The American brand Caterpillar, specializing in the production of heavy special equipment, presented one of its latest developments in 2006, namely the Caterpillar 320DL crawler excavator, and this model appeared on the market only in 2007. The distinctive features of the machine in comparison with previous models are increased reliability and improved control of both the movement of equipment and work equipment. The excavator has an optimal combination of advanced technologies, which has made it possible to increase its efficiency in all types of work. Thanks to an extensive range of additional attachments, the Cat 320 has become a completely multifunctional machine, capable of handling a large volume of work alone. It is worth noting that the installation of the working parts is quite quick and simple thanks to a well-thought-out design. This excavator can use in the work process such attachments as clamshell buckets, a backhoe, a hydraulic breaker, a type of digging bucket and many other types of additional equipment. The Caterpillar 320DL is currently discontinued. The brand's last car rolled off the assembly line back in 2013.
Caterpillar 320DL excavator engine
The excavators of this model use Cat C6.4 Acert diesel engines with a power of 103 kW / 140 horsepower. The working volume of this engine is 6.4 liters, the number of cylinders is six. Cooling is liquid. Crankshaft speed – 2200 rpm
Cylinder diameter – 102 mm, piston stroke – 130 mm. The volume of the fuel tank is 290 liters. Average fuel consumption is 17-20 liters per hour.
Caterpillar 320DL excavators were supplied to Russia with Cat C6.4 Acert engines that meet Tier-3 environmental standards. This engine is located transverse to the longitudinal axis. Fuel equipment - Common Rail.
In general, the design of the power unit of the Caterpillar 320DL excavator is classic and conservative. The engine is equipped with a cylinder block with replaceable liners. The drive for the lower mounted camshaft and ancillary components is located on the side of the crankshaft nose. Each cylinder has one exhaust and two intake valves.
Instead of a traditional mechanically driven fan, the manufacturer introduced a different technical solution into the new generation equipment. The engine cooling system of this excavator model is controlled by a controller. Three electric fans are able to rotate in the opposite direction, cleaning the radiators at the same time.
Price of new and used Caterpillar 320
It is currently impossible to buy a model without mileage, since production of the Caterpillar 320 equipment was discontinued in 2013. There are quite a lot of used models on the market and their prices vary significantly. Excavators from 2010-2011 will cost 3.2-3.5 million rubles. Models from 2007-2008 in good condition will cost about 2-2.3 million rubles.
Caterpillar 320DL rental is very popular. Here the cost of an hour will be 1200-1500 rubles.
Chassis
The design of the tracked chassis of Caterpillar excavators was aimed at improving the driving characteristics of this special equipment. The Cat 320 Excavator frame is a rugged, highly rigid frame designed to withstand long-term use in harsh conditions. Effectively functioning shock absorbers contribute to the absorption of dynamic impacts during movement.
Excavator tracks move easily off-road and have an increased contact area with the surface. The bands are made of high-strength steel that is wear-resistant. The sprockets always ensure stable tension on the metal track.
Cat 320DL Specifications by the Numbers
- Overall dimensions: length – 8960 mm, width – 2980 mm, height (at cabin level) – 3120 mm.
- Ground clearance on stabilizers – 450 mm.
- Track width – 2380 mm.
- Horizontal reach – 9830 mm.
- Track length – 4455 mm.
- The supporting length of the caterpillar belt is 3650 mm.
- The width of shoes with lugs is 500-800 mm.
- The distance between the rollers is 3650 mm.
- The rear turning radius of the platform is 2750 mm.
- The operating weight of the excavator is 22,000 kg.
- The force on the turntable is 62 kNm.
- Turning speed – 11.5 rpm.
- The digging depth is 7.58 meters.
- The digging radius is 10.68 meters.
- Unloading height – 1.31-7.02 meters.
- Cutting height – 9.87 meters.
- The volume of the excavator bucket is 0.8-1.2 cubic meters.
- The width of the bucket is 1 meter.
- Excavation depth – 7.44 meters
- Hook force – 206 kN.
- Travel speed – 5.5 km/h.
Working equipment
The capacity of a standard excavator bucket is 1.2 cubic meters. A larger tilt angle increases productivity. The boom has complex kinematics and can be easily moved in different directions. To control the Caterpillar 320DL excavator bucket, a hydraulic system with a pressure of 35 MPa is used. The working fluid is pumped at a speed of 428 liters per minute.
The basic package of this excavator model includes a 5.7 meter long boom with a 2.9 meter handle. As additional options, Caterpillar also produces equipment in other sizes, which can be purchased through the company's dealer network. Installing an extended kit for an excavator bucket allows you to significantly expand the range of tasks performed by this equipment, while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of its use.
Since the appearance of this model on the market (2007), versions have been produced that differ in characteristics, pre-installed equipment and additional equipment. On the Russian market you can find used Caterpillar 320DL excavators with a front blade or with an extended boom. Modifications are also available with a reduced turning radius.
The Caterpillar 320DL Crawler Excavator comes standard with a standard bucket and a quick coupler for replacing attachments. To install some auxiliary work tools, an additional adapter is required.
Hydraulics
Highly efficient hydraulic system and comfortable joysticks provide high precision control in any operating conditions.
Hydraulic system
The hydraulic system has a working pressure of 35,000 kPa. Each of the two hydraulic pumps provides a flow of 202 l/min, resulting in increased productivity and more efficient digging.
Control system
A separate control circuit pump provides smooth and precise control of the front linkage, platform swing and chassis.
Location of system elements
The 320D/DL Series 2 hydraulic system and its components are positioned to achieve high system efficiency. The compact placement of the main pumps, hydraulic valves and hydraulic tank made it possible to reduce the length of pipelines and connections between system components, thereby reducing friction losses and pressure drop in the pipelines.
Sensory control system for hydraulic equipment operation
The hydraulic sensor control system ensures that full engine power is supplied to both hydraulic pumps in all operating conditions. This improves productivity by making implements run faster and turning faster and more powerfully.
Additional hydraulic valve
Control loops are available as optional equipment to increase machine versatility. They enable the operation of high and medium pressure equipment such as shears, grabs, hydraulic hammers, shredders, multiprocessors and vibrating plate compactors.
Boom and Arm Energy Recovery Circuits
The boom and stick energy recovery circuit reduces the power consumed during boom down and stick retraction, resulting in increased efficiency, faster cycle times and pressure loss, increased productivity, lower operating costs and increased fuel efficiency.
Hydraulic cylinder dampers
Dampers are installed in the rod cavities of the boom hydraulic cylinders and in both cavities of the arm hydraulic cylinders. They provide shock absorption, noise reduction and increased component life.
Hydraulic system activation lever
When the hydraulic control lever is in the neutral position, all front linkage, swing linkage, and chassis functions are disabled.
Design features of the Caterpillar 320DL
The body of the excavator of this model, on which the functional elements are fixed, is capable of turning and turning at large angles. The Cat 320 DL excavator counterweight plates are equipped with mounting tabs. The special hardened steel linkages and boom assembly are equipped with hydraulic lines and cylinders to supply and distribute power.
The turntable runs on bearings. The support area ensures stability and minimal swaying when moving the excavator and performing its assigned tasks. The new design solution reduces the vibration level in the cab by almost fifty percent, increasing the comfort and safety of the excavator operator when working.
There are practically no plastic components, so the design of the excavator is highly reliable. The method of producing metal parts eliminates the occurrence of residual stresses. Caterpillar uses its own technology for painting special equipment. The protective layer is resistant to all kinds of aggressive factors.
Cat 320DL Excavator Cab and Operator Station
In this line of excavator equipment, when it was launched on the market, improvements also affected the workspace intended for operator work. For Cat 320 DL excavators, the manufacturer offered cabins of the Comfort or Deluxe classes - at the choice of buyers. The differences were in the suspension equipment for the operator's chair. The premium version also included heating and pneumatic adjustment.
The Caterpillar 320DL cab comes standard with a climate control system. It provides optimal temperature and comfortable humidity in a completely sealed cabin in any weather “overboard”. The operator's workplace is equipped with audio equipment as standard. Panoramic visibility with a significant angle is provided by frameless glazing of windows and rear-view mirrors. The windshield can be placed in the up position by simply pressing a button on the operating panel in the excavator cab.
Vibration and noise reduction in the Cat 320 DL cab is achieved by installing rubber-to-metal mounts. Fatigue stresses do not appear due to the installation of a steel pipe with thick walls in the lower part of the cabin.
Electronic control of the excavator working equipment is carried out using special joysticks. The main switches are located on the console on the right, and the HAVC panel is on the left. All relevant information is displayed on the display with a keyboard and display system. It is possible to select a language. Both light and sound warnings are provided. The joystick control system is designed to prevent driver hand fatigue.
Modern audio equipment with USB ports and support for Bluetooth technology provides hands-free communication, with the ability to connect a variety of third-party electronic devices. The operator's cabin has conveniently located compartments for work equipment, a hanger for work clothes, holders for bottles and glasses, a special place for storing documents and free space.
Device
The Caterpillar 320 hydraulic excavator is a massive piece of equipment with a large bucket, used to perform a wide range of construction work.
The car body includes many different parts (handles of removable panels, radiator grilles, etc.). The counterweight plates are equipped with specialized lugs for lifting loops. The linkage and boom of an excavator contain all kinds of hydraulic cylinders and mechanisms. The bucket is located at the end of the boom. This element is thought out to the smallest detail. The arm and boom are made using advanced heat treatment technology to relieve residual stresses caused by the welding process. The manufacturer has successfully chosen the color scheme of the rivets, so they are not conspicuous.
The tracks of this model are made of metal and rotate freely. Their tension is maintained by sprockets located in each track frame.
Elements of technology allow you to perform all key operations. The body of the model rotates at a significant angle, and the bucket and boom can be installed in any position and have a wide range of movements. Hydraulic mechanisms maintain extreme rigidity under all conditions. They are distinguished by significant power and fast cycle processing. Thanks to this, the model is considered one of the most productive in its class.
The small number of plastic parts in the design of the Caterpillar 320DL excavator ensures reliability and durability. Cat's quality paint technology ensures a paint job that is free of defects and as uniform as possible.
The excavator's rotary platform uses specialized bearings designed to accommodate an increase in the size of the supporting surface. This provides increased stability and prevents the equipment from swaying on uneven surfaces.
The Caterpillar 320 model is equipped with a modernized operator's cabin with excellent all-round visibility. A comfortable microclimate, regardless of weather conditions, is established in the cabin due to the presence of an air conditioner. The metal operator's cabin is complemented by plastic handrails and rear-view mirrors. The manufacturer thought out the interior of the cabin extremely competently, placing the working parts and indicators so that they ensure simplicity and comfort of operating the equipment. The operator's cabin again contains a radio and a rear view camera. The operator is reliably protected from falling objects by a reinforced structure.
The special equipment has quick-release fasteners that allow for quick installation of additional attachments.
To summarize, it should be noted that the Caterpillar 320DL model stands out against the background of many machines of a similar class. The manufacturer thought through the excavator down to the smallest detail and took care of the operator’s convenience.
Reviews of excavators of this model
As a manufacturer of specialty equipment, Caterpillar has a justifiably high status and reputation. The Caterpillar 320DL excavator can easily be called one of its most successful developments of the latest generation. The main advantages of this crawler excavator for its operators include efficiency, productivity and versatility of operation in any climatic conditions.
The advantages of this special equipment are determined by its thoughtful design, wear resistance of its units and components, decent characteristics of hydraulic equipment, maneuverability and increased maneuverability with minimal pressure on the ground. The Caterpillar 320DL excavator is productive, simple and easy to operate and operate.
The Cat 320 DL works equally well with a variety of attachments:
- drilling rigs for soils of different densities;
- hydraulic shears and hydraulic hammers for dismantling work;
- rakes and rippers for leveling areas and sites;
- special buckets for carrying out operations with bulk materials;
- dumps for leveling sites and cleaning areas;
- vibration compactors for road works.
Video
The Cat 320DL model appeared on the market in 2007. The excavator was produced from 2006 to 2013. The model is currently discontinued. Tracked special equipment allows you to perform many different operations on construction sites: laying water pipes, communications, digging trenches and ditches, leveling the soil and creating embankments.
Caterpillar 320DL is not demanding on climatic conditions. The excavator can operate in areas with temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees. At the same time, the model stands out for its extremely low operating and maintenance costs. The Caterpillar 320 equipment has everything to minimize costs and total cost of ownership. At the end of the working day, the operator only needs to look at the amount of work completed.
It should be noted that Cat is the only brand that produces compact, standard and reduced radius modifications of excavators. This allows the buyer to choose the optimal model. Another feature of the Caterpillar 320DL is Product Link, which gives the operator the ability to monitor location, run time, overall excavator health and safety remotely.
Excavator operation and maintenance
The manufacturer releases patented advanced solutions to the international market. Cat technologies are extremely complex to develop, but extremely simple to operate. During the design process of this tracked model, a variety of electronic automation tools were implemented to facilitate the operation of excavator equipment. In particular:
- Cat Grade . Depth and grade control technology helps speed up grading. Optionally, Grade 2D can be replaced with 3D in order to increase accuracy. The system makes it possible to work without geodetic support. The Grade Assist function automates the control of the excavator's boom and bucket.
- Cat Payload . Weighing in automatic mode simplifies control of loading of dump trucks in real time. Equipping your excavator with Cat Payload technology helps you effectively manage your projects while keeping budgets to a minimum.
- Cat Product Link . This is the name of remote monitoring technology developed on the basis of wireless communication. To collect data on specified characteristics, the Caterpillar 320DL excavator is equipped with Product Link digital equipment and VisionLink software with an on-screen interface.
New systems are regularly released for Caterpillar equipment to improve performance, functionality and comprehensive protection. Service is also being improved. Thanks to modern design improvements, excavator maintenance takes minimal time. Downtime of special equipment is also reduced by increasing service intervals.
In this model, the manufacturer provides unhindered access from the ground level to all components that require regular maintenance. The air filtration system notifies you when it is necessary to replace consumable components with a light indication. The main switches and batteries of the Caterpillar 320DL crawler excavator do not require maintenance procedures.
Pumps, hydraulic and fuel filters are located on the right side. The radiator, air conditioning condenser, oil and charge air cooling system are located in the left compartment. The lubrication block is mounted directly inside the boom. Replacing technical fluids on a Caterpillar 320DL crawler excavator is as simple as possible.
Overall, the Caterpillar 320DL crawler excavator is a modern, reliable and highly efficient construction machine. It is characterized by durability and high-quality control system, powerful engine and durable hydraulic system.
Thanks to the possibility of installing additional equipment, high versatility of equipment and stable productivity are achieved. To achieve maximum effect, a system is provided for quickly replacing working parts - a “backhoe” bucket with a grab, a hydraulic hammer, and so on.
Features of operation
The CAT 320DL is designed to operate over a wide temperature range. It is used from −50 to +50 °C, which makes it possible to operate the device at any time of the year.
The electronic Product Link system is installed on the machine. It monitors the position of the machine, the technical condition of its elements, and the duration of the shift.
In addition, together with the Connect LINK remote connection, data transfer to a stationary control point is possible. This increases the productivity of equipment; the system allows you to track work and calculate the time required to complete a task.
