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

- 17 hours ago
- 8 min read

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.
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