Maybe the Cat® 320 is the right machine for you. You know it isn’t just about power or price. It’s about performance. It’s about fuel efficiency. It’s about the total value through the life of the machine. Let’s compare a couple others, so you know if you’re making the right decision for your business.
The Caterpillar Excavator 320 offers excellent fuel efficiency, a powerful hydraulic system, and superior lifting capacity, making it a top choice in the 20-ton class. When compared to its competitors, it stands out in terms of digging depth, comfort, and long-term cost-effectiveness. This article will help you understand why the Caterpillar 320 may be your best investment for both short-term and long-term projects.
But now that you have the overview of it, let me help break it down for you to see if the Cat® 320 is the right decision for your business.
Overview of the Caterpillar Excavator 320
The Cat® 320 series excavators are built to deliver high performance across a broad range of construction applications. With a heavy-duty engine, enhanced hydraulic system, and robust structures, they continue to be the workhorses of the industry, especially when it comes to brute lifting, digging, and precision manoeuvring. Let’s talk about the Cat® 320:
| Specification | Caterpillar Excavator 320 |
|---|---|
| Engine Power | 160 hp |
| Operating Weight | 20,000 kg |
| Digging Depth | 6.5 meters |
| Reach | 9.0 meters |
| Fuel Efficiency | Very High |
| Bucket Capacity | 1.0 – 1.3 cubic meters |
Performance Features
Hydraulic System: The Caterpillar Excavator 320 is equipped with an advanced hydraulic system that offers fast response times and powerful lifting capabilities. This allows for improved efficiency in digging, lifting, and other operations, minimizing downtime.
Fuel Efficiency: One of the standout features of the Caterpillar Excavator 320 is its fuel efficiency. It provides an excellent balance between power and fuel economy, making it a highly cost-effective choice for long-term operations.
Lifting Capacity: With an optimal lifting capacity, the Caterpillar Excavator 320 can easily handle heavy materials on construction sites, ensuring smooth operations and improved productivity.
Key Competitors in the Same Class
When looking at the Caterpillar Excavator 320, we need to pit it against some of its most popular competitors: Komatsu PC220-8, Hitachi ZX330, Volvo EC350D, and Doosan DX300. Here is a side-by-side of their specs.
| Model | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Digging Depth | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | 160 hp | 20,000 kg | 6.5 meters | Very High |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | 160 hp | 22,000 kg | 6.6 meters | High |
| Hitachi ZX330 | 180 hp | 22,500 kg | 7.0 meters | Moderate |
| Volvo EC350D | 160 hp | 21,000 kg | 6.4 meters | Moderate |
| Doosan DX300 | 170 hp | 21,500 kg | 6.5 meters | Moderate |
Overview of Competitors’ Key Features
- Komatsu PC220-8: It’s basically about the same power, fuel, but weighs more, so it’s not as good in tight places to work.
- Hitachi ZX330: It has a better engine. You can do much more with it because of that better engine. But it may burn more fuel than the Cat® 320 Excavator.
- Volvo EC350D: Besides your comfort, all things are close to equal, but you’re heavy and you don’t dig down as deep as the Cat® 320 Excavator. And, you don’t get quite as much fuel as we do per gallon.
- Doosan DX300: Just a great unit. Everything you need and none of what you don’t! Needed to say something here to balance this spreadsheet out.
Comparing Performance: Caterpillar Excavator 320 vs Competitors
The Caterpillar Excavator 320 bests its competitors with excellent digging capacity which enables the machine
to trench, dig basements, and load trucks with 20% more material per hour. Fuel efficiency is 6% better than any
competitor with more power per gallon. The machine’s hydraulic performance is also best in class allowing the
excavator to operate heavier attachments, such as rippers and vibratory compactor, without losing hydraulic
performance.
Digging Capacity and Reach
The Caterpillar Excavator 320 appears to be a rather solid compromise between digging depth, reach, and bucket capacities. This allows you to use the machine for a variety of tasks, from building foundations and trenches to loading trucks.
| Model | Digging Depth | Reach | Bucket Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | 6.5 meters | 9.0 meters | 1.0 – 1.3 cubic meters |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | 6.6 meters | 9.1 meters | 1.0 cubic meters |
| Hitachi ZX330 | 7.0 meters | 9.5 meters | 1.2 cubic meters |
| Volvo EC350D | 6.4 meters | 8.9 meters | 1.1 cubic meters |
Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs
One of the primary considerations when comparing excavators is fuel efficiency; if you burn through fuel, it’s very expensive. The Caterpillar Excavator 320 is very efficient with fuel, so it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to run. Overall, the Caterpillar 320 Excavator is an amazing machine. It’s efficient, productive, has great breakout force,
and is simple to operate.
| Model | Fuel Efficiency | Operating Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Very High | $20 |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | High | $22 |
| Hitachi ZX330 | Moderate | $25 |
| Volvo EC350D | Moderate | $23 |
Hydraulic Performance and Speed
The Caterpillar Excavator 320 stands alone in hydraulic performance with the fastest cycle time, providing the highest productivity.
| Model | Hydraulic Power | Cycle Time (seconds) |
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | 170 L/min | 12 |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | 160 L/min | 14 |
| Hitachi ZX330 | 180 L/min | 13 |
| Volvo EC350D | 165 L/min | 15 |
Comfort and Operator Experience
Another reason you might consider the Caterpillar Excavator 320 is it has the most comfortable operable cab. A comfortable operator is a more productive operator. They’re productive because they don’t get as tired so it’s less likely they’ll crash into things. It has the best visibility, easiest control system, and good ventilation to keep the windows from fogging up in bad weather conditions.
Cab Design and Ergonomics
| Model | Cab Design | Visibility | Operator Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Spacious and ergonomic | Excellent visibility | Highly comfortable |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | Comfortable | Good visibility | Comfortable |
| Hitachi ZX330 | Adequate | Moderate visibility | Standard comfort |
| Volvo EC350D | Comfortable | Good visibility | Very comfortable |
Technology and Controls
The Caterpillar 320 also comes with the Cat Connect, which is a system that provides real-time data on the machine’s performance, maintenance data, and fuel data. Cat Connect helps you better understand your costs and look to increase efficiency.
| Model | Technology | Control Features |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Cat Connect (Advanced diagnostics) | Intuitive joystick controls |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | Komtrax (Telematics system) | Standard controls |
| Hitachi ZX330 | Advanced monitoring system | Joystick control system |
| Volvo EC350D | Volvo Co-Pilot system | Comfort controls |
Durability and Maintenance
When buying a piece of equipment, longevity is a huge thing to consider buying a machine that is going to last for the long run (is crucial). The Caterpillar 320 is definitely built (with) a little more durability, so it’s going to potentially have less downtime, less maintenance_ds and less downtime is what we shoot for on any project.
Longevity and Reliability
| Model | Durability | Maintenance Frequency | Service Life (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Very High | Low | 10-15 years |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | High | Moderate | 10 years |
| Hitachi ZX330 | Moderate | High | 8-10 years |
| Volvo EC350D | High | Moderate | 10 years |
Maintenance and Service Costs
The Cat 320 is also very easy to work on, which reduces your cost_ds because you can do the work in-house easily. Parts are very readily available. The Cat 320 has a reputation for being one of the most reliable machines for the long term.
| Model | Maintenance Cost per Year | Parts Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Low | Excellent |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | Moderate | Good |
| Hitachi ZX330 | High | Moderate |
| Volvo EC350D | Moderate | Good |
Price Comparison: Caterpillar Excavator 320 vs Competitors
Price is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining which excavator is right for your business. The Cat 320 gives you a lot of value when it comes to price and long-term costs. However, we are not saying it is the best option available. You need to take everything into consideration when making such a large purchase. Take a look at all your options and figure out which machine is going to be the best investment for you.
| Model | Initial Purchase Price | Resale Value | Total Cost of Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | $95,000 | High | Moderate |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | $92,000 | High | Moderate |
| Hitachi ZX330 | $98,000 | Moderate | High |
| Volvo EC350D | $100,000 | Moderate | Moderate |
- Rental Rate: Renting the Caterpillar 320 will cost more to rent than an excavator that is cheaper to operate, simply because the owner has to recover the additional expenses associated with the less efficient machine.
- Utilization: The Caterpillar 320 turns out to be very efficient because it completes your work quickly and breaks fewer than 1,000-hour intervals in use.
- The Caterpillar Excavator Rollercoaster is often called the finest on the market in many parts of the world. This reputation is the result of the versatility and reliability of Caterpillar machinery, as well as the Caterpillar 320, 330, and 336 in particular.
Versatility and Application
The Caterpillar Excavator 320 is known as the most versatile on the market in some parts of the world. It can do more things for more people in more industries than any other machine. General construction Demolition Mining.
| Model | Construction | Demolition | Mining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Komatsu PC220-8 | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Hitachi ZX330 | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Volvo EC350D | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
Construction: The Caterpillar 320 is ideal for construction due to its powerful engine, length, and reach. You can pick up heavy materials, dig a trench, and shovel. However, where this machine shines is that our high-production bucket and smooth hydraulics allow you to finish jobs. For instance, to dig house foundations, to dig utility trenches, or to handle materials around the jobsite.
Demolition: If you are a demolition contractor who does it all, the Caterpillar 320 Rollercoaster can tear down a building, but if you need more lifting and crushing, check out the Hitachi ZX330. But for mobility and multi-use, the Cat can tear down a building and be outfitted for grapple work or shear work.
Mining: In the mining industry, the Hitachi ZX330 Rollercoaster is the hands-down winner. Heavy equipment and the big Hitachi Rock Trucks made Hitachi a star in the mining business. Again, the Cat can dig and handle materials in lighter mining operations. It can still handle your lighter digging and material movement, but it won’t be the leader in large mining operations.
What Makes the Caterpillar Excavator 320 a Popular Choice in the Construction Industry?
The Caterpillar 320 has earned its status in construction as one of the most popular excavators on the market. It is neither too small nor too big. It is just the right size. It is powerful, mows out a trench, does your dirty work, and is extremely reliable. For all those reasons, the Caterpillar 320 is the number-one choice for contractors worldwide.
| Feature | Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Komatsu PC220-8 | Hitachi ZX330 | Volvo EC350D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Long-Term Reliability | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Versatility | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
- Fuel efficiency: The Caterpillar 320 is easy on fuel, which saves you money in the long run.
- Long-term reliability: In general, Caterpillar makes tough machines that can take a beating and keep on ticking, and the 320 is no exception.
- Versatility: Able to handle a slew of attachments, the Caterpillar 320 can turn its hand to anything. And while optimized for general excavation, the 320 can work in a variety of settings, from the tight quarters of downtown to the wide-open spaces of a pit or a quarry.
All of this adds up to make the Caterpillar 320 the most reliable machine on your job site.
Caterpillar Excavator 320: A Long-Term Investment for Your Business
Getting a Caterpillar 320 makes sense because it will pay dividends in the long run. Its ability to handle tough conditions, minimal maintenance, and high resale value will repay your initial investment.
| Factor | Caterpillar Excavator 320 | Komatsu PC220-8 | Hitachi ZX330 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase Price | $95,000 | $92,000 | $98,000 |
| Maintenance Costs | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Resale Value | High | High | Moderate |
| Total Cost of Ownership | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Expected Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
- Initial Purchase Price: While you may spend a little bit more upfront for the Caterpillar 320, that extra cash is worth it in the long run when you consider the increased durability and longevity.
- Maintenance Costs: As time goes on, the Caterpillar 320 costs less to maintain than the Hitachi ZX330, saving you money for fuel or whatever else you need to drive your business.
- Resale Value: The Caterpillar 320 will hold its value when it comes time to trade up or get out of the business.
- Expected Lifespan: You’ll get 12-15 years of service out of a Caterpillar 320, and it will still have plenty of life in it when you decide to sell.
Investing in a Caterpillar Excavator 320 is an all-around smart choice. The long-term savings in fuel, operator comfort, and more will return the investment along with the reliability. So, yes, buy good, reliable machines that get the production you need.
Conclusion
CATERPILLAR EXCAVATOR 320 is the best unit for a lot of contractors because it costs less to run. This means you save by spending a little more up front and receive a really good ROI in the long run. With better fuel economy and lower operational costs for the life of the machine, you also get a better ROI on resale compared to the competition. Honestly, this is the machine you need to look at, but check all three brands to make sure you’re choosing the best one for your project. Go with the 320 and you should be okay.
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