Used Caterpillar 320CLExcavator

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📌 Overview

Parameter	Detail
Manufacturer	Caterpillar Inc.
Series	L Series (replaced the C Series)
Production Years	~1998 – 2006
Class	Medium-sized Hydraulic Excavator (~20-ton class)
Application	General construction, road building, utility work, landscaping, demolition

The 320CL was one of the most popular mid-size excavators in Caterpillar's lineup during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It replaced the older CAT 320C/320L and was later succeeded by the 320D/320D L and eventually the 320 GC / 320 GC Next Gen.

& Engine Specifications

Spec	Detail
Engine Model	Caterpillar C6.4 ACERT®
Type	6-cylinder, 4-stroke, turbocharged & aftercooled diesel
Displacement	6.4 L (391.8 in³)
Rated Power	133 hp (99 kW) @ 2,000 rpm
Max Torque	451 lb-ft (612 N·m) @ 1,400 rpm
Emissions	ACERT technology (reduced NOx & particulates)
Fuel Tank Capacity	90 US gal (341 L)

🔧 The ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology) system was a major advancement, meeting stricter emissions standards without sacrificing power.

📐 Dimensions & Weight

Parameter	Metric	Imperial
Operating Weight	~22,030 kg	~48,570 lbs
Transport Length	9,550 mm	31.3 ft
Transport Width	2,990 mm	9.8 ft
Transport Height	3,020 mm	9.9 ft
Undercarriage Width	2,500 mm	8.2 ft
Track Length (Ground Contact)	3,350 mm	11.0 ft
Tail Swing Radius	2,750 mm	9.0 ft

🔧 Hydraulic System

Spec	Detail
Pump Type	Dual variable-displacement piston pumps
Max Flow	82.5 gal/min (312 L/min)
Max System Pressure	5,075 psi (35,000 kPa)
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow	24.6 gal/min (93 L/min)
Auxiliary Pressure	3,625 psi (25,000 kPa)

💡 The electronically controlled hydraulic system (introduced in the L Series) allowed for smoother operation, better fuel efficiency, and reduced operator fatigue.

🪣 Work Equipment & Performance

Parameter	Metric	Imperial
Standard Bucket Capacity	0.75 – 0.95 m³	1.0 – 1.25 yd³
Max Digging Depth	6,600 mm	21.7 ft
Max Digging Reach	9,200 mm	30.2 ft
Max Dump Height	6,860 mm	22.5 ft
Max Digging Force (Bucket)	122 kN	27,400 lbf
Max Digging Force (Arm)	83 kN	18,700 lbf
Blade Capacity (Dozer Blade)	3.66 m³	4.78 yd³

🖥️ Operator Environment (Cab)

The 320CL introduced significant comfort improvements over its predecessor:

Feature	Detail
✅ ROPS/FOPS Certified Cab	Rollover & Falling Object Protection
✅ Air-Conditioned Cab	Standard with filtration
✅ Heated Seat	Adjustable, air-suspended
✅ Joystick Controls	Electronic proportional control
✅ LCD Monitor	Engine diagnostics, hour meter, fuel level
✅ Reduced Noise Level	~72 dB(A) — quieter than C-Series
✅ Large Windows	Excellent all-around visibility
✅ Radio/Audio System	Standard or optional

🛞 Undercarriage Options

Option	Application
Standard Tracks (600mm / 24")	General construction
Wide Tracks (700mm / 28")	Soft ground, swampy conditions
Triple Grouser Shoes	Rocky/abrasive terrain
Dozer Blade	Grading & leveling (included)
Thumb Ready	Hydraulic thumb attachment available

📊 Performance Comparison (vs. Competitors of its Era)

Machine	Weight	Power	Bucket
CAT 320CL	22,030 kg	133 hp	0.75–0.95 m³
Komatsu PC200-6	20,100 kg	127 hp	0.70–0.85 m³
Hitachi ZX200-3	20,100 kg	129 hp	0.70–0.80 m³
Volvo EC210B	21,200 kg	136 hp	0.75–0.95 m³
Kobelco SK200-6	20,000 kg	128 hp	0.70–0.80 m³

The 320CL was competitive in power and offered superior dealer support & parts availability globally.

✅ Key Advantages

Advantage	Explanation
🔋 Fuel Efficient	ACERT engine + electronic hydraulics = ~10-15% better fuel economy vs. C-Series
🛠️ Reliable	C6.4 engine is known for durability (20,000+ hours with proper maintenance)
🌐 Parts Availability	Massive global CAT dealer network
🪑 Operator Comfort	One of the best cabs in its class at the time
💪 Strong Digging Force	Excellent for its weight class
🔄 Versatile	Can be fitted with hammer, grapple, shear, thumb, ripper, etc.

⚠️ Known Issues / Considerations

Issue	Detail
🔴 Injector Problems	C6.4 ACERT injectors can be costly to replace
🔴 Turbocharger Wear	After 15,000+ hours, turbo may need rebuilding
🔴 Electrical Gremlins	Early L-Series had some wiring harness issues
🔴 Hydraulic Pump Wear	At high hours, pump efficiency can decline
🟡 Age	Now 20+ years old — check hour meter, maintenance history carefully if buying used

📈 Market Value (2024 Estimate — Used)

Condition	Hours	Approx. Price (USD)
Excellent	<8,000 hrs	$55,000 – $75,000
Good	8,000–15,000 hrs	$35,000 – $55,000
Fair	15,000–20,000+ hrs	$20,000 – $35,000

(Prices vary significantly by region, condition, and attachments)

🏁 Summary

Category	Rating (out of 5)
Power & Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Operator Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parts Availability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Resale Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Caterpillar 320CL remains a legendary workhorse in the used equipment market. Its combination of power, comfort, and CAT's unmatched parts network makes it a smart buy for contractors who need a dependable 20-ton excavator at a fraction of the cost of a new machine. 🚜💪

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — like maintenance schedule, attachment compatibility, or comparison with the newer 320 GC?