Choosing the right excavator for your job site can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to weight considerations. As a machine operator myself, I’ve grappled with this problem and have extensively researched comparing weights of CAT 308 and CAT 320 Excavators.

This article will help you understand how their weights compare and impact performance on various construction or excavation projects. So get ready as we delve deep into these two impressive machines!

Key Takeaways

  • CAT 308 and CAT 320 are strong excavators made by a good company named Caterpillar Inc.
  • The CAT 308 is small but does great in tight spots. It weighs around eight tons and can dig over fifteen feet deep!
  • Weight of an excavator talks about its power and function. Heavier machines can do big tasks while lighter ones work well in limited spaces.
  • Know the weight of your machine for safety and best use. For example, a Cat 320 is bigger than a Cat 308, making it stable when digging tough ground especially on large sites or rough terrains.

Overview of CAT Excavators

Caterpillar offers a range of excavators suited to various tasks, starting from mini excavators like the CAT 308 ideal for smaller projects. For slightly larger needs, there are small excavators that deliver powerful performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.

The medium and large class cater to more massive projects requiring immense power output and robust capacity. Apart from these standard types, Caterpillar also presents special excavator classes designed for specific jobs or environments such as demolition, long reach and wheel models or even frontless ones for unique applications.

These wide arrays ensure maximum versatility across diverse project needs in construction, landscaping and mining work sites globally.

Mini Excavators

Mini excavators are small but mighty. Cat makes ones that are 1 to 10 metric tons. This size is perfect for jobs in tight areas where space is limited. The smallest ones have a 13 horsepower engine, but don’t let that fool you.

They can dig more than 5.5 feet deep! If you need a mini with bit more power, the biggest ones boast close to 70 horsepower engines and can dig over an impressive 15 feet deep! You even get the choice of standard or compact models depending on your needs.

There are almost two dozen types of mini excavators offered by CAT, so you’re sure to find one that fits your job perfectly!

Small Excavators

Small excavators are great for tough jobs. They can fit in tight spots with ease. The CAT small excavators range from 11 to 15 metric tons. Their horsepower is more than mini ones.

So, they can dig deeper and move larger amounts of soil faster.

These machines offer features such as Bluetooth technology and USB ports. That makes your work day easier and enjoyable. Despite their size, they meet EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards.

This means they give off less smoke that may harm the air we breathe. Also, small excavators do not shake or bounce a lot when used because of viscous mounts that stop cab vibration.

Medium Excavators

Medium excavators do big jobs. They work well for landscaping, construction and trenching. There are four sizes of these machines from CAT. To choose the right one, look at your job size and site layout.

Think about how much power you need and how deep you must dig. The weight stays unknown here but it plays a huge role too in picking the best medium excavator fit.

Large Excavators

Big CAT excavators weigh a lot. Some reach up to 207,300 pounds! They can dig deep holes of about 32 feet. Jobs like mining or moving heavy dirt and rocks are easy for them. But they need a big open space.

This makes them perfect for outdoors tasks in wide work areas. Their huge size helps with grading hills too. These wheel excavators from CAT range from 34,811 pounds to even heavier ones weighing at least 52,911 pounds.

Special Excavator Types

Excavator types are many. They fit the needs of different jobs. Some are special and have unique uses. Demolition excavators tear down old buildings with ease. Large and tough, they work well in big projects.

Long reach excavators can stretch far to dig or lift things from deep holes or high spots. Wheel excavators move fast on flat land but fare poorly off-road due to tires not tracks as crawlers do — good for swift tasks around busy sites though! Frontless excavators are odd ones out lacking a defined front or back, adaptable beyond common earth moving roles like railroad maintenance or dredging water areas where normal designs fail.

Spotlight on CAT 308 and CAT 320 Excavators

In this section, we will throw a spotlight on two popular CAT excavators, the CAT 308 and CAT 320. We’ll delve into their brief introductions, highlighting their key features that set them apart in the competitive market of heavy machinery.

Caterpillar excavator 308
Caterpillar excavator 308

Brief Introduction to CAT 308 and CAT 320 Excavators

The CAT 308 and the CAT 320 are two powerful excavators. They both come from a famous maker, Caterpillar Inc. Known as CAT for short, this company makes some of the best machines on earth.

The CAT 308 is what you call a “mini” excavator. It weighs around eight tons. This machine has about 70 horsepower and can dig more than fifteen feet deep! On the other hand, we have the CAT 320 which falls under medium-sized excavators category in weight terms but provides much higher power too.

Key Features

I am here to share the amazing key features of CAT 308 and CAT 320 excavators:

  1. The CAT 308 CR Mini Excavator is a robust machine with a net power of 69.50 HP or 51.80 kW.
  2. It’s not just strong, it packs quite an impact in weight too with a whopping weight of 20,077 lb or 9,105 kg.
  3. On job sites, digging depth matters and the CAT 308 does not disappoint as it can dig deep up to 182.80 in or 4,643 mm.
  4. The engine powering the beast is none other than Cat C3.3B, known for its power and efficiency.
  5. Even when working on rough terrain, you have full control thanks to the blade height of 17.00 in or 431.00 mm.
  6. From grading delicate landscaping projects to crushing rock at construction sites, these excavators get work done swiftly and efficiently.
  7. Whether you are completing road construction or performing railroad maintenance, their versatility makes them ideal for diverse job requirements.
  8. Furthermore, operators can enjoy comfort within their cabins due to less cab vibration from viscous mounts.
  9. While working early mornings or late nights at dig sites, operators can rely on built – in USB ports for phone charging and Bluetooth technology for undisrupted connectivity throughout the shift.

Understanding the Weight of CAT 308 and CAT 320 Excavators

In this section, we will delve into the weight specifications of CAT 308 and CAT 320 excavators, including how these weights are determined, their significance in operation, and comparison between both models.

How Weight is Determined

The weight of an excavator comes from its parts. Major pieces like the engine and tracks make up a big part of it. Let’s not forget about smaller items too, like the cab where operators sit or small tools used for digging.

A key fact here is that different models have different weights. The CAT 308 CR Mini Excavator weighs in at 20,077 lb (9,105 kg). This size makes it great for work sites that need a lighter touch! In our next section, we’ll delve deeper into how this affects performance.

Weight of CAT 308 Excavator

The operating weight of the CAT 308 CR Mini Excavator is an essential factor to consider for your operations. With an operating weight of 20,077 lb or 9,105 kg, it’s an ideal machine for specific tasks requiring a lighter weight.

CAT 308 Excavator Weight Specifications
Operating Weight20,077 lb or 9,105 kg

This weight reflects the machine’s build, designed to provide a balance between lifting capacities and stability. The 308’s weight makes it a great choice for jobs in residential areas or other sites with weight restrictions. Its size and weight also contribute to easy transportability, enabling it to move across different job sites with ease.

CAT 308 Excavator Advantages Related to Weight
BalanceOffers a balance between lifting capacities and stability.
ApplicabilityIdeal for work in residential areas and sites with weight restrictions.
TransportabilityEasy to move from one job site to another due to its size and weight.

The fuel tank of the CAT 308 CR Mini Excavator can hold up to 39.00 gallons (US) or 147.00 liters of fuel. This capacity is significant as it enhances the machine’s performance by allowing long operation hours without frequent refueling, crucial for achieving efficiency on the job site.

CAT 308 Excavator Fuel Capacity
Fuel Tank Capacity39.00 gallons (US) or 147.00 liters

In essence, the CAT 308 CR Mini Excavator’s weight plays a vital role in its utility and performance. By comprehending its weight, you can ensure you’re selecting the right excavator that suits your job requirements and contributes to your project’s success.

Weight of CAT 320 Excavator

Operating the CAT 320 Excavator is indeed an experience that enhances proficiency. It offers a unique blend of strength and weight balance, which contributes to its superior operation efficiency. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the weight of this machine to maximize its functionality and safety. While the exact weight for this model isn’t explicitly mentioned in this post, we can expect it to fall within the standard range for medium excavators like it.

Caterpillar excavator 320
Caterpillar excavator 320

Here’s a general guideline for medium excavators weights:

Excavator TypeAverage Weight (In Metric Tonnes)
Mini Excavators1 – 7
Small Excavators7 – 10
Medium Excavators (like CAT 320)10 – 45
Large Excavators45 – 90

As a machine operator, understanding the weight of your excavator is crucial. It’s a key factor influencing the machine’s stability, digging force, lifting capacity, and overall performance. Always remember to refer to the manufacturer’s guide for the exact specifications of your model.

Impact of Excavator Weight on Performance and Usage

The weight of an excavator directly impacts its performance and utility – heavier models provide more power and stability, ideal for large-scale projects or harsh terrain, while lighter ones offer superior maneuverability and are perfect for smaller sites with space constraints.

Advantages of Heavier Excavators

Heavier excavators let you do big jobs. How? It is the power they offer. This power helps them move more dirt or rock in less time and with fewer trips. So, work gets done quickly.

A CAT 320, for example, weighs more than a CAT 308. But that extra weight makes it stable when digging deep into ground layers. Also, its high push force lets it handle tough dig sites better than light ones can.

No doubts, the added weight means more pressure on each square inch of space while moving an object or pulling up rocks from below ground level.

There’s also this thing about wide reach! Heavier machines like these are good at breaking large rocks or smashing hard walls as well. They clear areas quick and keep your project moving smoothly by doing so.

Advantages of Lighter Excavators

Lighter excavators are great tools. They cost less and run easy on your pocket. They give big power in a small size. This makes them just right for work in tight spots where larger machines will not fit.

Although smaller, they dig deep enough at 182.80 inches to handle most jobs with ease. Noise levels are low which means they’re more comfy to work with all day long and also good for noise-sensitive places like city areas or schools At the same time, their bucket has a strong digging force of 13,946 lb that can crack into hard ground! Even if you need to turn or swing around fast, these nimble machines won’t disappoint – they boast a swing speed of an impressive 10.60 r/min!

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing an Excavator

In deciding on an excavator, you must also evaluate other variables such as the specific job requirements, the terrain and working conditions of your project sit, alongside reviewing all relevant technical specifications for each model.

Job Requirements

You must know your job needs well to pick the right excavator. Suppose you have a small dig site. Then, a Cat 308 will serve you best. It has enough power at 69.50 HP and can dig deep until almost 183 in or near about 15 feet from ground level! Not only this, it handles rough terrain well with its weight of over 20k lb and delivers strong force for difficult tasks like crushing or cutting through tough material.

However, let’s not forget larger jobs need an excavator that is stronger and bigger than the Cat 308.

Terrain and Working Conditions

Hard ground or soft mud changes how I use an excavator. If the job site is in a rocky place, my best choice might be a CAT 320. Its heavy weight and power handle rocks better.

For muddy spots or places with lot’s of trees, I would pick a lighter machine like the CAT 308. It moves easier on soft ground and can work well in tight spaces between trees.

Excavator Specifications

Under my guidance, you’ll learn about CAT 308 and CAT 320 excavator specs. Let’s dive in!

  1. The Cat 308 CR Mini Excavator is a real powerhouse. It uses a Cat C3.3B engine that gives it a net power of 69.50 HP or 51.80 kW.
  2. This excavator weighs a lot – as much as 20,077 lb or 9,105 kg! That weight makes it stable and strong.
  3. The Cat 308 can dig deep holes – all the way down to 182.80 inches or 4,643 mm.
  4. Its blade is pretty tall, too! At 17 inches (or 431 millimeters) high, it can push a lot of dirt.
  5. Now think bigger: the CAT 320 Excavator!
  6. This monster can handle huge jobs without breaking a sweat.

Conclusion

The weight of an excavator is a big deal. It tells us how hard the machine can work. The Cat 308 weighs about 20,077 lb. We don’t know the weight of the Cat 320 for sure. When you pick an excavator, think about what job it will do and where it will work.

FAQs

1. What are the Cat 308 and Cat 320 excavator models?

Cat 308 and Cat 320 are excavator models for construction and mining equipment made by BigRentz.

2. How do the sizes of two differ?

The dimensions, like shipping length, transport width, cab height, boom height, overall undercarriage length affects their size; along with track width or rack belt/shoe width on obstacles can set them apart.

3. Can they work in bodies of water or narrow areas?

Yes! Compact radius models like these manage hurdles well even if there’s water around or space is tight.

4. Do they have different operating costs on industrial projects?

Yes. Costs vary based upon model type but includes things such as hydraulic systems upkeep, attachment costs to help tasks get done from drilling shafts to shearing during demolition projects which effects both its insurance cost as well.

5. Can attachments be added to enhance work tools used in digging or demolish jobs?

For sure! Both models can adapt extra parts also known as ‘attachments’, thus making them good at a wide range of tasks including tearing down buildings (demolish), tunnelling undergrounds or forming drill holes (drilling shafts).

6.What safety features do these excavators have?

These units include great safeties like Falling Object Guard (FOGS) amid others which secures people around area from accidents that could occur while doing a task with it.

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