Used Caterpillar 320CL Excavator

Reading: 2135

Detailed Introduction of Caterpillar 320CL Hydraulic Excavator

1. Overview

The Caterpillar 320CL is a classic 20-ton class medium hydraulic excavator manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., the global leader in construction equipment. As a core model of Cat’s C-Series excavator lineup launched in the early 2000s, it succeeded the 320BL and set industry benchmarks for reliability, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility in its weight segment. It remains one of the most widely used excavator models worldwide, and is highly popular in the second-hand construction equipment market due to its robust design and universal parts compatibility.

2. Core Specifications

Category	Parameters
Operating Weight	19,800 kg – 21,200 kg (43,650 lb – 46,740 lb, varies by undercarriage, bucket and counterweight configuration)
Engine	Cat 3066T inline 6-cylinder, turbocharged, water-cooled diesel engine; net power output 103 kW (138 hp) at 2000 rpm; meets Tier 2/Stage II emission standards; features high low-end torque and low fuel consumption
Hydraulic System	Load-sensing hydraulic system; maximum flow rate 2×200 L/min (2×52.8 gpm); maximum system pressure 35,000 kPa (5,076 psi); delivers precise, responsive control for all movements
Digging Performance	Max digging depth (standard arm): 6,730 mm (22 ft 1 in); max digging reach (ground level): 9,850 mm (32 ft 4 in); max bucket breakout force: 141 kN (31,700 lbf); standard bucket capacity: 0.8 m³ – 1.2 m³ (1.05 cu yd – 1.57 cu yd)
Travel Performance	Max travel speed 5.5 km/h (3.4 mph); max gradeability 35° (70% slope); ground clearance 450 mm (17.7 in) for rough terrain adaptability

3. Key Design & Performance Features

(1) Heavy-duty Structural Design

The 320CL adopts a high-strength steel X-frame undercarriage, and reinforced boom/arm with stress-relieved welded joints, which can withstand continuous heavy loads in harsh scenarios such as rocky excavation, quarry work and light demolition. It is available in both standard (STD) and long undercarriage (LC) configurations: LC models offer better stability on soft or uneven job sites.

(2) Optimized Power Matching

The 3066T engine is paired with Cat’s proprietary power management system, which automatically adjusts engine output and hydraulic flow based on real-time working load. It reduces unnecessary fuel consumption by up to 10% compared with the previous 320BL model, without sacrificing working efficiency.

(3) Wide Attachment Compatibility

The optional auxiliary hydraulic circuit and quick coupler allow operators to switch between different work tools (including hydraulic breakers, grapples, augers, shears and rippers) in less than 1 minute, expanding the machine’s applicable scenarios far beyond standard earthmoving.

4. Operator Comfort & Safety

The cab is ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) certified, providing full protection for operators in high-risk working environments.
Ergonomic fully adjustable suspension seat, low-effort pilot-operated joysticks, and sound-insulated shock-mounted cab reduce fatigue during long shifts; internal noise level is controlled below 78 dB(A).
Panoramic windows and standard rear-view mirror provide 360° visibility of the work area, eliminating blind spots and improving job site safety.
The intuitive instrument cluster displays real-time operating data (engine temperature, fuel level, hydraulic pressure, fault codes, etc.) at a glance, enabling operators to monitor machine status easily.

5. Maintenance & Durability

All routine maintenance points (oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, grease points) are accessible from ground level, greatly reducing service time and improving maintenance efficiency.
Extended service intervals: 500 operating hours for engine oil change, 4000 operating hours for hydraulic oil change, which lowers long-term operating costs for owners.
High-wear components (bucket edges, undercarriage rollers, idlers, tracks) are made of high-strength wear-resistant steel, extending service life and reducing replacement costs in high-abrasion working scenarios.

6. Typical Applications

The Caterpillar 320CL is suitable for a wide range of construction scenarios:

Site preparation, foundation digging, earthmoving for residential and commercial construction projects
Road and bridge construction, pipeline trenching for water, electricity and gas utilities
Material loading and excavation in quarries and small-scale mining sites
Light demolition work when fitted with hydraulic breakers
Land clearing, forestry work and waste handling with matched attachments

7. Market Legacy

Even after production was discontinued in the late 2000s and replaced by the 320D series, the 320CL remains one of the most popular used excavator models globally. Its simple, durable design, low failure rate and easy access to Cat original or aftermarket spare parts worldwide make it a cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized construction contractors.

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Caterpillar 320CL Excavator

RELATED PRODUCTS

Caterpillar 307.5

Caterpillar 323D2L

Caterpillar 330D2

Caterpillar 320D2L