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The Caterpillar 320D Excavator is one of the standout models in Caterpillar's lineup, known for its robustness and reliability. In this article, we explore the experiences of a seasoned user, Mr. Sun Xuliang (referred to as Xiao Sun), an experienced excavator operator from Ningxia. With over 7 years of operating experience, Xiao Sun has been an active member in the industry, sharing his insights and contributions online, and has helped others, like a senior member from Ningxia, in selecting the Caterpillar 320D. This review reflects his firsthand experience with the 320D excavator.
1. User Background
Xiao Sun, born in the 1980s, works as an excavator operator for a construction company under the Shangling Group in Ningxia, primarily engaged in water conservancy, construction, and road projects. He started his career in excavation after completing middle school and has accumulated over 7 years of operating experience. Before working with the Caterpillar 320D, Xiao Sun operated the company’s Hitachi ZX230-1 excavator. His company is one of the major players in the region, with a fleet of heavy machinery including excavators, loaders, dump trucks, and rollers. Xiao Sun is highly regarded by his superiors due to his skill and experience.
2. Purchase Information
Due to increased project demands, the company decided to purchase a new excavator in early 2010. After reviewing several models, including the Komatsu PC240-8 and the Caterpillar 320D, Xiao Sun was tasked with selecting the final choice. After testing the machines and consulting with his peers, Xiao Sun opted for the Caterpillar 320D, praising its durability, precision handling, and high reliability. On March 15, 2010, Xiao Sun purchased the Caterpillar 320D from the local Caterpillar dealer, Yichu Mingtong, for 1.13 million RMB, paying the full amount upfront. The purchase also included 6,000 RMB worth of accessories.
3. Operator Information
Since the purchase, Xiao Sun has personally operated the 320D, though he occasionally assigns some simple tasks to his apprentice. As evidenced by his online posts, Xiao Sun takes great care of the machine and treats it as his own. However, there was an incident where his apprentice accidentally drove the excavator into a trench, which Xiao Sun found particularly upsetting.
4. Work Conditions
Xiao Sun’s company was contracted for a road construction project, where the 320D was used for tasks such as leveling roads, repairing slopes, and soil excavation. The work primarily involved soil-related tasks with no stone present. Some areas had soft sandy soil, while others featured firmer ground conditions.
5. Work Efficiency
Given that the work mainly involved soil excavation, the 320D proved to be highly efficient. Xiao Sun reported that compared to the Hitachi ZX230-1 and other similar models, the Caterpillar 320D outperformed the others in terms of speed, digging force, and precision in handling. The machine’s impressive capabilities were particularly evident in various earthmoving tasks, where its performance exceeded expectations.
6. Fuel Consumption
In normal conditions, using 7-8 throttle levels, the fuel consumption of the 320D is around 18 liters per hour. When the job requires full throttle, the consumption increases to 23 liters per hour. This fuel consumption is considered above average for excavators in this class, though it is still relatively reasonable given the machine's size and power.
7. Product Performance and Issues
Engine:
Since the purchase, the engine has had no issues and runs smoothly.
Hydraulic System:
The hydraulic system has also performed without any problems, ensuring reliable and consistent operation.
Other Issues:
The only issue reported by Xiao Sun was a minor one – the lock on the tool box broke, preventing the key from fitting into the lock. After consulting with the dealer, Xiao Sun learned that replacing the lock assembly would cost over 1,000 RMB, so the company decided to keep using the lock as is. Additionally, Xiao Sun mentioned that the seat was uncomfortable, with insufficient support for the back. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the paint quality on the boom and arm, as the coating appeared rough, with noticeable weld marks.
8. Dealer and Service
Xiao Sun expressed satisfaction with the service provided by Yichu Mingtong, the local Caterpillar dealer. They have been responsive to maintenance needs and have kept the machine in good condition with timely servicing.
9. Spare Parts
When discussing the spare parts for the Caterpillar 320D, Xiao Sun remarked that the parts were significantly more expensive than those of other brands. For example, a barrel of engine oil for the 320D was nearly 200 RMB more expensive than that for the Hitachi excavator he previously operated, and the filters were also pricier. While the company has the financial resources to handle the costs, Xiao Sun noted that many individual users find these prices prohibitive. In online forums, several Caterpillar owners have expressed concerns about the high cost of spare parts, which could deter budget-conscious customers from choosing the brand.
10. Conclusion
The Caterpillar 320D is undoubtedly one of the most popular and reliable models in Caterpillar’s excavator range. Since its introduction in 2006, the 320D has frequently been the top-selling excavator in the Chinese market, known for its durability, versatility, and outstanding performance in both heavy and light tasks. From Xiao Sun’s experience, the 320D is well-suited for tasks like roadwork and earthmoving, offering high efficiency and low failure rates. However, the high cost of spare parts remains a significant drawback, especially for individual users or those with tight budgets. Despite this, the 320D continues to be a top choice for large companies and well-funded individual users who prioritize reliability and performance over operational costs.
1. User Background
Xiao Sun, born in the 1980s, works as an excavator operator for a construction company under the Shangling Group in Ningxia, primarily engaged in water conservancy, construction, and road projects. He started his career in excavation after completing middle school and has accumulated over 7 years of operating experience. Before working with the Caterpillar 320D, Xiao Sun operated the company’s Hitachi ZX230-1 excavator. His company is one of the major players in the region, with a fleet of heavy machinery including excavators, loaders, dump trucks, and rollers. Xiao Sun is highly regarded by his superiors due to his skill and experience.
2. Purchase Information
Due to increased project demands, the company decided to purchase a new excavator in early 2010. After reviewing several models, including the Komatsu PC240-8 and the Caterpillar 320D, Xiao Sun was tasked with selecting the final choice. After testing the machines and consulting with his peers, Xiao Sun opted for the Caterpillar 320D, praising its durability, precision handling, and high reliability. On March 15, 2010, Xiao Sun purchased the Caterpillar 320D from the local Caterpillar dealer, Yichu Mingtong, for 1.13 million RMB, paying the full amount upfront. The purchase also included 6,000 RMB worth of accessories.
3. Operator Information
Since the purchase, Xiao Sun has personally operated the 320D, though he occasionally assigns some simple tasks to his apprentice. As evidenced by his online posts, Xiao Sun takes great care of the machine and treats it as his own. However, there was an incident where his apprentice accidentally drove the excavator into a trench, which Xiao Sun found particularly upsetting.
4. Work Conditions
Xiao Sun’s company was contracted for a road construction project, where the 320D was used for tasks such as leveling roads, repairing slopes, and soil excavation. The work primarily involved soil-related tasks with no stone present. Some areas had soft sandy soil, while others featured firmer ground conditions.
5. Work Efficiency
Given that the work mainly involved soil excavation, the 320D proved to be highly efficient. Xiao Sun reported that compared to the Hitachi ZX230-1 and other similar models, the Caterpillar 320D outperformed the others in terms of speed, digging force, and precision in handling. The machine’s impressive capabilities were particularly evident in various earthmoving tasks, where its performance exceeded expectations.
6. Fuel Consumption
In normal conditions, using 7-8 throttle levels, the fuel consumption of the 320D is around 18 liters per hour. When the job requires full throttle, the consumption increases to 23 liters per hour. This fuel consumption is considered above average for excavators in this class, though it is still relatively reasonable given the machine's size and power.
7. Product Performance and Issues
Engine:
Since the purchase, the engine has had no issues and runs smoothly.
Hydraulic System:
The hydraulic system has also performed without any problems, ensuring reliable and consistent operation.
Other Issues:
The only issue reported by Xiao Sun was a minor one – the lock on the tool box broke, preventing the key from fitting into the lock. After consulting with the dealer, Xiao Sun learned that replacing the lock assembly would cost over 1,000 RMB, so the company decided to keep using the lock as is. Additionally, Xiao Sun mentioned that the seat was uncomfortable, with insufficient support for the back. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the paint quality on the boom and arm, as the coating appeared rough, with noticeable weld marks.
8. Dealer and Service
Xiao Sun expressed satisfaction with the service provided by Yichu Mingtong, the local Caterpillar dealer. They have been responsive to maintenance needs and have kept the machine in good condition with timely servicing.
9. Spare Parts
When discussing the spare parts for the Caterpillar 320D, Xiao Sun remarked that the parts were significantly more expensive than those of other brands. For example, a barrel of engine oil for the 320D was nearly 200 RMB more expensive than that for the Hitachi excavator he previously operated, and the filters were also pricier. While the company has the financial resources to handle the costs, Xiao Sun noted that many individual users find these prices prohibitive. In online forums, several Caterpillar owners have expressed concerns about the high cost of spare parts, which could deter budget-conscious customers from choosing the brand.
10. Conclusion
The Caterpillar 320D is undoubtedly one of the most popular and reliable models in Caterpillar’s excavator range. Since its introduction in 2006, the 320D has frequently been the top-selling excavator in the Chinese market, known for its durability, versatility, and outstanding performance in both heavy and light tasks. From Xiao Sun’s experience, the 320D is well-suited for tasks like roadwork and earthmoving, offering high efficiency and low failure rates. However, the high cost of spare parts remains a significant drawback, especially for individual users or those with tight budgets. Despite this, the 320D continues to be a top choice for large companies and well-funded individual users who prioritize reliability and performance over operational costs.
