Technical register for agricultural, construction and commercial machinery · sourced data

Caterpillar 320B S

Series: Caterpillar Hydraulic Excavator

Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required

With the 320B S, Caterpillar offers a model from the Caterpillar Hydraulic Excavator series. The engine delivers 129.8 hp (95.4 kW), with a displacement of 6,600.7 cm³. The unladen weight is 22,530 kg. Ground clearance is 490.7 mm. The tank holds 290.3 litres. The pump delivers 370.2 l/min. Working pressure is 343.4 bar. The engine fitted is the 3116T. The Caterpillar Hydraulic Excavator series covers 135 models. Rated output within it ranges from 42.5 to 1,490.4 hp; the 320B S sits at the bottom of that range with 129.8 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the 315D L below it with 123.7 hp and the 318C L above it with 131.8 hp. Unladen weight within it ranges from 5,087.9 to 316,600 kg; here the 320B S sits at the bottom of that range with 22,530 kg. 1166 Caterpillar models across 67 series are on record.

Caterpillar 225 to 245 — Cat's first generation of hydraulic excavators

The numeric codes in the “Caterpillar Hydraulic Excavator” collective entry, such as 205, 215, 225, 235 or 245, come from Cat's early 200-series: in 1972 the 225 became Caterpillar's first production-ready hydraulic excavator, weighing around 24 tons with 135 horsepower.

Read on 4 more paragraphs

1973 brought the considerably larger 235, around 40 tons and 195 horsepower, and 1974 the 245 at roughly 66 tons and 325 horsepower, then the largest in the line, available as either a backhoe or a face-shovel configuration. The smaller 215 only joined in 1976 and, unlike the other models, was built by the German manufacturer Eder in Gosselies, Belgium.

The number itself therefore does not follow a strict weight formula but grew historically with each new model launch — it mainly marks the relative position within the product family rather than a fixed tonnage key like in newer series.

In today's collective entry the range runs from compact excavators around 30 kW up to large mining machines around 1,000 kW and well over 300 tons. When buying used, check bucket-tooth, bushing and pin wear as well as any leaks around the boom.

In short: 225, 235, 245 and 215 reflect the historical model order, not a fixed size grid — anyone who needs the exact operating range should check the individual model.

Sources: Kennwerte der Modelle Caterpillar Hydraulic Excavator, Geschichte der fruehen Caterpillar-Hydraulikbagger 200er-Reihe, Excavator Evolution, Caterpillar Unternehmensseite

Technical data

Engine

Engine model3116Tcorrect
Power129.8 hp (95.4 kW)correct
Displacement6,600.7 cm³correct

Dimensions and weights

Ground clearance490.7correct
Unladen weight22,530 kgcorrect

Working data

Pump flow370.2 l/mincorrect
Hydraulic pressure343.4 barcorrect
Fuel tank capacity290.3 lcorrect

Other data

Cab height3,102.9correct

More machines with this engine (3116T, 14)

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 4.2 kW/t (95 kW / 22.5 t)

Stronger than 39% of the excavators & compaction in the register — out of 1,666 models with a stated power figure.

Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.

Frequently asked questions

How much power does the Caterpillar 320B S have?

The Caterpillar 320B S delivers 130 hp.

How much does the Caterpillar 320B S weigh?

The unladen weight is 22,530 kg.

What engine does the Caterpillar 320B S have?

6,601 cm³ displacement.

What to check before buying

  • Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
  • Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
  • Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
  • Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
  • Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.

A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.

Looking for this machine?
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
Request a quote →
Need parts for this model?
We ask the suppliers and come back with price and lead time.
Request spare parts →

This page carries 10 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.

Missing a figure you were looking for? Report it →

Know this machine better? Have a photo, a manual, or know that a figure is wrong? Add it to the register →

Other models in this series

Sources: [1]

Excavator in 3D section

Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.

Compare