Under the Hood: How Vikfin Strips and Tests Excavator Parts to Keep Your Machines Moving

When your excavator breaks down, every second counts. You need a part that fits, works, and lasts—without draining your bank account or forcing you to wait weeks for a shipment. That’s where Vikfin comes in.

We don’t just sell used OEM excavator parts—we breathe new life into machines that others have given up on. We strip, inspect, test, and recondition parts with the same meticulous care as a factory-trained technician. And in this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain on our entire process—from the moment a machine rolls into our yard to the final quality control checks before a part goes out the door.

Let’s take a walk through the heart of our operation—and show you why buying from Vikfin isn’t just smart; it’s strategic.

Step 1: Sourcing the Right Machines for Stripping

Our process begins long before a spanner turns a bolt. We’re on the hunt every day for suitable excavators to strip for parts—20, 30, and 40-ton machines, mostly—made by OEMs like:

• Volvo

• Komatsu

• Hitachi

• Doosan

• Caterpillar

• Hyundai

• Liebherr

• Sumitomo

We don’t buy any old machine. Our criteria are tight.

What we look for:

• OEM pedigree – Machines that are built to last and have high parts interchangeability.

• Condition – Preferably machines that have suffered isolated failures (like engine seizure or electrical issues) but still have healthy mechanical components.

• Demand – If we know a certain model is hot in the market (like the Volvo EC210 or Komatsu PC200), we actively pursue machines from that series.

Many of our machines come from construction companies, scrapyards, and plant hire businesses that are retiring older units or downsizing. Others are bought at auction. Some come from clients who know we pay fair prices to strip dead machines that would otherwise collect dust or rust.

Step 2: The Arrival and Assessment

Once a machine arrives at our Johannesburg facility, we treat it like a patient in triage. Our team of mechanics and technical inspectors give it a thorough look-over.

Initial checks include:

• Visual inspection for rust, cracks, or missing parts

• Oil and hydraulic fluid sampling

• Testing electrical systems (when possible)

• Checking hour meters and previous service records

• Starting the engine (if the machine is running)

We determine which parts are viable for resale, which might be reconditioned, and which are destined for scrap. Nothing is guessed. Everything is documented.

Step 3: Careful Dismantling—Not Just Stripping

Let’s get one thing straight: we don’t “rip parts off machines.” Our team dismantles them like engineers—not butchers.

Each disassembly is methodical and guided by OEM manuals. We label, log, and tag every removed part—whether it’s a boom cylinder, a slew motor, a swing bearing, or a wiring harness.

We take care to:

• Avoid damaging seals, shafts, or threads

• Keep hoses and connectors intact

• Prevent contamination of hydraulic systems

• Store removed parts in designated, clean areas

Once removed, each part is moved to its designated testing zone for the next critical step.

Step 4: Rigorous Testing and Quality Control

This is the part that separates Vikfin from the pack.

We’re not in the business of selling parts “as-is” with the hope they work. We’re in the business of ensuring they perform under pressure.

Our quality control process includes:

✅ Hydraulic Cylinders

We test for leaks, bent rods, damaged seals, and pressure response. Units with minor issues are reconditioned and resealed.

✅ Engines and Transmissions

Where possible, we run the engines on stands. We check compression, oil pressure, cooling system integrity, and unusual noises. We don’t sell engines with low compression or suspicious wear.

✅ Slew Motors and Pumps

We hook these up to our hydraulic testing rig, checking for internal leakage, pressure holding, and speed consistency. Flow and pressure tests ensure they meet OEM specs.

✅ Final Drives and Gearboxes

We open these units to inspect gear wear, bearing health, and oil quality. Any suspicious pitting or play is flagged, and parts are either repaired or removed from the inventory.

✅ Electronic Components and Sensors

We test wiring harnesses, control modules, and sensors using multimeters and power benches. Faulty connections or compromised insulation? They don’t make it past us.

Parts that pass our tests are tagged with condition reports—so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Step 5: Cleaning, Cataloging, and Stocking

Once a part passes inspection, we send it to our cleaning bay.

There, we:

• Degrease and clean the part

• Remove grime and surface rust

• Paint selected parts (e.g., panels, booms, cabs) for presentation

• Mark all part numbers and specs visibly

Each part is then logged into our inventory system, along with:

• Serial numbers

• Donor machine info

• OEM part numbers

• Compatibility with other machines

This database is what allows us to quickly cross-reference and confirm fitment when a customer calls looking for a specific part.

Step 6: Customer-Focused Service

When a customer reaches out, our sales and technical team jump into action.

Here’s what they do differently:

• Ask for machine model, year, and part needed

• Cross-reference using our inventory system and OEM manuals

• Confirm compatibility

• Send pictures, condition reports, and pricing within minutes

• If requested, arrange same-day courier or collection from our workshop

And because we test, inspect, and stock every part ourselves, we can answer tough questions confidently—not guess like brokers do.

Step 7: After-Sales Support and Returns

We stand behind our parts. If a part doesn't work due to a defect we missed (which is rare), we make it right.

Our after-sales support includes:

• Telephonic troubleshooting

• Same-day part replacement (when possible)

• Transparent return policies

• Technical advice for installation

We're not just in the business of selling used parts. We're in the business of keeping your machines working longer, for less.

Bonus: How This Approach Saves You Money

Let’s break it down:

New OEM Part	Vikfin Tested Part
$$$$$$$$	$$
Long lead time	In-stock, ready to ship
Unknown compatibility issues	Pre-tested, compatibility confirmed
No support	After-sales assistance
Higher risk for older machines	Smart economic fit for older units

Whether you're fixing a Hitachi ZX200's final drive or need a Komatsu PC270 boom cylinder today, you’re not just buying a part—you’re buying peace of mind.

Why It Matters: The Power of Transparency

At Vikfin, we don’t believe in hiding behind vague promises or one-liner listings. We show our customers what we do—and how we do it.

This builds trust. It builds authority. And it keeps our phones ringing.

You want your machine working. We want to help you make that happen—quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably.

📸 Need a Part? Let’s Show You What We’ve Got

Whether you're in construction, mining, agriculture, or the scrap metal business, we’ve likely got the part you need.

Better yet? It’s tested. It’s tagged. It’s ready to go.

Swing by our workshop, call us up, or browse our listings—we’ll take you behind the scenes every step of the way.

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