Can You Swap a Dipper Arm Between Excavator Brands? Vikfin Has the Answers (and the Parts!)
- RALPH COPE
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Thinking about mixing and matching excavator parts to keep your machine running without breaking the bank? Maybe you’ve got a spare dipper arm from a Hitachi and want to see if it’ll fit your Volvo. At Vikfin, we’re all about helping you save time and money with high-quality used OEM excavator parts—and we’ve got the know-how to make those cross-brand swaps work. But before you start bolting things together, let’s talk about the key measurements you need to check. With the right dimensions and a little guidance from us, you might just find the perfect fit in our inventory!
Why Trust Vikfin for Your Excavator Parts?
The dipper arm—that crucial stick linking the boom to the bucket—is the backbone of your excavator’s digging power. Swapping one between brands can be a game-changer, but it’s not plug-and-play. Every manufacturer has its own specs, and that’s where Vikfin comes in. We supply genuine, used OEM parts from top brands like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and more, so you can trust the quality. Let’s walk you through the measurements to see if that dipper arm swap is doable—and how Vikfin can hook you up with the right piece.
1. Pin Diameter: Lock It In
The pins are what hold your dipper arm to the boom and bucket. Measure their diameter on both your machine and the arm you’re eyeing. Too big or too small, and it’s a no-go. At Vikfin, we stock a range of OEM dipper arms with precise specs listed, so you can match those pins without the guesswork.
2. Pin Center-to-Center Distance: Perfect Alignment
This is the distance between the pin holes on the dipper arm—boom side to bucket side. Get this wrong, and your excavator’s geometry will be off. Our team at Vikfin can help you compare this measurement to our inventory, ensuring you get an arm that lines up just right.
3. Dipper Gap: A Snug Fit
The mounting ears on the dipper arm have to hug the boom and bucket linkage perfectly. Measure that inside width, and if it’s not a match, you’re stuck. Lucky for you, Vikfin’s used OEM parts come from the original manufacturers, so we’ve got the exact fits you need—no forcing or fudging required.
4. Overall Length: Reach Your Goals
From boom pin to bucket pin, the dipper arm’s length sets your digging depth and reach. A mismatch here could throw off your whole operation. Browse Vikfin’s selection, and we’ll find you a dipper arm that keeps your excavator performing like it should.
5. Hydraulic Cylinder Mounts: Power Up
The stick cylinder makes the dipper arm move, so its mounting points have to align. Measure the pin size and spacing, then let Vikfin take it from there. Our used OEM parts are built to spec, so you won’t lose that hydraulic punch.
6. Bucket Linkage: Ready to Dig
The bucket end of the arm has to match your linkage or coupler. Different brands, different designs—measure it up! At Vikfin, we’ve got dipper arms compatible with all the major setups, making your swap seamless.
7. Arm Shape and Thickness: Built to Last
A bulky or oddly shaped arm could clash with your boom or counterweight. Vikfin’s OEM parts are straight from the source, designed to fit like they were made for your machine—because they were.
More Than Just Measurements
Matching dimensions is step one, but you’ve also got hydraulics, weight, and brand quirks to consider. Will the arm handle your machine’s pressure? Can your excavator lift it? Vikfin doesn’t just sell parts—we know them inside and out. When you buy from us, you’re getting expertise alongside every dipper arm, ensuring it’s not just a fit, but a smart fit.
How to Measure (and Why Vikfin Makes It Easy)
Pin Diameter: Grab some calipers.
Center-to-Center: Use a tape or laser tool.
Gap and Length: A ruler does the trick. No manual? No problem. Contact Vikfin with your excavator’s make and model, and we’ll match your measurements to our stock. We’ve got the parts and the specs to back them up.
Why Choose Vikfin?
Swapping a dipper arm between brands can save you thousands compared to buying new, and Vikfin is your one-stop shop for making it happen. Our used OEM excavator parts are rigorously checked for quality, priced to move, and ready to ship. Whether it’s a Caterpillar arm for your John Deere or a Komatsu stick for your Hitachi, we’ve got the inventory and the insight to get you digging again.
Let’s Make It Work
Measure twice, swap once—that’s the Vikfin way. If your numbers line up, you’re golden. If not, give us a call—we might have just the adapter or alternative part you need. Ready to find the perfect dipper arm for your excavator? Check out our inventory at Vikfin today, or drop us a line with your specs. We’re here to keep your machines moving, one quality part at a time!
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