Used Caterpillar 345 Excavator

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The CAT 345 is a large hydraulic excavator in Caterpillar's lineup, designed for heavy-duty construction, mining, quarrying, and large earthmoving projects. It sits between the 340 and 349/350 models in the product range.

📋 1. GENERATIONS & MODELS

Model	Description
CAT 345	Original/Legacy model (discontinued)
CAT 345DL	Direct Lift version — optimized boom/arm for faster cycle times
CAT 345 GC	Generation C — current modern version (latest tech & emissions)
CAT 345 GC (Next Gen)	Updated 2024+ version with enhanced electronics

🔧 2. ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter	Details
Engine Model	Caterpillar C13 ACERT®
Type	6-cylinder, inline, turbocharged & aftercooled diesel
Displacement	12.5 L (762 in³)
Rated Power	~328 hp (245 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Emission Standard	Tier 4 Final / Stage V (US/EU)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~760 L (200 US gal)
DEF Tank	~38 L (10 US gal) — for SCR system

✅ The C13 ACERT is known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and meeting strict emission regulations.

& 3. OPERATING WEIGHT

Configuration	Weight
345 GC (standard)	~45,000 – 46,000 kg (99,200 – 101,400 lbs)
345 GC (heavy/counterweight)	Up to ~49,000 kg (108,000 lbs)
345DL	~46,500 kg (102,500 lbs)

🪣 4. BUCKET & WORK TOOL CAPACITY

Parameter	Range
Standard Bucket Capacity	1.3 – 2.0 m³ (1.7 – 2.6 yd³)
Maximum Bucket (optional)	Up to 2.5+ m³ (3.3 yd³)
Bucket Teeth	CAT universal or specific tooth systems
Quick Coupler	Available (hydraulic or mechanical)

📏 5. DIGGING PERFORMANCE

Parameter	Specification
Max Digging Depth	~7.3 – 7.6 m (24 – 25 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	~11.0 – 11.5 m (36 – 38 ft)
Max Digging Height	~10.2 m (33.5 ft)
Max Dump Height	~7.4 m (24.3 ft)
Max Depth Cut (Flat)	~6.9 m (22.6 ft)
Boom/Stick Options	Multiple lengths available for different applications

🛢️ 6. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Parameter	Details
Pump Type	Variable displacement piston pump
Max Flow	~600 – 700 L/min (158 – 185 gpm)
Working Pressure	35 MPa (5,075 psi)
Auxiliary Hydraulics	Available for breakers, grapples, shears, etc.
Flow (Aux)	~80 – 120 L/min (21 – 32 gpm)

🚀 7. PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Feature	Benefit
⚡ High Power-to-Weight Ratio	Excellent productivity in tough material
🔄 Fast Cycle Times	Especially on 345DL (Direct Lift) — up to 10-15% faster than standard
🚜 Strong Breakout Force	~230–250 kN (52,000–56,000 lbf)
📊 Smart Technology (GC)	CAT Product Link™, Grade with 2D/3D, Payload, Tech Vision
🌡️ Advanced Cooling	Efficient in hot climates (mining/desert)
🔇 Low Noise Cab	~73 dB(A) — meets operator comfort standards

🖥️ 8. CAB & OPERATOR COMFORT (GC Model)

Feature	Description
Display	12" (30 cm) touchscreen monitor
Controls	Electronic joysticks with pattern change
Seat	Air-suspended, heated, with armrests
Climate Control	Auto A/C with filtration
Visibility	Excellent all-round visibility, rear-view camera standard
Safety	ROPS/FOPS certified, seat belt, emergency stop
Tech	CAT Grade (2D/3D), Payload, Work Tool Recognition

🏗️ 9. COMMON APPLICATIONS

Industry	Use Case
🏗️ Heavy Construction	Foundation excavation, road building, pipeline work
& Mining	Loading trucks, bench digging, overburden removal
🪨 Quarrying	Rock excavation, bench loading
🏢 Demolition	Building teardown (with hydraulic breaker/shear)
🌲 Forestry	Land clearing (with grapple/thumb)
🌊 Dredging	River/harbor dredging (long reach stick)

📊 10. COMPARISON WITH SIMILAR MODELS

Model	Weight	Power	Bucket	Class
CAT 340 GC	~40,000 kg	~310 hp	1.2–1.8 m³	Medium-Large
⭐ CAT 345 GC	~46,000 kg	~328 hp	1.3–2.0 m³	Large
CAT 349 GC	~50,000 kg	~360 hp	1.6–2.5 m³	Large
CAT 350 GC	~52,000 kg	~380 hp	1.8–2.8 m³	Extra Large

👉 The 345 GC is the "sweet spot" — powerful enough for heavy work but more fuel-efficient and maneuverable than the 349/350.

💰 11. APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024)

Configuration	Estimated Price (USD)
New CAT 345 GC	$350,000 – $450,000+
Used (2015–2020)	$150,000 – $250,000
Rental (Daily)	$1,500 – $2,500/day

(Prices vary by region, configuration, and dealer)

✅ SUMMARY — WHY CHOOSE CAT 345?

✅ Strength	📋 Detail
💪 Power	328 hp C13 engine — handles hard rock & heavy loads
⚡ Productivity	Fast cycle times, high breakout force
🧠 Technology	Grade, Payload, Product Link — smart machine
🛡️ Reliability	CAT proven — high uptime, easy service
🌍 Versatility	Mining, construction, demolition, dredging
💰 Value	Best balance of size, power & cost in its class

The CAT 345 GC is one of the most popular large excavators in the world — a workhorse that delivers exceptional productivity, durability, and operator comfort for demanding jobs. 🚜💪

Would you like more details on any specific aspect (e.g., maintenance, attachments, vs competitors like Komatsu PC490 or Hitachi ZX470)? 😊