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Why Used Excavator Parts Are the Smartest Investment in 2025

Writer's picture: RALPH COPERALPH COPE


In the fast-moving world of earthmoving machinery, downtime is money lost. When an excavator breaks down, every second it remains out of commission cuts into profitability. For businesses running fleets of heavy equipment, keeping costs down while ensuring reliability is a balancing act that often comes down to one major decision: Should you buy new, aftermarket, or used OEM parts?


As we move into 2025, the smartest investment for excavator owners, plant hire businesses, and contractors is used OEM excavator parts—and there’s no better place to source them than Vikfin. With high-quality used and refurbished parts covering all major brands, Vikfin provides unbeatable cost savings, reliability, and availability, helping businesses stay operational without breaking the bank.


In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down why used OEM parts are the savviest choice in 2025 and how Vikfin is leading the charge in the South African market.


1. New Parts Are Getting More Expensive—And Less Accessible


The global economy has been anything but stable over the past few years. With rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating exchange rates, the price of brand-new excavator parts has skyrocketed. Here’s why:

  • Inflation & Currency Fluctuations

    Many excavator parts are imported, and as the South African rand remains volatile, imported parts become increasingly expensive.

  • Shipping Delays

    Global supply chains are still recovering from post-pandemic shocks. Lead times for new OEM parts can stretch for weeks or even months.

  • OEM Price Increases

    Major brands like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, and Hitachi have steadily raised prices on new components, often passing on rising production costs to the customer.


For contractors who rely on fast repairs and cost efficiency, waiting months for a new component isn’t an option. This is where used OEM parts become the smarter play.


2. Aftermarket Parts: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Reliable

Aftermarket parts—typically sourced from third-party manufacturers—offer a tempting alternative to new OEM components. They’re often cheaper, but at what cost?

Why Aftermarket Parts Are a Gamble

  • Lower Quality Materials

    Many aftermarket parts are manufactured with inferior steel and cheaper components that don’t meet OEM specifications.

  • Fitment Issues

    Slight differences in machining tolerances can cause problems when installing aftermarket parts, leading to higher failure rates.

  • Shorter Lifespan

    While an OEM hydraulic cylinder may last 5+ years, an aftermarket version may show wear in under a year.

  • Lack of Warranty or Support

    Aftermarket parts rarely come with the same level of support, testing, and warranty as OEM components.


The result? Many contractors find themselves replacing aftermarket parts more frequently, wiping out any initial cost savings. Instead of taking this risky gamble, businesses are investing smarter—with used OEM parts from Vikfin.


3. The Case for Used OEM Parts: Cost Savings Without Compromise

Buying used OEM parts is the sweet spot between quality and affordability. You get the best of both worlds—genuine parts that last, at a fraction of the price of new.

Key Benefits of Used OEM Parts

  1. Significantly Lower Cost

    • Used OEM parts can cost 50-70% less than new ones, drastically cutting repair and maintenance expenses.

  2. Guaranteed Fitment & Performance

    • Unlike aftermarket parts, used OEM components were designed for your exact machine, ensuring seamless installation.

  3. Proven Durability

    • These parts have already stood the test of time and come from working machines, meaning they meet OEM specifications.

  4. Immediate Availability

    • New parts often require long waits, while used parts at Vikfin are in stock and ready to ship.

  5. Environmentally Friendly

    • Choosing used parts reduces manufacturing waste and promotes sustainable business practices.

When you buy from Vikfin, you’re not just getting any used part—you’re getting a fully tested, quality-guaranteed OEM component that will keep your excavator running at peak performance.


4. Why Vikfin is the Best Source for Used OEM Excavator Parts

If you’re in the market for high-quality used parts, not all suppliers are created equal. Vikfin has built a rock-solid reputation in the South African earthmoving industry by offering only the best used OEM parts. Here’s what sets us apart:


1. Unbeatable Stock Across All Major OEMs

At Vikfin, we carry a massive inventory of high-quality used OEM parts for brands like:

  • Caterpillar

  • Komatsu

  • Volvo

  • Hitachi

  • JCB

  • Doosan

  • Sumitomo

  • Hyundai

  • Liebherr

  • Kobelco


2. Rigorous Testing & Quality Control

Every part that passes through our workshop is thoroughly inspected, tested, and refurbished before being sold. We ensure:

  • No cracks, major wear, or structural defects

  • All components are in working order

  • Hydraulic parts, engines, and transmissions are pressure-tested


3. Competitive Pricing: We Beat Any Market Price

We guarantee the best value for money. Our pricing structure is designed to help businesses save without compromising on quality.


4. Expert Advice & Customer Support

Not sure which part fits your excavator? Our team of excavator specialists helps you find the right component quickly and hassle-free.


5. Fast Shipping & Delivery

We know downtime is expensive, so we make sure our parts are ready to ship immediately. Whether you're in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or anywhere in South Africa, we’ll get the part to you fast.


5. What Used Excavator Parts Can You Buy?

Vikfin stocks a full range of used OEM parts, including:


Engines & Components

  • Complete excavator engines (Volvo D6E, Komatsu SAA6D, Caterpillar C7, etc.)

  • Turbochargers

  • Cylinder heads

  • Exhaust manifolds


Hydraulics

  • Boom cylinders

  • Dipper arm cylinders

  • Bucket cylinders

  • Pilot pumps

  • Valve banks

  • Hydraulic hoses


Undercarriage Parts

  • Steel tracks (for 20, 30, and 40-ton excavators)

  • Rollers (top & bottom)

  • Idlers

  • Sprockets


Final Drives & Swing Components

  • Final drives

  • Swing motors

  • Slew bearings

  • Gearboxes


Cabs & Panels

  • Complete operator cabs

  • Doors, glass, and control panels


Miscellaneous

  • Battery boxes

  • Fuel tanks

  • Radiators & cooling systems

If your excavator needs it, Vikfin stocks it—at a fraction of the price of new OEM parts.


6. How to Buy the Right Used OEM Part

Choosing the right used excavator part doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple 3-step process to ensure you get exactly what you need:


Step 1: Identify the Part Number

Every OEM part comes with a unique part number. Check your excavator manual or the old part for reference.


Step 2: Contact Vikfin

Send us the part number, make, and model of your excavator. Our team will confirm availability and provide pricing.


Step 3: Order & Receive Fast Delivery

Once your order is confirmed, we ship it immediately, minimizing downtime and getting your excavator back to work.


Final Thoughts: Used OEM Parts Are the Future of Smart Equipment Management

In 2025, businesses that want to stay profitable, reduce costs, and minimize downtime are choosing used OEM parts over expensive new or unreliable aftermarket components.


With Vikfin, you get: ✅ OEM quality at unbeatable pricesA massive inventory of tested, ready-to-ship partsExpert advice to ensure the right fitFast, hassle-free delivery across South Africa


Don’t let high repair costs drain your profits—choose used OEM parts and keep your machines running strong. Contact Vikfin today and experience the smartest investment for your excavator in 2025.


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Workshop Locations

Durban: Bux Farm

Johannesburg: Benoni

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Telephone/WhatsApp

083 639 1982 (Justin Cope) - Durban

071 351 9750 (Ralph Cope) - Johannesburg

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