Caterpillar Releases New 20-Ton Size Class 320 GC, 320 & 323 Excavators

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The new Caterpillar Next Generation 320, 320 GC, and 323 excavators. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar has announced three new Next Generation 20-ton size class excavators for sale with a new cab design and numerous features designed to increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and enhance operator comfort. The new 320 GC (121 horsepower), 320 (162 HP), and 322 (162 HP) models variously include Cat Connect Technology, the Cat Grade with 2D system, Cat LINK hardware and software, and Grade Assist technology.

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The Cat Next Generation 320 GC excavator. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Specs & Tech

With a 48,300-pound (21,909-kilogram) operating weight, Caterpillar states the Cat 320 GC is designed for low- to medium-duty applications. The 320 and 323, meanwhile, have 50,100-pound (22,725-kilogram) and 56,200-pound (25,492-kilogram) operating weights, respectively, and use Cat Connect Technology to increase their respective operating efficiencies by up to 45% compared to traditional grading operations, the company states.

The new models’ cab comes standard with keyless push-button start abilities, 8-inch touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys, sound-suppressed ROPS (rollover protective structures), programmable joystick buttons, and new advanced viscous mounts that Cat states reduced cab vibration by 50% compared to previously models.

Owners have a choice of Comfort, Deluxe, and Premium cab packages and an option for 360-degree visibility as provided by multiple machine-mounted cameras. Automatic climate control, an integrated Bluetooth radio with USB ports, and a tilt-up console (for Deluxe and Premium cabs) are also offered.

Smart & Efficient Operation

Elsewhere, Caterpillar claims the new excavators use 20% to 25% less fuel that their respective previous corresponding model. A new Smart operating mode assists here by automatically matching digging conditions to engine and hydraulic power. Further, the excavators automatically adjust engine speed when hydraulic power isn’t required. While the 320 and 320 GC use a Cat C4.4 ACERT engine, the 323 use a Cat C7.1 ACERT engine.

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The Cat Next Generation 320 Excavator. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

The new excavators also use multiple electric fans to independently oversee hydraulic oil, radiator, and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to provide the exact airflow needed. A new hydraulic system, meanwhile, includes a new main control valve that does away with the need for pilot lines, which Cat states lessens pressure losses and lowers fuel consumption. Broadly, fewer hydraulic lines results in 20% less oil needed and lower long-term operating costs, Cat adds.

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The Cat Next Generation 323 excavator. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Low Maintenance Costs

Cat also claims owners will see maintenance costs cut by as much as 15% with the Next Generation models due to extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals that enable the models to do more work at a lower cost. Additionally, a higher dirt capacity provides the hydraulic return filter a 3,000-hour service life, a 50% bump over previous filters, Cat states. A new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters can extend service life to 1,000 hours, a 100% increase, while a new fuel tank cap filter boosts service life to 2,000 hours, Cat indicates.

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The Cat 320 is one of three new 20-ton size class excavators from Caterpillar. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

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Source: Caterpillar