Vikfin’s Process: How We Test and Refurbish Used Excavator Parts (A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Workshop and Why Quality Is Non-Negotiable)

There’s used—and then there’s Vikfin used.

In the world of excavator parts, the difference between a bargain and a breakdown often comes down to one thing: trust. Trust that the part will fit. Trust that it will perform. Trust that it won’t leave you stranded mid-project with oil leaks, strange noises, or a machine that refuses to move.

At Vikfin, we don’t deal in guesswork. We deal in proven, tested, ready-to-install used OEM parts. And to make that happen, we’ve built a meticulous in-house process to inspect, refurbish, and verify every part before it gets anywhere near your machine.

In this blog, we’re lifting the curtain on our workshop. You’ll see how we turn used parts into high-value solutions—and why so many contractors and plant hire businesses across South Africa refuse to buy from anyone else.

Why We Refurbish, Not Just Resell

Let’s be honest—there are a lot of used parts dealers out there. Some strip machines and sell the parts as-is, untested, uncleaned, unchecked. That’s not us.

At Vikfin, we believe in accountability, transparency, and performance. Every part that leaves our yard represents our reputation—and we take that seriously.

Our goal? To give our clients the confidence of new, with the affordability of used.

That’s why we don’t just strip machines—we refurbish the parts that matter most. And when we say refurbish, we mean it.

Step-by-Step: How We Test and Refurbish Used Excavator Parts

Whether it’s a boom cylinder, final drive, slew motor, or engine—we apply the same disciplined process to ensure every part works as it should.

🛠️ Step 1: Machine Inspection and Selection

Before stripping even begins, we thoroughly inspect the donor machine:

Does it start and run?
Are the hydraulics responsive?
Is the undercarriage intact?
Are the cylinders operating without leak or judder?
Is there excessive play in swing or travel?

We focus on 20- and 30-ton excavators, especially brands we know well—Komatsu, Volvo, Doosan, Caterpillar, Hitachi, and Sumitomo. Only machines that pass our initial assessment are selected for stripping.

Why this matters: You’re getting parts from machines that worked—not ones dragged out of a swamp or salvaged after a fire.

🧼 Step 2: Controlled Dismantling

Every component is removed carefully, not hacked out with a cutting torch. During dismantling, we:

Tag each part with its make, model, and serial number
Log visual wear, damage, and oil condition
Note any visible cracks, leaks, or deformations
Photograph the part in situ and post-removal for traceability

Why this matters: We document every stage so we know the part’s full history—and so do you.

🔍 Step 3: Cleaning and Degreasing

Used parts come in dirty. Ours don’t stay that way.

Parts are cleaned with industrial degreasers and pressure washed
We remove grime, oil buildup, and rust where applicable
Internal components are flushed to remove contamination

Why this matters: You can’t assess the condition of a part through a layer of muck. Clean parts = honest inspection.

⚙️ Step 4: Mechanical Inspection

Once cleaned, our technicians examine each part:

For hydraulic cylinders:

Rods are checked for scratches, bends, or chrome loss
Seals are removed and replaced with OEM-grade kits
Barrels are inspected for scoring or internal pitting
The cylinder is pressure tested to working spec

For final drives:

Gears are checked for wear, backlash, and smooth operation
Cases are inspected for cracks, dents, or porosity
Shaft play and oil contamination are recorded
Drive is mounted and tested under rotation

For slew motors:

Tested for smooth swing, response, and hydraulic noise
Examined for leak points and rotation consistency
Internal pressure tested with gauges

For engines:

Cold start test, listening for abnormal knock
Oil pressure test at idle and working revs
Compression test per cylinder
Exhaust condition and blow-by checked
Oil and coolant condition assessed

Why this matters: We’re not guessing. We’re running real-world performance tests—just like your machine will.

🧰 Step 5: Refurbishment and Reconditioning

Any parts that fail our functional tests are rebuilt or reconditioned before resale.

Examples include:

Hydraulic cylinders get new seals, rods re-chromed, barrels honed
Final drives with minor gear wear are reassembled with shims and cleaned
Motors with worn seals are resealed and retested
Panels and cabs may be straightened, repainted, or fitted with new glass

We only sell parts that meet our performance threshold. If it doesn’t pass, it gets stripped for salvage or kept as a donor unit.

Why this matters: You’re buying reliability, not just steel and hoses.

✅ Step 6: Documentation and Quality Check

Every refurbished part is:

Tagged with part number, condition rating, and pressure test date
Logged in our database for traceability
Photographed and ready for catalog listing

No part leaves our workshop without a final inspection sign-off from a senior tech.

The “Vikfin Tested” Promise

We stand behind every part we sell because we test and trust it ourselves. That’s why we can confidently say:

Our boom cylinders hold pressure
Our engines start
Our final drives rotate smoothly
Our valve banks work the first time

If it’s not fit for purpose—it doesn’t go out the gate.

What This Means for You

Whether you're a contractor managing a fleet of excavators or a plant hire business needing reliability across multiple sites, here’s what you gain from our process:

🔩 Reduced Downtime

You get parts that work—first time. That means your machines are back up and running faster.

💸 More Predictable Costs

Avoid the double expense of fitting a dodgy aftermarket part, only to replace it again in six months.

🧠 Peace of Mind

You’re not gambling. You’re installing a tested, OEM-built component that’s already done the job once—and will do it again.

Customer Success Story

One of our long-standing clients in KwaZulu-Natal runs a plant hire business with a dozen excavators. After two aftermarket boom cylinders failed within 60 days, he turned to Vikfin.

We supplied a fully reconditioned OEM Komatsu boom cylinder for 40% less than a new part.

It was tested to 3,500 psi
Installed with no modification
Still running flawlessly 18 months later

He’s since bought over 30 parts from us, including slew motors, radiators, and cabs.

Why Used OEM Beats Aftermarket Every Time

Category	Aftermarket Part	Vikfin Used OEM Part
Price	✅ Lower upfront	✅ Competitive, better long-term value
Fitment	❌ Often needs modification	✅ Exact match to OEM spec
Durability	❌ Inconsistent	✅ Proven performance
Warranty Claims	❌ Slow and unreliable	✅ Immediate support from local team
Sustainability	❌ New manufacturing footprint	✅ Reuse = lower environmental impact

Final Thoughts

At Vikfin, we believe in doing it right—or not at all. That’s why we’ve built our process from the ground up to ensure every part is:

Clean
Inspected
Refurbished
Pressure-tested
Documented
Ready to work

Because your machine deserves better than guesswork. And your business depends on more than just a quick fix.

Need a Tested, Refurbished Part? Call Vikfin.

We’ll check our stock, confirm fitment, and get your machine back on site—fast. Whether you need a boom cylinder, swing motor, valve bank, or cab—we’ve probably got it, and it’s ready to work.

📞 Call or WhatsApp us today🛠️ Vikfin – Quality You Can Count On, Prices You Can’t Beat

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