Caterpillar 320D GC Excavator Review: Built for Earthworks

[MikePhua]

In 2010, Caterpillar launched the 320D GC excavator, specially designed for earthworks and tailored to the needs of Chinese users. Known as the "Earthworks King," this model offers a balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for operators focused on large-scale excavation projects. Compared to the standard 320D, the 320D GC is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and cost-effective, specifically designed to serve users working in earthmoving and moderate-duty construction projects.
Key Features of the Caterpillar 320D GC:

• Engine: Equipped with the Caterpillar C6.4 engine, delivering 92.3 kW of power, which is 10 kW less than the 320D. Despite the lower power rating, the engine remains highly reliable, with the same internal structure as the 320D, ensuring smooth performance and fuel efficiency.
  
• Design: The 320D GC is 400 kg lighter than the 320D. The chassis and boom use slightly thinner steel, but it's still robust enough to handle most earthmoving tasks, including non-rock operations.
  
• Fuel Efficiency: The 320D GC offers improved fuel efficiency over the 320D, with fuel consumption around 16-17 liters per hour when operating at 8-speed throttle, making it suitable for extended use on job sites.
  

User Experience:
According to SK6, a veteran operator and 320D GC user, the excavator's performance has been impressive, with over 250 hours of use. Below are the key insights from his experience:

• Power & Fuel Efficiency: The 320D GC's performance is highly adequate for earthworks, providing sufficient power for digging and lifting. Despite the 10 kW power reduction, the hydraulic system pressure remains unchanged, offering consistent and reliable performance.
  
• Cold Start: When cold-starting the machine, minor black smoke is produced. However, this quickly clears up after 2-3 minutes of operation, indicating the engine is operating normally.
  
• Smooth Operation: The rotation and other key parts of the machine operate smoothly, and the cabin's tight seal ensures better air pressure inside, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable working environment.
  

Pros and Cons of the Caterpillar 320D GC:
Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: Compared to the 320D, the 320D GC is more fuel-efficient, consuming 16-17 liters of fuel per hour, which is ideal for prolonged earthworks projects.
  
• Adequate Power: Despite being designed for earthworks, the machine delivers ample power to handle typical tasks effectively.
  
• Moderate Speed: The machine operates at an optimal speed for most day-to-day tasks, offering a balance between power and performance.
  

Cons:

• Thin Bucket: The standard bucket is relatively thin and may require reinforcement for tougher conditions, especially when dealing with denser materials.
  
• Seat Comfort: The seat isn't a suspension type, which may affect comfort during long hours of operation.
  
• Throttle Control: When operating at low speeds (7-speed throttle or less), the machine may struggle with tougher earth. The throttle response is significant—at 8-speed, the machine feels noticeably more powerful.
  

Final Thoughts
From SK6's review, it’s clear that the 320D GC is an excellent machine for earthworks with its fuel efficiency, solid power, and reliable performance. While it has a few minor shortcomings, such as the thin bucket and seat comfort, these can be addressed with minor adjustments. Overall, the 320D GC proves to be a great choice for operators focused on earthmoving tasks. If you have further insights or experiences with this model, feel free to share, as it can help others in the construction industry make informed decisions.