Caterpillar Excavator Sizes:Complete Guide to CAT Weight Classes, Dimensions & Models

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Choosing the right machine from the full range of Caterpillar excavator sizes can make or break your project’s budget and timeline. Pick a machine that’s too small, and you’ll lose hours to underpowered digging and constant repositioning. Go too big, and you’ll overspend on purchase price, fuel, and transport for capacity you never use. The good news? Once you understand how CAT classifies its excavators by weight, dig depth, and application, matching the right size to your job becomes simple. In this guide, we’ll break down every Caterpillar excavator size class, explain the specs that matter, and give you an interactive comparison tool to compare real models side by side.

Caterpillar Excavator Sizes (Weight Class Overview)

Caterpillar organizes its entire excavator lineup primarily by operating weight — the total weight of the machine including fluids, fuel, and operator. Weight class is the master specification because it directly determines digging force, lifting capacity, reach, stability, and how easily the machine can be transported to your site.

Understanding these excavator weight classes is the fastest way to narrow down your options before you dive into individual specs.

Mini Excavators (1–10 Tons)

Mini CAT excavators are built for tight, confined spaces where a full-size machine simply can’t fit. Models like the CAT 305 CR and CAT 306 are ideal for landscaping, residential work, backyard trenching, and light utility jobs. Their compact footprint and zero or reduced tail swing let them work close to walls, fences, and structures without sacrificing digging performance.

Small Excavators (10–20 Tons)

This class bridges the gap between mini and full-size machines. Small Caterpillar excavators handle utility installation, drainage work, and small-to-medium construction tasks. They offer more dig depth and lifting power than a mini while still being relatively easy to transport.

Medium Excavators (20–40 Tons)

Medium CAT excavators are the most versatile machines in the industry. The hugely popular CAT 320 and CAT 323 fall into this range, delivering a balanced mix of power, fuel efficiency, and dig depth. These are the workhorses of general construction, roadwork, trenching, and utility projects — capable of nearly any mid-scale job.

Large Excavators (40–90 Tons)

Large Caterpillar excavators such as the CAT 336, CAT 349, and CAT 352 are engineered for heavy-duty earthmoving, mining, quarrying, and demolition. With bigger buckets, extended reach, and deep digging capability, they move high volumes of material fast on large-scale sites.

Mining / Ultra-Large Excavators (90+ Tons)

At the top of the range, machines like the CAT 390 deliver massive lifting capacity and exceptional dig depth for the most demanding mining and bulk excavation operations. These are purpose-built for maximum productivity on high-volume worksites.

Caterpillar Excavator Size Chart & Comparison Tool

The easiest way to compare Caterpillar excavator sizes is to see the real specifications side by side. The interactive size chart below pulls live data from our inventory so you can filter, sort, and directly compare CAT models.

Excavator Title	Excavator Brand	Excavator Class	Operating Weight	Engine Model & Net Power	Max Dig Depth	Bucket Capacity	Transport Dimensions: Length, Width, Height	Applications	Working Hours	Production Year	Price
Used Caterpillar CAT 336 Excavator Made in Japan	Caterpillar	Large	36 T	CAT C9 268 HP	7.5 m	1.5 m³	11.1 x 3.2 x 3.3 m	Utilities – Oil & Gas Pipeline Trenching	950 H	2024	Consult
Used 2022 Caterpillar CAT 308 Excavator EPA Tier 4	Caterpillar	Mini	8 T	CAT C3.3B 70 HP	4.1 m	0.3 m³	6.3 x 2.3 x 2.5 m	Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways	245 H	2022	Consult
Used Caterpillar Excavator CAT 420 Yong Gong	Caterpillar	Large	42 T	CAT C3.6 100 HP	4.3 m	1.0 m³	7.3 x 2.3 x 2.8 m	Mining – Mining & Quarry Excavation Quarrying – Mining & Quarry Excavation	300 H	2023	$26,000
Used Caterpillar Excavator CAT 330D2 Yong Gong	Caterpillar	Large	33 T	CAT C7.1 275 HP	7.2 m	1.5 m³	10.4 x 3.1 x 3.2 m	Demolition – Demolition & Waste Removal	3158 H	2018	$43,000
Used Caterpillar Excavators CAT323	Caterpillar	Large	32.3 T	CAT C7.1 164 HP	6.7 m	1.2 m³	9.5 x 2.9 x 3.1 m	Demolition – Demolition & Waste Removal	500 H	2023	$58,000
Used Caterpillar Excavator CAT330	Caterpillar	Large	33 T	CAT C7.1 275 HP	7.2 m	1.5 m³	10.4 x 3.1 x 3.2 m	Demolition – Demolition & Waste Removal	742 H	2024	$95,000
Used CAT 306 Compact Excavator with EPA Tier 4 Engine	Caterpillar	Mini	6 T	CAT C2.4 55 HP	3.9 m	0.15 m³	5.3 x 1.9 x 2.5 m	Landscaping – Blackberry Bush Removal	590 H	2024	Consult
Used CAT303.5 Excavator	Caterpillar	Mini	3.5 T	CAT C1.7 23 HP	2.8 m	0.11 m³	4.7 x 1.7 x 2.5 m	Landscaping – French Drain Installation	859 H	2022	$16,000
Used CAT349E Excavator	Caterpillar	Large	49 T	CAT C13 410 HP	7.6 m	2.4 m³	11.9 x 3.5 x 3.6 m	Mining – Mining & Quarry Excavation Quarrying – Mining & Quarry Excavation	1100 H	2021	$100,000
Used CAT345D Excavator	Caterpillar	Large	45 T	CAT C13 345 HP	7.1 m	2.0 m³	11.5 x 3.4 x 3.6 m	Mining – Mining & Quarry Excavation Quarrying – Mining & Quarry Excavation	1900 H	2020	$85,000
Used CAT340D Excavator	Caterpillar	Large	40 T	CAT C9.3 311 HP	7.4 m	1.9 m³	11.2 x 3.3 x 3.5 m	Utilities – Oil & Gas Pipeline Trenching	2300 H	2019	$80,000
Used CAT330D Excavator	Caterpillar	Large	30 T	CAT C7.1 275 HP	7.2 m	1.5 m³	10.4 x 3.1 x 3.2 m	Demolition – Demolition & Waste Removal	2100 H	2020	$70,000
Used CAT336D Excavator	Caterpillar	Large	36 T	CAT C9 268 HP	7.5 m	1.5 m³	11.1 x 3.2 x 3.3 m	Utilities – Oil & Gas Pipeline Trenching	1900 H	2020	$75,000
Used CAT329D Excavator	Caterpillar	Medium	29 T	CAT C7 204 HP	7.1 m	1.5 m³	10.4 x 3.1 x 3.2 m	Dredging – River & Canal Dredging Agriculture – Large Animal Burial Service Forestry – Large Animal Burial Service	2000 H	2020	$58,000
Used CAT323D Excavator	Caterpillar	Medium	23 T	CAT C7.1 164 HP	6.7 m	1.2 m³	9.5 x 2.9 x 3.1 m	Construction – Dirt Removal	1900 H	2020	$40,000
Used CAT320DL Excavator	Caterpillar	Medium	20 T	CAT C7.1 145 HP	6.7 m	1.0 m³	9.5 x 2.9 x 3.0 m	Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal	539 H	2022	$42,000
Used CAT320C Excavator	Caterpillar	Medium	20 T	CAT C7.1 145 HP	6.7 m	1.0 m³	9.5 x 2.9 x 3.0 m	Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal	1631 H	2016	$30,000
Used CAT315D Excavator	Caterpillar	Medium	15 T	Diesel Engine 113 HP	6.1 m	0.68 m³	7.5 x 2.5 x 2.8 m	Utilities – Main Water Lines & Fire Main	2200 H	2019	$29,000
Used CAT313C Excavator	Caterpillar	Medium	13 T	Diesel Engine 98 HP	5.7 m	0.59 m³	7.5 x 2.5 x 2.8 m	Utilities – Trench Digging & Side Sewe	2200 H	2019	$25,000
Used CAT312D Excavator	Caterpillar	Mini	6 T	Diesel Engine 90 HP	5.5 m	0.54 m³	7.5 x 2.5 x 2.8 m	Landscaping – Blackberry Bush Removal	2300 H	2019	$28,000
Used CAT308 Excavator	Caterpillar	Mini	6 T	CAT C3.3B 70 HP	4.1 m	0.3 m³	6.3 x 2.3 x 2.5 m	Landscaping – Blackberry Bush Removal	818 H	2020	$19,000
Used CAT306E Excavator	Caterpillar	Mini	6 T	CAT C2.4 55 HP	3.9 m	0.15 m³	5.3 x 1.9 x 2.5 m	Landscaping – Blackberry Bush Removal	680 H	2022	$17,000
Used CAT306c Excavator	Caterpillar	Mini	5.5 T	CAT C2.4 55 HP	3.9 m	0.15 m³	5.3 x 1.9 x 2.5 m	Utilities – Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection	2800 H	2018	$15,000
Used CAT305.5E Excavator	Caterpillar	Mini	5.5 T	Diesel Engine 41 HP	3.9 m	0.25 m³	6.0 x 2.2 x 2.6 m	Utilities – Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection	350 H	2021	$18,000

Use this tool to evaluate each machine across the specifications that matter most:

Excavator Class — the weight category (Mini, Medium, Large)
Operating Weight — overall size and stability
Engine Model & Net Power — available horsepower for digging and lifting
Max Dig Depth — how deep the machine can reach
Bucket Capacity — material moved per pass
Transport Dimensions — length, width, and height for trailer and permit planning
Applications — the jobs each model is best suited for
Price — current pricing on available units

Tip: Click the Compare button on any two or three models to place their full specs side by side. This is the quickest way to decide between similar sizes — for example, whether a CAT 320 or CAT 336 better fits your project.

How to Read Caterpillar Excavator Specs (Dimensions Explained)

Knowing what each spec actually means helps you interpret the size chart with confidence.

Operating Weight

Operating weight indicates both how much a machine can handle and how stable and mobile it will be. A 6-ton mini excavator is extremely nimble but limited in lifting, while a 36-ton machine offers serious digging force and stability at the cost of easy transport.

Max Dig Depth

Dig depth is critical for trenching, foundations, and drainage. A medium CAT excavator typically reaches around 6–7 meters — perfect for most construction digging. If you need deeper trenches for mining or major earthmoving, step up to a large-class machine with 7.5+ meters of reach.

Bucket Capacity

Bucket capacity determines production output — how much material you move per scoop. Larger buckets mean fewer passes and faster completion on high-volume jobs, but require more engine power and machine weight to operate effectively.

Engine Model & Net Power

Horsepower drives digging force, cycle speed, and lifting capacity. More power generally means faster, more productive work — balanced against higher fuel consumption on bigger machines.

Transport Dimensions (Length, Width, Height)

Often overlooked, transport dimensions are essential for planning. Your excavator’s length, width, and height determine what trailer you need and whether oversize permits apply. Always confirm these figures — listed in the size chart above — before committing to a large machine.

Tail Swing (Zero / Reduced vs. Conventional)

Zero and reduced tail swing designs (common on mini and CR-series models) keep the rear of the machine within the track width, allowing safe operation in tight spaces without the counterweight overhanging into traffic or structures.

Caterpillar Excavator Sizes by Application

One of the smartest ways to choose a size is to work backward from your primary application.

Landscaping & Residential (Mini)

For backyard grading, small trenching, and tight residential lots, a mini Caterpillar excavator like the CAT 305 CR or CAT 306 delivers precision in confined areas.

Utilities & Trenching (Small–Medium)

Pipeline work, drainage, and utility installation are ideal for small-to-medium machines that combine reach with maneuverability.

General Construction & Roadwork (Medium)

The CAT 320 and CAT 323 dominate general construction, road building, and site prep thanks to their all-around balance of power and efficiency.

Mining & Quarrying (Large)

Large Caterpillar excavators such as the CAT 349 and CAT 352 are built for high-volume mining and quarry excavation where productivity is everything.

Demolition & Waste Removal (Large)

For structural demolition and waste handling, large machines like the CAT 336 and CAT 340 provide the reach, force, and stability the work demands.

Caterpillar Excavator Sizes and Prices

Price scales directly with size, weight, and capability. Here’s a general guide — check the live size chart above for current pricing on available units.

Mini Excavator Price Range

Mini CAT excavators are the most affordable, typically ranging from $30, 000 t o$ 50,000 new. Their low purchase and maintenance costs make them popular for small businesses and residential contractors.

Medium Excavator Price Range

Medium machines like the CAT 320 generally range from $80, 000 t o$ 150,000, depending on year, condition, hours, and attachments — offering the best blend of cost and capability.

Large Excavator Price Range

Large Caterpillar excavators run from $200, 000 t oo v er$ 500,000 new. The higher investment pays off through superior productivity on large-scale earthmoving, mining, and demolition projects.

Popular Caterpillar Excavator Models by Size

CAT 305 / 306 CR (Mini): Compact, fuel-efficient, and attachment-friendly for tight residential and landscaping work.
CAT 320 / 323 (Medium): The industry’s most trusted all-rounders — balanced power, advanced hydraulics, and operator comfort for general construction.
CAT 336 / 340 (Large): Heavy-duty performers with extended reach and enhanced stability for earthmoving and demolition.
CAT 349 / 352 / 390 (Large / Heavy): Maximum bucket capacity, dig depth, and lifting power for mining and high-volume excavation.

How to Choose the Right Caterpillar Excavator Size

Match Size to Project Scale

Small jobs → mini. General construction → medium. Major earthmoving, mining, or demolition → large. Start by defining the biggest task you’ll routinely perform.

Evaluate Site & Space Constraints

Working in confined areas? A zero-tail-swing mini excavator is essential. Open, rough terrain? A medium or large machine offers the stability and reach you need.

Check Transport & Trailer Limits

Before buying big, confirm you can legally and practically transport the machine. Review the transport dimensions in the size chart and factor in trailer capacity and permit requirements.

Balance Budget vs. Productivity

If stretching your budget, a well-maintained medium or mini excavator often delivers excellent performance at a fraction of a large machine’s cost — without giving up much capability.

New vs. Used Considerations

Used machines offer major savings. Review production year and working hours in the listings to gauge condition and remaining life before deciding.

Why Buy Used Caterpillar Excavators? (Value by Size)

Buying used is one of the smartest ways to get into a quality machine at a lower price — regardless of size class.

Cost Savings: Used CAT excavators cost significantly less than new, freeing up capital for attachments or other equipment.
Proven Durability: Caterpillar machines are engineered to run reliably for years, so a well-maintained used unit still delivers dependable performance.
Lower Depreciation: CAT excavators hold their value better than competing brands, meaning a used machine loses value more slowly and protects your investment.

When buying used, always review the machine’s working hours and production year, and purchase from a reputable seller who can verify condition and provide after-sales support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common Caterpillar excavator size?

The 20-ton class — led by the CAT 320 — is the most popular Caterpillar excavator size, valued for its versatility across general construction, trenching, and utility work.

How much does a CAT 320 excavator weigh?

The CAT 320 has an operating weight of roughly 20 tons, placing it firmly in the medium excavator class.

What is the biggest Caterpillar excavator?

Within the standard construction lineup, the CAT 390 is among the largest at around 90 tons, built for heavy-duty mining and bulk excavation.

What size CAT excavator do I need for a house foundation?

A mini or small excavator (5–15 tons), such as the CAT 305 CR or 306, is typically ideal for residential foundations and confined-lot digging.

How deep can a mid-size Caterpillar excavator dig?

Medium CAT excavators generally reach a maximum dig depth of around 6–7 meters, suitable for most construction and trenching applications.

How do I transport a large CAT excavator?

Large machines require a heavy-duty trailer and often oversize permits. Always check the transport dimensions (length, width, height) in the size chart before arranging transport.