Used Caterpillar 312D2 Excavator

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The Caterpillar 312D2 is a 13-ton class hydraulic excavator that delivers a blend of power, precision, fuel efficiency, and operator comfort. Designed for a wide range of applications—from general construction and utility work to landscaping and light demolition—the 312D2 sits in a sweet spot for contractors who need a machine that can move easily between job sites without sacrificing performance. Below is an in-depth look at what makes the Cat 312D2 a standout in its size class.

ENGINE AND POWER TRAIN

At the heart of the 312D2 is a Cat C4.4 ACERT™ engine. This 4.4-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine is built to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Interim / EU Stage IIIB emission standards (with configurations also available for lesser-regulated regions). The electronic fuel injection system optimizes combustion for cleaner exhaust and lower fuel consumption.

Key engine specs:

Net power (ISO 9249): 73.6 kW (98.7 hp) @ 2,200 rpm
Gross power (SAE J1995): 75 kW (101 hp)
Peak torque: 400 N·m @ 1,400 rpm
Displacement: 4.4 L

The engine features automatic engine idle and a one-touch idle function that lowers rpm when the hydraulic controls are in neutral, reducing fuel burn and noise. An Eco mode further adjusts engine speed to match working conditions without sacrificing breakout force.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

The load-sensing hydraulic system provides smooth, responsive control and excellent multi-function capability. Two variable-displacement piston pumps supply dedicated flow to the boom, stick, bucket, and swing circuits, while a separate gear pump serves the pilot circuit.

Hydraulic highlights:

Main implement pump flow: 2 × 140 L/min (37 gal/min)
Maximum working pressure – implements: 35,000 kPa (5,076 psi)
Maximum working pressure – swing: 26,000 kPa (3,771 psi)
Auxiliary hydraulic options: single-acting, double-acting, and high-flow circuits are available to power hammers, thumbs, grapples, and other attachments.

The boom and stick regeneration circuits reduce cycle times and improve fuel efficiency by reusing oil flow during boom-down and stick-in movements.

OPERATOR STATION

Cat paid careful attention to the cab environment. The 312D2 cab is ROPS-certified (ISO 12117-2) and pressurized to keep out dust and noise. Interior sound levels are low—around 72 dB(A)—thanks to improved sealing and cab mounts.

Comfort and control features include:

Full-color LCD monitor displaying machine vitals, camera feed, and diagnostic information.
Air-suspension, heated seat with adjustable armrests and wrist rests.
Automatic climate control with multiple vents.
Joystick pilot controls with low-effort, short-throw levers.
Large glass area and a narrow cab pillar design for excellent all-around visibility.
Rearview camera (standard or ready) and large mirrors.

The cab tilts outward without removing the boom for easy access to major components underneath.

STRUCTURE AND UNDERCARRIAGE

The 312D2’s upper frame uses a reinforced X-box structure to absorb and distribute stress from digging and lifting. The boom and sticks are fabricated from high-tensile steel with thick side plates and internal baffle plates for durability.

Undercarriage features:

Grease-lubricated track links and sealed rollers extend maintenance intervals.
Track frame is welded with reinforced idler mounts and track guiding guards.
Available track shoe widths: 500 mm (20 in), 600 mm (24 in), 700 mm (28 in) to suit different ground conditions.
Dozer blade (optional) is available for backfilling and light grading.

Tail swing radius is a compact 2,130 mm (7 ft 0 in), allowing the machine to work in tight urban jobsites without excessive overhang.

SERVICEABILITY AND MAINTENANCE

Daily service points are grouped at ground level behind the right-side access door. The cooling package opens easily for cleaning, and remote-mounted filters (engine oil, fuel, and water separator) simplify routine checks.

Service-friendly details:

S•O•S℠ fluid sampling ports on hydraulic, engine oil, and coolant systems.
Extended service intervals: engine oil and filter at 500 hours, hydraulic oil at 4,000 hours.
Vandalism guards and lockable caps protect fuel and coolant access.
Cat Product Link™ telematics (optional) provides remote monitoring of location, hours, fuel use, and fault codes.

ATTACHMENTS AND VERSATILITY

The 312D2 is delivered with a Caterpillar pin-grabber coupler option or can be fitted with a variety of aftermarket quick couplers. A wide range of Cat buckets—general purpose, heavy-duty, and severe-duty—are available in widths from 450 mm (18 in) to over 900 mm (36 in). Hydraulic kits for hammers, thumbs, and multi-processors are factory-installed options.

With a Cat hammer, the machine can handle concrete demolition, rock breaking, and trenching in hard ground. A thumb attachment allows the excavator to grasp and sort material like an extension of the operator’s hand.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE

Operating weight (with 4.2 m boom, 2.1 m stick, 0.52 m³ bucket): ~13,100 kg (28,880 lb)
Max digging depth: 5,560 mm (18 ft 3 in)
Max reach at ground level: 8,270 mm (27 ft 2 in)
Max cutting height: 8,490 mm (27 ft 10 in)
Max dumping height: 5,970 mm (19 ft 7 in)
Bucket digging force (ISO): 106 kN (23,800 lbf)
Stick digging force (ISO): 73 kN (16,400 lbf)
Travel speed – high: 5.5 km/h (3.4 mph)
Fuel tank capacity: 250 L (66 gal)
Hydraulic tank capacity: 105 L (28 gal)
Overall length (transport): 7,620 mm (25 ft 0 in)
Overall width (with 600 mm shoes): 2,490 mm (8 ft 2 in)
Overall height (to top of cab): 2,820 mm (9 ft 3 in)

APPLICATIONS

The 312D2 excels in:

Residential and commercial excavation (foundations, footings, basements)
Utility trenching and pipe laying
Landscaping and site preparation
Road and bridge maintenance
Light demolition and material handling
Agricultural drainage and pond work

Its ability to swing within a narrow envelope and work effectively on slopes makes it a favorite for urban and suburban projects where space is limited.

SUMMARY

The Caterpillar 312D2 hydraulic excavator brings together proven Cat engineering, a fuel-efficient ACERT engine, and a refined operator environment in a compact radius package. With robust hydraulics, simple daily maintenance, and the flexibility to run a wide range of attachments, the 312D2 remains a productive and reliable choice for contractors who demand performance without excess weight. Whether digging a basement in the city or loading trucks on a rural site, the 312D2 is built to work as hard as its owner.

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Caterpillar 312D2 Excavator

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