Caterpillar 320
The benchmark 20-tonne excavator
The Cat 320 is the world’s reference point in the 20-tonne excavator class. The Next Generation model brought factory-fitted grade control, a new cab and lower maintenance costs.
+Strengths
- Factory-integrated Cat Grade with 2D and Assist features
- Up to 25% lower maintenance cost than the previous F-series, according to Cat
- Excellent resale value and dealer support worldwide
−Watch-outs
- Higher purchase price than most rivals
- Technology packages add significant cost
- Electronic complexity can mean dealer-only diagnostics
Overview
When contractors talk about "a 20-tonne excavator", the Caterpillar 320 is often the machine they picture. The model line goes back to the Cat 320 of the early 1990s and has been updated through the B, C, D, E and F series. In 2018 Caterpillar launched the Next Generation 320, a complete redesign that put technology at the centre of the machine.
What changed with the Next Generation
The biggest change is Cat Grade, factory-installed grade control. In its basic 2D form, the system shows the bucket's position against a target depth and slope on the in-cab monitor. With Grade Assist, the machine automates boom and bucket movements so the operator only controls the arm, producing a flat floor or a precise slope with minimal effort. Optional 3D lets the machine work to a full digital design.
Other features include E-fence, which stops the front end or house from entering a virtual boundary (useful near traffic or overhead lines), Payload on-board weighing, and a new cab with a large touchscreen and lower noise levels. Cat says the new hydraulic and filter design extends service intervals and reduces maintenance cost by up to 25% compared with the 320F.
Performance
The 320 is powered by a Cat C7.1 engine that meets Tier 4 Final and Stage V without a separate regeneration interruption. In practice it is a strong, smooth all-rounder that loads 25–30-tonne trucks comfortably and handles a 1.5-tonne breaker. Cat also sells the 320 GC, a simpler, lower-priced version for customers who do not need high production or the technology packages, and the higher-production 323.
Who it suits
General contractors, utility and pipeline firms, and rental companies that value uptime, resale value and dealer support over the lowest purchase price. If your work involves grading, footings or trenching to grade, the factory grade-control options are a genuine productivity advantage.
Buying used
Ask the dealer for the machine's service history and S·O·S fluid analysis by serial number, check whether grade-control features are active (they may be subscription-based), and inspect the undercarriage, swing bearing and pin wear as described in our used excavator checklist.
Caterpillar 320 specifications
| Operating weight | ≈22,500 kg (49,600 lb) |
|---|---|
| Net power | ≈121 kW (162 hp) |
| Max. digging depth | ≈6.7 m (22 ft) |
| Engine | Cat C7.1 |
| Max. reach at ground level | ≈9.9 m (32 ft 6 in) |
| Bucket capacity | 0.9–1.5 m³ (1.2–2.0 yd³) |
| Fuel tank | ≈345 L (91 US gal) |
| Emissions | EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V |
Figures are typical for standard configurations as published by Caterpillar. Values vary by market, emissions tier, attachments and options; confirm with your dealer before purchase, transport or lifting.
Compare the Caterpillar 320
Side-by-side specifications against its closest rivals.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cat 320 weigh?
A standard Cat 320 weighs about 22,500 kg (49,600 lb) in operating condition. The exact figure depends on the arm, counterweight, track shoes and bucket.
What is the difference between the Cat 320 and 320 GC?
The 320 GC is a simplified, lower-cost version aimed at lower-production work. It has fewer technology options and slightly different hydraulics; the standard 320 offers Cat Grade, E-fence and Payload as factory options.
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