Are you still hesitating about which excavator to choose? Between cat320 VS cat323 excavators, you can only choose one. It must be more suitable for your project. You may find it difficult to make a choice. Whether you need maximum fuel efficiency, maximum lifting capacity or optimal performance, you need the best match. Need help making a decision? The following knowledge can help.
When choosing between the CAT320 VS CAT323, it’s essential to evaluate factors like lifting capacity, fuel efficiency, and project size. The CAT 320 offers a more compact design and excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for lighter tasks and urban projects. On the other hand, the CAT 323 excels in heavy-duty tasks, providing superior lifting power and durability. This guide will help you decide which model suits your specific construction needs.
Let’s get into the major differences and see which model best fits your project’s unique needs.
Key Differences Between CAT320 vs CAT323
Machine Size and Weight
The first thing to consider when comparing the CAT320 vs cat323 is the size and weight of both machines. Size is important for mobility and stability, even in a large construction situation where space might be tight.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Operating Weight | 22,000 kg (48,500 lbs) | 25,000 kg (55,100 lbs) |
| Length (Transport) | 10,000 mm (32.8 ft) | 10,600 mm (34.8 ft) |
| Width (Transport) | 2,980 mm (9.8 ft) | 3,100 mm (10.2 ft) |
| Height (Transport) | 3,340 mm (11 ft) | 3,380 mm (11.1 ft) |
While the CAT 323 is a little larger and heavier, it’s also a little more stable when it comes time to do some really heavy work. If you need a machine to move around tight spaces easily, the CAT 320 is smaller and might be a better fit for your needs.
Engine Power and Performance
The next thing to look at when comparing the CAT320 vs Cat323 is engine power. The engine’s power has a direct effect on how well the machine is going to perform and what type of tough spots it will or won’t be able to get
itself out of.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Engine Power | 130 kW (174 hp) | 150 kW (201 hp) |
| Max Digging Depth | 6,670 mm (21.9 ft) | 7,200 mm (23.6 ft) |
| Maximum Reach | 10,680 mm (35.1 ft) | 11,270 mm (37.0 ft) |
More horsepower and a larger machine is great for heavy lifting and digging depths, so if you’ve got to dig really deep or lift really big, you probably want the CAT 323. But if you don’t need all that extra power, you can save some money and fuel by renting or buying a CAT 320 which will get the job done.
Hydraulic System and Efficiency
Both the hydraulic systems are designed to work in harmony to maximize productivity and minimize fuel consumption. The CAT 323 features a more advanced hydraulic system which provides improved digging speeds and overall operational efficiency.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Hydraulic System Type | Standard | Advanced High-Efficiency |
| Hydraulic Flow | 400 L/min | 450 L/min |
The more powerful and precise hydraulic system on the CAT 323 makes it an ideal machine for larger construction jobs where rapid excavation is desired.
Performance in Large Construction Projects
Digging Depth and Reach
When it comes to major construction, you need depth and reach. The CAT320 VS CAT323 are both capable of digging deep, but the CAT 323 has a longer reach and can dig deeper than the CAT 320.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Max Digging Depth | 6,670 mm (21.9 ft) | 7,200 mm (23.6 ft) |
| Maximum Reach | 10,680 mm (35.1 ft) | 11,270 mm (37.0 ft) |
If you are trenching or doing heavy foundation work, you need to go deep. The CAT 323 is better for these types of operations because of its longer reach and ability to dig deeper.
Lifting Capacity and Stability
For large construction projects, you are moving heavy materials, and you need to move them efficiently. The CAT 323 has more capability than the CAT 320. As a result, it can lift heavier loads without compromising machine stability.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 8,500 kg (18,700 lbs) | 10,000 kg (22,000 lbs) |
| Stability Factor | Moderate | High |
If you’re looking at a job where you have to pick stuff up, then the 323 is better than the 320. It’s good for lifting big stuff, which you might find on a demolition or a grade job where you’re loading out a lot of big items.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is going to be critical. It really depends on how much fuel these machines use. The 320 is known for being very fuel-efficient. If you are on a tight budget and the machine is going to be running all day, then you would want a machine that uses the least amount of diesel fuel.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 460 L (121.7 gal) |
| Fuel Consumption | Lower | Moderate |
The 323 has more power but most likely burns more fuel to operate at that higher efficiency. You have to decide based on whatever the price of diesel is in your world. The extra power of the 323 isn’t free. However, if you’re trying to stay ahead of your schedule, then it might be worth the extra fuel. It comes down to how much diesel you are going to buy.
Maintenance and Longevity for Large Projects
Maintenance Costs
When you go to do the maintenance, the 320 will be less complicated and cheaper to service. It’s like comparing a six-cylinder pickup truck to an eight-cylinder pickup truck. The six-cylinder pickup truck is going to get better fuel economy, but there is a risk of being overloaded if you try to haul too much.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Routine Maintenance | Lower cost | Higher cost |
| Expected Maintenance Interval | 500 hours | 400 hours |
The 320 will be cheaper over the lifetime of the machine because it’s dumber. And because it’s dumber, it will be cheaper to maintain. The 323 is more complex and has more features, which is all good and fine, but you have to maintain that extra stuff.
Durability and Lifespan
CAT320 VS CAT323 are built with the durability that customers expect from Caterpillar. However, the CAT 323 is built on a larger frame and has stronger components, which make it better for heavy-duty applications and will provide a longer life in a more demanding environment.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Durability | High | Higher |
| Average Lifespan | 12,000–15,000 hours | 15,000–18,000 hours |
For big projects where you are going to have the equipment for a long time, the CAT 323 may be a better option just because it is built a little heavier, which will make it last longer and hold up better over time.
Cost Comparison: CAT320 vs Cat323
Initial Purchase Price
The biggest factor in deciding between a CAT320 VS CAT323 is the upfront cost to buy the machine. The CAT 320 typically costs less to buy upfront compared to a CAT 323. For customers that are tight on money and need a lower upfront cost- so contractors or businesses that do not want to put out a lot of money- then the lower upfront cost of a CAT 320 can help them out.
But the key thing is that when you buy a CAT 323, you are buying a more powerful, more productive machine that can do more than a CAT 320. The CAT 323 is more expensive because it is a heavier, more powerful machine. It has a heavier main frame, the engine is bigger, the hydraulics are stronger, and it can lift more. So, in the end, the more expensive CAT 323 can make you more money on specific projects because it can outproduce a cheaper CAT 320.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Purchase Price | Lower | Higher |
| Available as Used | Yes, more options available | Yes, but fewer options |
| Price Range (New) | $150,000–$180,000 | $180,000–$230,000 |
CAT 320s are more available on the used market, so they could save you a significant amount of money if you are buying used. CAT 323s are much more specialized and larger so there are a lot fewer used ones available. And when you do find a used one, the price is higher since people pay a premium for a used CAT 323.
Operational Costs
The CAT 320 has a lower purchase price and will generally cost less to run than a CAT 323. So, if money is a significant concern, then you can get by with a CAT 320. A CAT 320 consumes less fuel, has lower maintenance costs, and can be operated by smaller crew members.
Because of its smaller size and lighter weight, it’s cheaper to run. If fuel savings are more important and you’re working long hours, then the CAT 320 will be cheaper to operate over time than a CAT 323. Conversely, as mentioned, if you are on a project where time is money, then whatever you’re trying to achieve with a CAT 320 will take longer than with a CAT 323, making it ultimately cost more. The CAT 323 has a higher purchase price, but it offers more power and will do more work faster.
It has more hydraulic power to lift heavier loads and dig harder and deeper. On a specific task, the CAT 323 could likely complete the job faster. If it can do work faster, you might need less time and fewer people. If you need to do the job faster, then the work hours are less, which means you don’t pay as much for labor. So in the end, even though the CAT 323 might use more fuel per hour than a CAT 320 due to the size of its engine and how hard the machine is working, since it can do things faster, it might cost you less overall to run.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Fuel Consumption | Lower | Moderate |
| Maintenance Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Labor Costs | Lower due to faster tasks | Potentially higher, but faster task completion |
The real saving comes when a CAT 320 couldn’t do a particular job, but you can execute it with a CAT 323. If you can do the work when nobody else can, then the CAT 323 should cost you less money over time, even though it consumes more fuel and uses more engine hours.
Long-Term Investment Return
CAT 323 often carry a higher return on investment when used in big construction jobs. This is because they are built to last and excel when you need a big, powerful machine to handle heavy materials, dig deeper, and execute tough projects—up to the max size of the machine itself. The CAT 323 model has stronger lifting capacities, better hydraulics, and a bigger engine, which means instead of having five or six machines on-site, you may only need one. In these cases, your overall cost of ownership can be cheaper with a CAT 323 than with a CAT 320.
The best way to determine your ROI is to identify which machine will cost you the most in fuel, maintenance and repairs, material costs, labor costs, and lost opportunity costs. Then identify which performance level you need for your operation and go with that machine. For 90% of the market, that is going to be the right choice. If you find you have an extraordinary need, and you are comfortable with taking a longer ROI, and you can afford to take that longer ROI, and you accept the consequences of doing so and then decouple the purchase of the machine from the completion of your jobs, then maybe the CAT 320 is the right choice for you.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Initial ROI | Moderate | High |
| Long-Term ROI | Lower due to smaller capabilities | Higher due to increased productivity and durability |
For your large construction company with multiple simultaneous projects or if you are in a position where you are doing a lot of heavy lifting, the CAT 323, because you can keep those machines running, you are going to find a greater longevity out of them. And since you can run those machines harder, faster, and longer, you obtain those dollars per completing hour. This is a hard, fast number that greatly improves your timelines on projects because the equipment does not break down or need maintenance as frequently. This is the machine for you.
Popular Use Cases for CAT320 vs Cat323 in Construction
Which Model Is Better for Excavating in Urban Areas?
In addition to its size and compact design, the CAT 320 also performs well in tight spaces because of its power. This machine has the strength to perform all the necessary work without needing to be moved around as frequently as a smaller, less powerful machine. This means that the CAT 320 can work in a confined space without constantly repositioning the machine or moving material in and out to make room for working.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Maneuverability | Excellent in tight spaces | Moderate |
| Ideal for | Urban residential areas | Larger urban infrastructure projects |
| Size | Smaller, more compact | Larger, heavier |
Which Excavator is Better for Road Construction: CAT320 vs Cat323?
For road construction, the better option is often the CAT 323. The CAT 323 features greater lifting power and a more powerful engine. Its enhanced stability allows it to handle more difficult road construction conditions compared to the smaller, less powerful 320 model. Plus, road construction usually requires more lifting capacity and power to move rocks, asphalt, and dirt.
The CAT 320 can still work for smaller road construction projects, but budget typically throws it to the CAT 323 just due to sheer capability. The CAT 320 will work for smaller jobs or if you are the first-time buyer who only does small to medium jobs. The CAT 320 is also good for tasks like grading and light digging.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Lifting Capacity | Moderate | Higher |
| Ideal for | Light to medium roadwork | Heavy-duty roadwork |
| Power | Less powerful | More powerful |
Handling Heavy Materials: CAT320 vs Cat323
Moving large, heavy items like rocks, concrete, and steel requires a machine with lots of lifting power. The CAT 323 provides that capacity with its higher lifting ability and better hydraulics. This makes it an excellent choice when you need to move and handle heavy things, like in a demolition, as in a mega-watt liquefaction foundation job, or other jobs on a big construction site. Use the CAT 323 when you need to move heavy material and handle big stuff.
The CAT 320, being lighter and smaller, won’t handle the heavy material quite like the CAT 323, but it can still pick up and move a bunch of moderately’ heavy stuff quickly and efficiently.
| Feature | CAT 320 | CAT 323 |
| Lifting Power | Moderate | High |
| Ideal for | Lighter material handling | Heavy-duty material handling |
Conclusion
In summary, both the CAT320 VS CAT323 are great performers for the big construction jobs. Whether you choose the CAT320 VS CAT323 depends on what your needs are for lifting, what you are trying to do, and how often you want to fill up your fuel tank. It depends on how long you want your equipment to last, what you want to accomplish, and your budget. You want to look at the pros and cons of each machine and determine which one fits your lift and your project needs and fits your budget.
