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Introduction and History
The Caterpillar 320B excavator, part of Caterpillar’s medium hydraulic excavator lineup, has been a trusted machine in construction and earthmoving industries since its introduction in the mid-1990s. Caterpillar Inc., established in 1925, has a long legacy of innovation and reliability in heavy equipment manufacturing. The 320B was developed to provide operators with a powerful, efficient, and versatile excavator suitable for a wide range of applications including digging, loading, trenching, and material handling. It has been widely adopted worldwide and remains popular in the used market due to its durability and strong aftermarket support.
Specifications and Performance
The 320B boasts an ergonomic operator cab with good visibility and intuitive controls designed to reduce fatigue during long shifts. Its hydraulic system features load-sensing technology to optimize pump output, which lowers fuel consumption without compromising performance. The strong frame and track system offer excellent durability under harsh work conditions.
Maintenance and Operator Notes
Regular service intervals include hydraulic fluid changes, track tension inspections, and engine oil replacements to maintain consistent machine performance. Operators often recommend careful monitoring of the hydraulic system to avoid leaks and maintain pressure. Clean air filters and proper cooling system upkeep are crucial for engine longevity, especially in dusty or hot environments.
Applications and Anecdotes
The Caterpillar 320B has been employed in urban construction, road-building, mining support, and heavy landscaping. One contractor from North America praised the machine's ability to dig through tough clay soils while maintaining precise control for trenching utilities. Another story recalls its long service life on a quarry site, where proper maintenance enabled operation beyond 15,000 hours, a testament to its robustness.
Corporate Background
Caterpillar Inc. is a global industry leader with a reputation for durable, heavy-duty machinery. Their hydraulic excavators are integral to modern construction, engineering, and mining tasks. The 320 series has evolved over decades to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards while improving operator comfort and machine efficiency.
Recommendations
The Caterpillar 320B excavator exemplifies a balanced combination of power, precision, and durability essential for medium-sized earthmoving operations. Its engineering, backed by Caterpillar’s global support network, provides operators with a reliable tool capable of tackling diverse jobsite challenges for many years. Proper maintenance and skilled operation will extend its service life and optimize return on investment.
The Caterpillar 320B excavator, part of Caterpillar’s medium hydraulic excavator lineup, has been a trusted machine in construction and earthmoving industries since its introduction in the mid-1990s. Caterpillar Inc., established in 1925, has a long legacy of innovation and reliability in heavy equipment manufacturing. The 320B was developed to provide operators with a powerful, efficient, and versatile excavator suitable for a wide range of applications including digging, loading, trenching, and material handling. It has been widely adopted worldwide and remains popular in the used market due to its durability and strong aftermarket support.
Specifications and Performance
- Engine: Powered by a robust Cat engine delivering approximately 158 horsepower (118 kW).
- Operating Weight: Roughly 22,000 kg (48,500 lbs), balancing strength and maneuverability.
- Hydraulic System: Two high-capacity variable displacement pumps providing a total flow of 429 liters per minute, supporting smooth boom, stick, and bucket operation.
- Buckets: Standard bucket capacities around 1.19 cubic meters (1.56 cubic yards) for heavy-duty digging.
- Track System: Equipped with 790 mm (31-inch) triple grouser shoes, the undercarriage ensures stability and traction.
- Swing Capacity: Swing speed up to 11.3 rpm with maximum torque of 82 kN·m, facilitating efficient bucket positioning.
- Boom and Stick: The articulated arms of the excavator that provide reach and digging motion.
- Triple Grouser Shoes: Track shoes with three raised ridges (grousers) for traction on rough terrain.
- Variable Displacement Pumps: Hydraulic pumps capable of adjusting flow and pressure based on demand, optimizing energy use.
- Counterweight: A weight at the rear of the machine improving balance and stability during digging.
- Operating Length: Approximately 9.5 meters (31 feet 2 inches).
- Width: About 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches).
- Height: Around 3.5 meters (11 feet 4 inches), allowing clearance on many job sites.
- Digging depth close to 6.7 meters (22 feet).
- Maximum reach at ground level about 9.9 meters (32 feet 4 inches).
- Loading height up to 6.5 meters (21 feet 4 inches).
The 320B boasts an ergonomic operator cab with good visibility and intuitive controls designed to reduce fatigue during long shifts. Its hydraulic system features load-sensing technology to optimize pump output, which lowers fuel consumption without compromising performance. The strong frame and track system offer excellent durability under harsh work conditions.
Maintenance and Operator Notes
Regular service intervals include hydraulic fluid changes, track tension inspections, and engine oil replacements to maintain consistent machine performance. Operators often recommend careful monitoring of the hydraulic system to avoid leaks and maintain pressure. Clean air filters and proper cooling system upkeep are crucial for engine longevity, especially in dusty or hot environments.
Applications and Anecdotes
The Caterpillar 320B has been employed in urban construction, road-building, mining support, and heavy landscaping. One contractor from North America praised the machine's ability to dig through tough clay soils while maintaining precise control for trenching utilities. Another story recalls its long service life on a quarry site, where proper maintenance enabled operation beyond 15,000 hours, a testament to its robustness.
Corporate Background
Caterpillar Inc. is a global industry leader with a reputation for durable, heavy-duty machinery. Their hydraulic excavators are integral to modern construction, engineering, and mining tasks. The 320 series has evolved over decades to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards while improving operator comfort and machine efficiency.
Recommendations
- Ensure operator training focuses on understanding hydraulic sensitivity and load manipulation.
- Maintain the undercarriage regularly to prevent accelerated wear in abrasive environments.
- Use genuine Caterpillar parts and fluids to maximize machine life and performance.
- Implement scheduled diagnostics with Caterpillar ET software for early fault detection.
The Caterpillar 320B excavator exemplifies a balanced combination of power, precision, and durability essential for medium-sized earthmoving operations. Its engineering, backed by Caterpillar’s global support network, provides operators with a reliable tool capable of tackling diverse jobsite challenges for many years. Proper maintenance and skilled operation will extend its service life and optimize return on investment.
