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Caterpillar 320F excavator with a bucket attachment working on a road project
Caterpillar 320F excavator with a bucket attachment working on a road project
CAT Excavator Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide to Caterpillar’s Diverse Range
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Tim Forestell
July 13, 2023

CAT Excavator Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide to Caterpillar's Diverse Range

Caterpillar, also known as CAT, continues to be one of the leading manufacturers of excavators and other heavy machinery. With such a wide range of excavators available, it's no wonder why they are a go-to option for the best construction equipment.

While you certainly won't regret renting a CAT excavator, it's important to pick the right-sized machine for your project. Excavators are a key piece of equipment on any job site because of their versatility and capabilities on site.

CAT Excavators By Size: CAT Excavator Size Charts

Mini excavators, also known as compact excavators, are the smallest machines. They are designed for small-scale projects and tight spaces like residential and community projects. CAT's small excavators are slightly larger than mini excavators, ranging between 10 and 20 tons. They have more power while still fitting in those smaller spaces.

Medium excavators reach the perfect balance between size and power, making them the perfect machine for different construction and excavation tasks. They are great for larger projects while being more cost-effective than the largest models.

CAT's large excavators weigh more, are more powerful, and are designed for more demanding applications. Any model weighing over 35 tons is considered a large excavator.

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Caterpillar equips their demolition excavators with specialized attachments that reinforce them to handle heavy demolition tasks. CAT designs demolition excavators to give operators increased power and protection during operation.

Long-reach excavators provide your site with exactly what you think, extended arm and boom configurations. This allows them to reach farther and dig deeper than standard excavators. Wheel excavators have wheels instead of tracks, providing increased mobility and speed, ideal for frequent movement between job sites.

CAT Mini Excavators

CAT mini excavators, ranging from 1 to 10 metric tons, can be used for light demolition, material handling, construction projects, and landscaping. They can also install pools, plant and remove trees, and more. The key features of all CAT mini excavators are that they have fuel-efficient engines, load-sensing hydraulics, and the CAT Stick Steer system.

Caterpillar 308 mini excavator
Caterpillar 308 mini excavator

With their power output ranging from 13 to 69.5 HP and dig depth ranging from 5.7 to 17.1 ft, they can handle a wide range of tasks on a smaller level. Offering excellent digging power and precise control to handle any tasks you need to tackle.

Mini CAT Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (lbs)Max. Dig Depth (ft. and in.)Max. Dump Height (ft. and in.)Engine Power (hp)
CAT 300.9D2,061 - 2,3995' 8"6' 6"13
CAT 301.53,9137' 8"8' 1"21
CAT 301.7 CR4,2227' 9"8' 3"21
CAT 301.84,4737' 9"8' 5"21
CAT 302 CR4,9877' 9"8' 5"21
CAT 302.7 CR6,7258' 3"9' 8"23.6
CAT 303 CR7,8178' 8"10' 5"23.6
CAT 303.5 CR9,2399' 3"11' 5"23.6
CAT 3049,86710' 6"12' 0"45
CAT 305 CR12,68811' 3"12' 2"45
CAT 306 CR15,76612' 2"14' 2"55.9
CAT 307.517,90513' 5"17' 5"54.8
CAT 308 CR20,077 - 20,38512' 6" - 13' 6"11' 4" - 15' 7"69.5
CAT 309 CR21,091 - 21,47712' 2" - 13' 6"11' 6" - 15' 7"69.5
CAT 31022,45117' 1"19' 2"69.5

CAT Small Excavators

CAT's small excavators are one jump above mini excavators in almost every aspect. They have a higher weight capacity and they have more dig depth, ranging from 19.8 to 21 ft.

Related: Check out our in-depth excavator brand comparison. Featured manufacturers include Komatsu, John Deere, Caterpillar, Link-Belt, and more.

These small excavators can handle a wider range of excavation jobs, and more substantial projects. This includes road construction, underground utility constriction, and digging on residential construction sites. They also have more power output, ranging from 73 to 130 HP depending on the model you rent.

Small CAT Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (tons)Max. Dig DepthMax. Dump HeightMax ReachBucket Capacity (cubic yards)Engine Power (hp)
CAT 313 GC15.219' 8"21' 0"28' 4"0.6973
CAT 31315.219' 8"21' 0"29' 4"0.69108
CAT 315 GC17.019' 6"23' 6"28' 5"0.6998
CAT 31517.019' 6"23' 6"28' 5"0.69108
CAT 317 GC19.021' 0"20' 6"29' 6"0.99121
CAT 31720.121' 0"20' 6"29' 6"0.99130

CAT Medium Excavators

Caterpillar medium excavators are the perfect balance between large and small excavators. They are a great option for projects where you have lots of space to maneuver but want to save costs. From site preparation to highway or interstate projects to any other general earthmoving project, CAT's medium excavators are the perfect fit.

CAT 325 medium excavator moving dirt
CAT 325 excavator

Medium excavators dig deeper, ranging from 22 to 23.9 ft, but the main improvement is the increase in power. While small excavators' net powers range from 73 to 130 HP, medium ones have a range of 146 to 273 HP.

Medium CAT Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (tons)Max. Dig DepthMax. Dump HeightMax ReachBucket Capacity (cubic yards)Engine Power (hp)
CAT 320 GC24.222' 0"21' 3"32' 3"1.31146
CAT 32024.822' 1"21' 4"32' 4"1.56172
CAT 32327.522' 1"12' 3"32' 4"1.71172
CAT 32628.222' 4"21' 1"33' 2"2.01201
CAT 32531.422' 0"25' 9"32' 1"1.56172
CAT 330 GC34.023' 8"22' 8"35' 1"2.01201
CAT 33034.623' 9"22' 8"35' 1"2.30273
CAT 33538.522' 11"26' 1"34' 11"2.01273

CAT Large Excavators

CAT's big diggers are great at lifting heavy things and moving tough materials, even in difficult conditions. These machines are very powerful, with net powers ranging from 300 to 542 HP, and can handle big and challenging tasks.

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With dig depths ranging from 25.1 to 31.9 ft, CAT's large excavators are great for major construction projects. From roadworks and bridge construction to infrastructure removal and industrial facilities to land reclamation, they are ready to tackle any job. For big demolitions, it's best to use a CAT demolition excavator for added safety features.

Large CAT Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (tons)Max. Dig DepthMax. Dump HeightMax ReachBucket Capacity (cubic yards)Engine Power (hp)
CAT 33640.626' 11"24' 6"38' 7"2.77-
CAT 34041.426' 11"24' 6"38' 7"3.08346
CAT 34952.625' 1"24' 4"38' 5"4.03424
CAT 35052.626' 11"24' 3"39' 1"4.03413
CAT 35255.323' 7"23' 1"37' 1"3.27424
CAT 37479.128' 1"27' 7"43' 2"4.32484
CAT 395 103.731' 9"30' 4"48' 3"6.80542

CAT Demolition Excavators

CAT designed their demolition excavators for power, control, and safety. They have a maximum pin height ranging from 40.8 to 90.75 ft. Additionally, they have a maximum weight at the stick nose ranging from 8,157 to 10,570 lb.

Caterpillar 349F excavator
Caterpillar 349F excavator

One benefit of the extended reach is that it allows operators to maintain a safer distance from hazardous areas. This reduces the need to be too close to the edge of the excavation, enhancing the safety of the job site.

Related: Check out our excavator spec guide for every brand including John Deere, Komatsu, Sany, Caterpillar, Hitachi, and more.

Specifically designed for demolition tasks they have specialized cabs that reduce vibrations by up to 50%. The cabs can also adjust and tilt to give the operators a better view of what they're demolishing. In the cab, there is also a touchscreen monitor that saves settings up to 10 attachments for each boom configuration.

CAT Demolition Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (tons)Max. Dig DepthMax. Dump HeightMax ReachBucket Capacity (cubic yards)Engine Power (hp)
CAT 340 Straight Boom44.321' 8"33' 6"N/AN/A 314
CAT 340 UHD64.024' 8"25' 2"39' 1"2.97314
CAT 352 UHD75.721' 8"24' 6"38' 9"4.08425

CAT Long Reach Excavator

CAT's long-reach excavators have further reach and dig deeper than standard excavators. This makes them more suitable for tasks such as dredging, deep excavation, and working in areas with limited accessibility. They can avoid using expensive and time-consuming methods like sheet piling or soil stabilization by going further and digging deeper.

Caterpillar offers 2 distinct long-reach excavators, 352 LRE and 340 Long Reach. The 352 LRE has a 424 HP engine. The 340 Long Reach has a 311 HP engine. Both machines are capable of handling any challenging project.

When comparing the maximum torque swings, model 352 has 138,000 ft lbf while model 340 has 106,228 ft lbf. Knowing the max torque swing lets the operators know the working range of the machine without having to reposition it. One of the key factors to consider when deciding on your excavator.

CAT Long Reach Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (tons)Max. Dig DepthMax. Dump HeightMax ReachBucket Capacity (cubic yards)Engine Power (hp)
CAT 340 Long Reach48.442' 8"41' 9"59' 3"1.22314
CAT 352 LRE64.442' 8"39' 4"64' 4"1.56425

CAT Wheel Excavators

Caterpillar has a total of 7 wheeled excavators that are optimal for projects that require mobility and speed. These machines have engines that range from 134 to 174 HP and can reach speeds of 18.6 to 23 miles/h. They can handle tasks like digging and grading.

Most commonly used in urban areas, such as road construction, utility, municipal maintenance, landscaping, and site development. Their mobility and ability to be fitted for attachments enhance their capabilities and versatility.

CAT Wheel Excavator Size Chart

Model NumberOperating Weight (tons)Max. Dig DepthMax. Dump HeightMax ReachBucket Capacity (cubic yards)Engine Power (hp)
CAT M31419.813' 11"23' 0"28' 4"0.99134
CAT M31519.815'25' 2"29' 6"0.99148
CAT M31618.2N/AN/A29' 4"1.05148
CAT M31822.015' 1"N/A30' 2"1.19174
CAT M31923.214' 7"N/A30' 2"1.19174
CAT M32023.213' 10"N/A30' 5"1.28174
CAT M32226.521' 9"24' 7"33' 4"1.70174

Choosing the Right CAT Excavator Size

Choosing the correct excavator is crucial for a successful job site. Understanding the different sizes and categories of CAT excavators is essential for making the right choice. Being aware of factors including project scope, working space, and budget, will help you to choose the excavator best for your projects.

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Making informed decisions is important when considering investments for your job site. Excavators have many of the same capabilities but it's possible to uniquely tailor to your job site. It's worth exploring options for Caterpillar excavators to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or better sizing to suit your specific needs.

To find the right excavator rental and other equipment rentals, you can search the DOZR Marketplace. Alternatively, you can call a DOZR sales representative for help.

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Tim Forestell
Tim Forestell is one of DOZR’s co-founders and CCO. Tim got started in the industry as VP Operations for Forestell Landscaping before founding DOZR with Kevin and Erin. Aside from the amazing team at DOZR, his favourite thing about DOZR are the customers. Working with DOZR renters every day gives him a peek at the evolution of different projects and hearing stories about projects being developed from start to finish.
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