Caterpillar 385C L
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
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 model | Cat C18 ACERTcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 537.4 hp (395.2 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,800 rpmcorrect |
| Displacement | 18,124.1 cm³correct |
| Coolant capacity | 101.1 lcorrect |
| Engine oil capacity | 65.1 lcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Ground clearance | 890correct |
|---|---|
| Unladen weight | 84,985.1 kgcorrect |
Working data
| Pump flow | 980 l/mincorrect |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic oil capacity | 995.2 lcorrect |
| Hydraulic pressure | 320 barcorrect |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1,240.1 lcorrect |
Other data
| Cab height | 3,761.2correct |
|---|
More machines with this engine (Cat C18 ACERT, 10)
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 4.7 kW/t (395 kW / 85 t)
Stronger than 95% 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 385C L have?
The Caterpillar 385C L delivers 537 hp.
How much does the Caterpillar 385C L weigh?
The unladen weight is 84,985 kg.
What engine does the Caterpillar 385C L have?
18,124 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.
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This page carries 14 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.
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Other models in this series
Sources: [1]
Excavator in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.