Cat Excavator Weight & Specs Chart: 313, 320, 330 & 336

Caterpillar Excavator Specs at a Glance

If you are checking a Cat excavator's operating weight for transport planning, ground bearing pressure, or lift calculations, the figures below cover the most searched models. All values are approximate and configuration-dependent — operating weight changes with boom and stick length, bucket, counterweight, track shoe width, and fitted attachments. Always confirm against the machine's own data plate and the official specification sheet for that serial number before you plan a lift or a transport movement.

Cat 313 (13-Tonne Class)

• Operating weight — approximately 13,500 to 14,000 kg
• Net power — approximately 74 kW (99 hp)
• Bucket capacity — approximately 0.5 to 0.75 m³
• Maximum dig depth — approximately 5.5 to 5.9 m
• Maximum reach at ground level — approximately 8.3 to 8.6 m
• Typical application — Urban roadworks, drainage, utilities, and confined sites where a 20-tonne machine will not fit.

Cat 320 (20-Tonne Class)

• Operating weight — approximately 21,500 to 22,900 kg
• Net power — approximately 121 kW (162 hp)
• Bucket capacity — approximately 0.75 to 1.4 m³
• Maximum dig depth — approximately 6.7 m
• Maximum reach at ground level — approximately 9.9 m
• Typical application — The global general-purpose standard. Foundations, bulk earthworks, truck loading, and general civils.

The 320 is the single most common excavator size class worldwide, which makes it the easiest to hire operators for, the easiest to resell, and the easiest to source attachments and parts for.

Cat 323 (23-Tonne Class)

• Operating weight — approximately 24,000 to 25,500 kg
• Net power — approximately 121 kW (162 hp)
• Bucket capacity — approximately 0.9 to 1.6 m³
• Typical application — Where a 320's reach is adequate but more lift capacity and stability are needed.

Cat 330 (30-Tonne Class)

• Operating weight — approximately 29,500 to 31,500 kg
• Net power — approximately 150 kW (204 hp)
• Bucket capacity — approximately 1.0 to 2.1 m³
• Maximum dig depth — approximately 7.5 m
• Maximum reach at ground level — approximately 11.0 m
• Typical application — Quarry loading, heavy civils, mass excavation, and larger demolition with appropriate configuration.

Cat 336 (36-Tonne Class)

• Operating weight — approximately 36,500 to 38,500 kg
• Net power — approximately 232 kW (311 hp)
• Bucket capacity — approximately 1.5 to 2.7 m³
• Maximum dig depth — approximately 7.9 m
• Typical application — Mass excavation, mining support, and heavy production work.

Understanding Excavator Lifting Capacity

Operating weight and lifting capacity are different numbers, and confusing them is dangerous. Lifting capacity on an excavator is not a single value — it is a matrix that varies with:

• Radius — how far the load sits from the machine's centre of rotation. Capacity falls sharply as radius increases.
• Height — capacity differs above and below ground level.
• Orientation — capacity over the side is significantly lower than over the front or rear, because the undercarriage is narrower than it is long.
• Configuration — stick length, counterweight, boom type, and track width all change the figures.

A 30-tonne class machine such as the 330 might lift several tonnes at short radius over the front, and considerably less at maximum reach over the side. Always work from the machine's official lift chart for its exact configuration. Never estimate from operating weight, and never assume a percentage rule.

Reading Caterpillar Model Numbers

Cat's convention is broadly readable once you know the pattern. The number approximates the size class, and the suffix describes configuration:

• GC — Lower cost, lower complexity build aimed at moderate-duty applications and lower operating hours.
• No suffix — Standard configuration, the mainstream production model.
• L — Long undercarriage for improved stability.
• D / F / GX / 07 and 08 series markers — Generation identifiers. Newer generations bring updated emissions systems, hydraulics, and cab electronics.

When comparing used machines, generation matters as much as model number. A late-generation 320 has materially different electronics, emissions hardware, and serviceability requirements than an older one, and that affects both running cost and where you can get it repaired.

Transport Planning Notes

Operating weight drives your transport decision, and it is where the specs above matter most in practice:

• 13-tonne class (313) — Usually movable on a standard low loader without permits in most jurisdictions.
• 20–23 tonne class (320/323) — Typically requires a proper low loader; check axle loading against local road limits.
• 30-tonne class (330) — Often needs permits, and may require removing the bucket to meet width or weight limits.
• 36-tonne class and above (336+) — Frequently requires counterweight or boom removal, permits, and sometimes escorts.

Always add the weight of fitted attachments to the base operating weight when planning transport. A hydraulic breaker or a heavy bucket can add well over a tonne.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cat 320 excavator weigh?
Approximately 21,500 to 22,900 kg depending on configuration, boom and stick length, bucket, and track shoe width. Confirm against the machine's data plate.

How much does a Cat 330 excavator weigh?
Approximately 29,500 to 31,500 kg in standard configuration. Attachments and counterweight options change this figure.

What is the lifting capacity of a Cat 330?
It depends entirely on radius, height, and whether the lift is over the front or the side. There is no single figure — consult the official lift chart for the specific machine configuration.

How much does a Cat 313 excavator weigh?
Approximately 13,500 to 14,000 kg, making it one of the largest machines that can often be transported without special permits.

What does GC mean on a Cat excavator?
GC models are built to a lower cost and lower complexity specification, aimed at moderate-duty work and lower annual hours. They typically cost less to buy and maintain but offer lower productivity than standard models.

What is the difference between a Cat 320 and a 323?
The 323 is heavier, at roughly 24,000 to 25,500 kg against the 320's 21,500 to 22,900 kg, giving greater lift capacity and stability with similar engine power.

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