out with torches and excavator teeth.


Step 3: Component Cleaning

Every part is cleaned and degreased for proper inspection.


Step 4: Bench Testing

Hydraulic components are run under pressure.Engines are compression tested.Gearboxes are rotation tested.


Step 5: Internal Inspection

Where necessary:

  • pumps are opened

  • motors are inspected

  • seals are checked

  • tolerances are measured


Step 6: Documentation

Photos + test results + serial numbers.


Step 7: Sales Support and Advice

We confirm compatibility with:

  • machine model

  • sub-model

  • serial number range

  • engine version

No guesswork. No mismatches.


6. The Real Money: How Much You Actually Save With Vikfin

Let’s break down real-world pricing differences:

Hydraulic Pump

  • New OEM: R150,000–R250,000

  • Vikfin Used OEM: R55,000–R110,000Savings: Up to R140,000

Final Drive

  • New OEM: R90,000–R180,000

  • Vikfin Used OEM: R35,000–R75,000Savings: Up to R105,000

Swing Motor

  • New OEM: R70,000–R140,000

  • Vikfin Used OEM: R25,000–R55,000Savings: Up to R85,000

Engine Assembly (e.g., Volvo, Doosan, Cummins)

  • New OEM: R350,000+

  • Vikfin Used OEM: R120,000–R200,000Savings: Up to R230,000

Now multiply that across a year of machine maintenance and repairs.

It’s not uncommon for companies to save:

R300,000–R1,200,000 per year using Vikfin.

That’s not small money. That’s business-changing money.


7. The Hidden Benefits Most Contractors Don’t Even Realise

Used OEM excavator parts don’t just save money—they save everything else too.


7.1. Faster turnaround (days instead of weeks)

Dealers often list parts as “available” but they’re only available in another country.

Meaning:

  • 2–3 weeks shipping

  • customs delays

  • weekend delays

  • admin storms

  • downtime costing thousands per day

Vikfin parts?You get them almost immediately.


7.2. Extended machine lifespan

Used OEM gives you an affordable way to keep older machines productive for years longer.


7.3. Zero-pressure procurement

Buying from dealers can feel…Well… like being sold to.

At Vikfin, you’re talking to earthmoving people—not salespeople.


7.4. Low-risk testing and validation

If you're repairing a machine with unknown faults, this is a huge advantage.


7.5. Perfect for fleet diversification

Running a mixed fleet becomes cheap and easy to maintain.


8. Who Uses Vikfin? (You’re in Good Company)

Our clients include:

  • Civil engineering contractors

  • Plant hire companies

  • Mining operations

  • Forestry operators

  • Farmers

  • Independent owner-operators

  • Government infrastructure projects

  • Earthmoving repair shops

  • Fleet maintenance teams

  • Construction companies of all sizes

If you move earth, break ground, or rip trenches—we support you.


9. Real Customer Stories (What Contractors Say About Vikfin)

Case Study #1: The Plant Hire Lifesaver

A contractor in Pretoria had a Volvo EC210B with a failed travel motor. The OEM quote was R118,000 + a 3-week wait.

Vikfin supplied a tested OEM unit the same day for R48,000.

Downtime? 24 hours.Savings? R70,000.Client reaction? “Boys, we’re using Vikfin from now on.”


Case Study #2: The Farmer Who Thought His Engine Was Finished

A farmer in the Free State had a Doosan engine that seized. Dealer replacement cost: R360,000.Vikfin offered a complete used OEM engine for R160,000—delivered in 48 hours.


Case Study #3: The Fleet Who Cut Their Annual Maintenance Bill in Half

A Gauteng contractor running 14 excavators switched 100% of their procurement to Vikfin. Year-end saving: R1,080,000.

That’s the power of used OEM parts done right.


10. When Should You Not Buy Used OEM? (Yes, We Tell the Truth)

Vikfin is honest because honesty builds trust.

Used OEM is not ideal for:

  • machines still under OEM warranty

  • machines under long-term service contracts

  • highly specialised mining applications

  • customers who require new-part certification for compliance

Otherwise?Used OEM is the smartest move you can make.


11. How to Work With Vikfin (The Process is Simple)

Here’s how it usually goes:

Step 1: You tell us the part you need

Model + serial number + photos if possible.

Step 2: We check stock

If we don’t have it, we often know exactly where to find it.

Step 3: We verify compatibility

No mismatches. No “try your luck.”

Step 4: We send photos, test results, and pricing

Step 5: You approve the order

Step 6: Same-day dispatch (or collection)

Step 7: Your machine is back on site, earning money


12. Why Contractors Trust Vikfin More Every Year

Because we do three things most suppliers don’t:

1. We tell the truth

If a part isn’t good, we don’t sell it.

2. We think long-term

Your trust is more valuable than one sale.

3. We know the industry

We understand the cost of downtime better than anyone.

And that’s why Vikfin has become a powerhouse in South Africa’s excavator parts market.


13. Final Thoughts: The Smartest Decision You’ll Make This Year

If you’re tired of:

  • overpaying for OEM parts

  • dealing with long lead times

  • being at the mercy of dealerships

  • losing money to downtime

  • buying cheap aftermarket junk that fails

Then it’s time to join the thousands of contractors who’ve made the switch to Vikfin Used


OEM Excavator Parts.

You get:

  • OEM reliability

  • massive savings

  • fast turnaround

  • expert technical support

  • honest advice

  • tested components

  • industry-leading consistency

In this industry, the edge doesn’t come from shiny new parts—it comes from smart decisions and reliable partners.

And Vikfin has become exactly that.


#Vikfin#ExcavatorParts#UsedOEMParts#EarthmovingSouthAfrica#ConstructionSA#PlantHire#HydraulicPumps#FinalDrive#SwingMotor#ExcavatorRepair#VolvoExcavator#DoosanExcavator#HyundaiExcavator#CATExcavator#KomatsuExcavator#HitachiExcavator#MiningEquipmentSA#ContractorsSA#EarthmovingEquipment#SaveOnParts

 
 
 

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Workshop Locations

Durban: Cato Ridge

Johannesburg: Fairleads, Benoni

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Telephone/WhatsApp

083 639 1982 (Justin Cope) - Durban

071 351 9750 (Ralph Cope) - Johannesburg

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