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Writer's pictureRALPH COPE
12 minutes ago4 min read

The Lifecycle of an Excavator Part: From OEM to Refurbished at Vikfin




Excavators are the backbone of countless industries, from construction to mining, and their parts endure punishing workloads. Every component, from hydraulic cylinders to track adjusters, plays a vital role in keeping these machines running. But what happens when a part reaches the end of its service life? At Vikfin, we believe every part deserves a second chance. Here’s an exclusive look at the journey of an excavator part as it moves from OEM to a high-quality refurbished component that meets OEM standards.


1. The OEM Origin: The Birth of a Quality Part

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed and built to exacting specifications. These components must endure harsh conditions while maintaining peak performance. However, even the most robust parts eventually face wear and tear, especially in high-demand operations.


Take, for example, a hydraulic cylinder. When first installed, it operates flawlessly under immense pressure. But over time, the seals may degrade, the piston rods could corrode, and the housing might wear down. This is where Vikfin comes in to breathe new life into these components.


2. Identifying Candidates for Refurbishment

The journey begins with sourcing. At Vikfin, we acquire used excavator parts through a network of partnerships with plant hire companies, construction firms, and scrapyards. Some parts come from excavators that are being stripped for spares, while others arrive as standalone components.


Each part undergoes an initial inspection to determine its viability for refurbishment. Components that pass this first test are earmarked for processing. Our specialists look for:

  • Structural integrity.

  • Potential for repair or replacement of subcomponents.

  • Compatibility with OEM specifications.


Parts that fail to meet these criteria are responsibly recycled to minimize environmental impact.


3. The Refurbishment Process: Turning Old into Gold

Refurbishing an excavator part involves several precise steps. Let’s dive into the process:

3.1 Disassembly and Cleaning

Every component is carefully disassembled. This allows our technicians to examine each subcomponent for wear, damage, or defects. The parts are then cleaned using industrial-grade equipment to remove dirt, grease, and debris, exposing the true condition of the material.

For example, a worn final drive gear will be cleaned to reveal cracks, pitting, or excessive wear. Only after cleaning can the team decide whether the part is salvageable.

3.2 Inspection and Testing

Next, parts are inspected using advanced diagnostic tools. Measurements are compared against OEM specifications to ensure precision. Key testing methods include:

  • Ultrasonic testing for internal flaws.

  • Pressure tests for hydraulic components.

  • Magnetic particle inspection for cracks in metal parts.

Any subcomponents that cannot meet these standards are replaced with new, OEM-compatible replacements.

3.3 Repair and Machining

Damaged components undergo repairs using cutting-edge technology. For instance:

  • Hydraulic cylinders: Worn rods are re-chromed, seals replaced, and bores honed.

  • Engine blocks: Cracks are welded, and surfaces are machined to OEM tolerances.

  • Tracks and rollers: Bent sections are straightened, and worn pins or bushings are swapped out.

This stage ensures that every part is brought back to its optimal condition.


4. Testing Refurbished Parts to OEM Standards

Vikfin prides itself on delivering parts that meet or exceed OEM standards. Refurbished components undergo rigorous testing to verify their quality and reliability. Examples include:

  • Load testing for structural parts like booms and buckets.

  • Performance testing for hydraulic cylinders under pressure.

  • Durability testing for moving components such as rollers and idlers.

Testing replicates real-world operating conditions to ensure each part can handle the demands of its intended use.


5. The Final Touch: Quality Assurance

Before any part is deemed ready for sale, it undergoes one last round of quality assurance. Our dedicated QA team inspects each component for:

  • Proper assembly and alignment.

  • Adherence to OEM specifications.

  • Visual and functional integrity.

Only after passing these checks is the part certified for resale.


6. Inventory and Customization

Refurbished parts are cataloged in our inventory system, complete with detailed descriptions and specifications. This ensures our customers can quickly find the exact part they need. In some cases, Vikfin offers customized solutions, tailoring parts to meet unique customer requirements.

For example, a client operating in high-corrosion environments might request additional protective coatings on refurbished hydraulic cylinders. Vikfin’s flexibility allows us to meet such needs without compromising quality.


7. Benefits of Choosing Refurbished Parts from Vikfin

7.1 Cost Savings

Refurbished parts offer significant cost savings over new OEM components. Customers can expect to save up to 50% without sacrificing performance or reliability.

7.2 Environmental Impact

Refurbishing extends the lifecycle of parts, reducing waste and the demand for raw materials. This contributes to a more sustainable industry and aligns with global efforts to minimize environmental footprints.

7.3 Minimized Downtime

With a large inventory of ready-to-ship refurbished parts, Vikfin ensures customers can get back to work faster. This is critical in industries where downtime translates to lost revenue.


8. Real-World Success Stories

At Vikfin, we’ve seen countless examples of how refurbished parts transform operations. One client, a plant hire business, faced recurring breakdowns with their fleet of 30-ton excavators. By switching to Vikfin’s refurbished hydraulic cylinders, they reduced maintenance costs by 40% and increased fleet availability.

Another customer, operating in the mining sector, replaced worn track chains with Vikfin’s refurbished options. The tracks performed flawlessly under harsh conditions, proving the durability of our products.


9. Vikfin: A Trusted Partner in Refurbished OEM Parts

Our commitment to quality, affordability, and sustainability sets Vikfin apart in the competitive excavator parts market. By choosing Vikfin, customers gain access to:

  • A wide range of high-quality refurbished parts.

  • Expert technical support and guidance.

  • Solutions tailored to their unique operational needs.

We stand behind every part we sell, ensuring customers can trust our products to keep their machines running at peak performance.


10. Conclusion: Extending the Lifecycle of Excavator Parts

The journey from OEM to refurbished at Vikfin is a testament to the value of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. By refurbishing and testing parts to meet OEM standards, Vikfin delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that empower businesses to succeed.


When you choose Vikfin, you’re not just buying a part—you’re investing in a sustainable future for your operations and the industry.


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