Caterpillar, commonly known as CAT, has been around since 1925 and is the world’s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.
With $41.7 billion in sales and revenues for 2020, CAT manufactures a wide variety of heavy equipment for virtually any job site. Caterpillar excavators provide both durability and versatility. They are worth considering for landscaping, construction, trenching, and a host of other heavy-duty tasks.
Some moderate or smaller jobs may be better suited to a backhoe, which offers more mobility and can be driven on roads to get from one work site to another. Both are easy to rent once you decide whether you need an excavator or a backhoe.
This article offers a rundown of CAT’s excavator models, examining their size, horsepower, digging depth, and other factors to consider in an excavator rental.
Excavator Sizes
Caterpillar offers four sizes and four types of excavators. You will want to consider the size of your job, the configuration of your job site, the amount of horsepower you need, and how deep you need to dig, among other factors, when deciding which one to choose.
Mini Excavators (2,061-22,451 lbs)
Caterpillar offers nearly two dozen CAT mini excavators that range in size from 1 to 10 metric tons and come in standard or compact radius (CR mini) models. The smallest models offer 13 horsepower engines and a digging depth of more than 5½ feet. The biggest engine mini hydraulic excavators can give you nearly 70 hp of net power and the ability to dig nearly three times as far: more than 15 feet.
Mini excavators are an excellent choice when working in cramped spaces or on crowded job sites such as parking lots and indoors. With reduced or zero tail-swing, they’re easier to navigate around obstacles and in tight quarters.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: Where applicable, dimensions refer to the standard stick model. Unless otherwise noted, height refers to boom height in the shipping position. Length refers to the overall undercarriage length. Unless noted, width refers to the overall track width.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.9D | 13 hp | 2,061 lb | 68 in | 2.4 ft | 4.94 ft | 4 ft |
| 300.9D VPS & HPU300 | 13 hp | 2,399 lb | 68 in | 28 in | 59 in | 108 in |
| 301.5 | 21 hp | 3,913 lb | 100 in | 39 in | 42.9 in | 57.5 in |
| 301.7 CR | 21 hp | 4,222 lb | 100 in | 39 in | 42.9 in | 62.6 in |
| 301.8 | 21 hp | 4,473 lb | 101.2 in | 11.8 in* | 61.4 in | 79.1 in |
| 302 CR | 21 hp | 4,987 lb | 101.2 in | 42.9 in | 42.1 in | 72.8 in |
| 302.7 CR | 23.6 hp | 6,703 lb | 106.7 in | 11.8 in* | 61.4 in | 79.1 in |
| 302.7D CR | 20.7 hp | 6,239 lb | 108 in | 5.5 ft | 7.9 ft | 79 in |
| 303E CR | 23.5 hp | 7,204 lb | 117 in | 60 in | 63 in | 82 in |
| 303 CR | 23.6 hp | 7,817 lb | 116.1 in | 61 in | 63 in | 81.5 in |
| 303E2 CR | 23.5 hp | 8,209 lb | 125 in | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 303.5 CR | 23.5 hp | 9,239 lb | 122.4 in | 11.8 in* | 59.8 in | 87.4 in |
| 304 | 45 hp | 9,867 lb | 138.2 in | 67 in | 63.8 in | 87 in |
| 304E2 CR | 40.2 hp | 8,996 lb | 135 in | 77 in | 58 in | 87 in |
| 305 CR | 45 hp | 12,688 lb | 144.5 in | 78 in | 69 in | 101.8 in |
| 305E2 CR | 40.2 hp | 11,443 lb | 144 in | 78 in | 69 in | 102 in |
| 305.5E2 CR | 44.1 hp | 11,958 lb | 152 in | 78 in | 69 in | 102 in |
| 306 CR | 55.9 hp | 15,766 lb | 146 in | 78 in | 69 in | 102 in |
| 307.5 | 54.8 hp | 17,905 lb | 161.4 in | 86.6 in | 100 in** | 108.7 in |
| 308 CR | 69.5 hp | 20,077 lb | 182.8 in | 90.6 in | 100 in** | 113.4 in |
| 309 CR | N/A | 21,091 lb | 182.8 in | 97.2 in | 100 in** | 126 in |
| 309 CR VAB | 69.5 hp | 20,385 lb | 150.2 in | 97.2 in | 100 in** | 126 in |
| 310 | 69.5 hp | 21,191 lb | 182.8 in | 97.2 in | 100 in** | 126 in |
* indicates rack belt/shoe width. ** indicates cab height. N/A indicates the figure is not available.
Small Excavators (30,400-40,200 lbs)
Small CAT excavators are designed for fuel efficiency to reduce operating costs and emissions. They can be equipped with a variety of attachments for different kinds of jobs. Caterpillar excavator attachments include hammers, shears, demolition and sorting grapples, compactors, pulverizers, couplers, and thumbs.
Small excavator engine models start where minis leave off, with the smallest providing 73 hp of power, ranging up to the largest at 130 hp. Their hydraulic systems allow you to dig deeper than a compact excavator can, as well: between 19.6 and 21 feet, depending on the model you choose.
The CAT 315, for instance, can dig 19.6 feet and dig, swing, and dump within a working space of under 13 feet. Auxiliary hydraulic options can accommodate a wide variety of attachments, and the engine meets EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: Dimensions listed are shipping height to top of cab, shipping length, and transport width.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 313 GC | 73 hp | 30,400 lb | 19.8 ft | 8.1 ft | 9.2 ft | 25.5 ft |
| 313 | 108 hp | 30,400 lb | 19.8 ft | 8.1 ft | 9.2 ft | 25.5 ft |
| 315 GC | 98 hp | 34,000 lb | 19.6 ft | 8.8 ft | 9.2 ft | 24.6 ft |
| 315 | 108 hp | 34,000 lb | 19.6 ft | 8.1 ft | 9.2 ft | 24.7 ft |
| 317 | 130 hp | 40,200 lb | 21 ft | 8.8 ft | 9.6 ft | 28.1 ft |
| 317 GC | 119 hp | 38,100 lb | 21 ft | 8.5 ft | 9.6 ft | 28.1 ft |
Medium Excavators (48,281-77,000 lbs)
Medium excavators allow you to dig deeper — up to nearly 24 feet with some models — supplying significantly more power than small excavators can provide, with up to 273 hp. Their operating weight is heavier, too: up to 77,000 pounds for the largest, compared with half that for the heaviest small excavator.
Like other excavators, these can be equipped with a variety of work tools: attachments that allow you to perform a variety of tasks, from digging to loading to compacting. Jobs well-suited for a medium excavator include sloping, leveling, fine grading, and trenching. They can also be used for demolition projects, drilling shafts, and fairly large-scale industrial projects.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: Dimensions listed are shipping height to top of cab, shipping length, and transport width.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 GC | 146 hp | 48,281 lb | 22 ft | 10.4 ft | 9.7 ft | 31.3 ft |
| 320 | 172 hp | 50,265 lb | 22.1 ft | 9.8 ft | 9.8 ft | 31 ft |
| 323 | 172 hp | 56,200 lb | 22.1 ft | 9.9 ft | 9.9 ft | 31.3 ft |
| 325 | 172 hp | 49,604 lb | 22 ft | 9.8 ft* | 10.1 ft | 29.2 ft |
| 326 | 201 hp | 57,100 lb | 22.38 ft | 10.5 ft | 9.84 ft | 33 ft |
| 330 GC | 202 hp | 67,700 lb | 23.8 ft | 10.5 ft | 10 ft | 34.2 ft |
| 330 | 273 hp | 68,100 lb | 23.8 ft | 11.1 ft | 10.1 ft | 34.2 ft |
| 335 | 273 hp | 77,000 lb | 22.11 ft | 10.11 ft | 10.9 ft | 32.2 ft |
* indicates 24-inch shoes.
Large Excavators (80,500-207,300 lbs)
Large excavators can weigh as much as 207,300 pounds (103.5 tons) and pack horsepower ranging from 273 to 542. If you’re planning excavations and have room to accommodate these machines, they can be a valuable asset, with a capacity to dig 27 feet to nearly 32 feet down.
These excavators are crawlers, running on tracks rather than wheels. The largest new CAT in this class, the 395, is a next-generation model that’s up to 10% more productive than its predecessor, the 395F. It comes equipped with USB ports and Bluetooth technology, as well as advanced viscous mounts that reduce cab vibration by as much as 50% compared with earlier models.
Large excavators can be used for grading hilly areas, mining, and lifting heavy debris and soil. Because of their size, they need plenty of room to operate and are best suited to outdoor jobs on open worksites.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: Dimensions listed are shipping height to top of cab, shipping length, and transport width.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 336 GC | 273 hp | 80,500 lb | 27 ft | 10.8 ft | 10.4 ft | 36.7 ft |
| 336 | 311 hp | 81,900 lb | 26.9 ft | 11.3 ft | 10.4 ft | 36.7 ft |
| 349 | 424 hp | 105,200 lb | 25.1 ft | 11.9 ft | 10.6 ft | 39.1 ft |
| 352 | 424 hp | 110,500 lb | 23.2 ft | 9.8 ft | 11.1 ft | 39 ft |
| 384 | 484 hp | 158,200 lb | 28.1 ft | 11.1 ft | 11.8 ft | 44.9 ft |
| 395 | 542 hp | 207,300 lb | 31.9 ft | 12.9 ft | 11.6 ft | 49.6 ft |
Excavator Types
In addition to deciding how big your excavator needs to be, you’ll also want to choose the right type for the job you’re about to undertake. CAT offers four types of excavators specifically designed for different tasks: demolition, long reach, wheel, and frontless excavators.
Demolition Excavators (88,500-151,483 lbs)
Demolition excavators are designed to help you raze structures on a site. CAT offers three types with different reaches. The 340 Straight Boom is good for demolition and excavation projects at ground level. It’s a relatively lightweight (for its class) machine that provides 314 horsepower.
If you need to demolish tall structures, the 340 UHD and 352 UHD are heavier machines with better reach. The 340 UHD can extend up to eight stories high. The 532 UHD is a heavier machine at 75.7 tons with greater horsepower (425) that can reach up to nine stories high.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: SB = Straight Boom. Dimensions listed are cab height with FOGS (Falling Object Guard), shipping length, and transport width. Digging depth is the maximum digging depth.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340 SB | 314 hp | 88,500 lb | 21.8 ft | 10.5 ft | 11.5 ft | 37.4 ft |
| 340 UHD | 314 hp | 128,000 lb | 19.75 ft | 9.83 ft | 11.75 ft | 59.6 ft |
| 352 UHD | 425 hp | 151,483 lb | 16.9 ft | 9.83 ft | 11.75 ft | 61.75 ft |
Long Reach Excavators (96,700-128,200 lbs)
Long reach excavators can dig at target areas far away from the cab and can go much deeper than other excavators: nearly 43 feet.
CAT offers two models. The lighter 311 hp 340 Long Reach can hit targets up to 60 feet away. The heavier 352 LRE provides added counterweight for long-reach digging. Both are good choices for getting to hard-to-reach dig sites and can be used for projects like breaking down walls that are over bodies of water.
Attachments can allow them to perform jobs such as crushing, cutting, and shearing.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: Dimensions listed are shipping height to top of cab, shipping length, and transport width.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340 LR | 311 hp | 96,700 lb | 42.8 ft | 12 ft | 11.2 ft | 50.2 ft |
| 352 LRE | 424 hp | 128,800 lb | 42.8 ft | 13.2 ft | 11.1 ft | 54 ft |
Wheel Excavators (34,811-52,911 lbs)
CAT’s wheel excavator line includes 11 models that run on wheels rather than tracks. Ranging in size from 36,400 to 46,407 pounds, different models can dig to a variety of depths, with horsepower ratings of 134 to 174.
Their wheels make them easier to maneuver but not as well suited to rough terrain as track excavators, or crawlers. Wheel excavators also have a tighter turning radius, making them ideal for small job sites and road construction.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: Dimensions listed are shipping height to top of cab, undercarriage length, and transport width. Some model weights listed are for the upper end of a weight range.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M314 | 134 hp | 39,683 lb | 13.9 ft | N/A | N/A | 26.9 ft |
| M315 | 148 hp | 39,680 lb | 15 ft | N/A | 10.9 ft | 25.1 ft |
| M315F | 150 hp | 36,972 lb | 18.25 ft* | 8.33 ft | N/A | 26.75 ft |
| M316 | 148 hp | 36,400 lb | N/A | N/A | 10.5 ft | N/A |
| M317F | 150 hp | 38,691 lb | 18.67 ft* | 8.33 ft | N/A | 27.57 ft |
| M318 | 174 hp | 43,980 lb | 15.1 ft | N/A | 11 ft | 27.8 ft |
| M319 | 174 hp | 46,407 lb | 14.6 ft | N/A | 10.7 ft | 26.6 ft |
| M320 | 174 hp | 46,740 lb | 13.9 ft | N/A | 11 ft | 29.3 ft |
| M320F | 169 hp | 45,525 lb | 18.2 ft** | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| M322F | 169 hp | 49,229 lb | 20.5 ft** | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| M322 | 174 hp | 52,911 lb | 21.8 ft | N/A | 11 ft | 31.1 ft |
* indicates 8-foot stick length. ** indicates a one-piece boom with an 8-foot, 2-inch stick. N/A indicates the figure is not available.
Frontless Excavators (165,721-190,204 lbs)
CAT’s line includes two frontless excavators: the smaller 374F OEM at 472 hp and 165,721 pounds, and the larger 390F OEM at 190,204 pounds.
Frontless excavators can be used for a variety of jobs, including railroad maintenance and dredging.
Models (net power, weight, digging depth, and dimensions)
Note: N/A indicates figures are not available.
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Digging Depth | Width | Height | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 374FOEM | 472 hp | 165,721 lb | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 390FOEM | 524 hp | 190,204 lb | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
How To Pick the Right Excavator for the Job
There are eight different types of excavators from which to choose, with your selection depending on the size and nature of your job and worksite.
The smallest CAT excavator, at just 13 hp and 2,061 pounds, can dig to a depth of less than six feet. It’s compact to fit in tight spaces and can even be used indoors. The largest, the 395, provides more than 41 times as much horsepower as the smallest mini and can dig 32 feet deep.
Long reach excavators can go even deeper, and demolition excavators are perfect for knocking down structures to clear the way for new construction.
Conclusion
CAT offers excavators in more than 40 sizes and nearly 20 types. When you add to that a variety of different attachments, you’ve got a large number of options from which to choose.
What kind of lift capacity do you need? What’s your budget? Do you need to dig deep? How many obstacles are on your worksite? These are among the questions you’ll want to ask yourself in choosing the proper machine for your job.
You can rent excavators to dig, demolish, tunnel, and perform a number of other functions. Be clear about what you want to accomplish, and choose the one that’s right for you.
