Cat says M320 wheeled excavator built for performance

The new Cat M320 wheeled excavator optimizes performance and efficiency at the job site with up to 9 percent more swing torque than the Cat M320F to get work done faster. Its longer wheelbase increases operating stability and improves machine ride at speeds reaching 21.7 mph. From dirt to asphalt, this wheeled excavator is designed to meet operators’ needs for efficient operation in a range of applications, the manufacturer says.

The company adds that improvements to the hydraulic system increase machine efficiency when working with a range of Cat attachments. Upgrades in machine design reduce the time needed for daily maintenance, while extended filter life and longer service intervals maximize machine uptime availability at the job site while lowering ownership costs.

The new M320 is powered by a 129.4-kilowatt (174-horsepower) Cat C4.4 engine that meets EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Efficiency increasing standard features like one-touch low idle with automatic engine speed control, auto engine idle shutdown and on-demand electric cooling fans combine to conserve diesel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to lower operating costs, Cat says. The machine also can run on B20 biodiesel.

The new M320 features a dedicated swing pump to provide consistent power. The advanced hydraulic system is designed to automatically balance power and efficiency to give operators more machine control for precise working requirements. Its unique heavy-lift mode feature boosts lifting capacities to efficiently handle heavy loads, increasing machine flexibility, Cat says.

The new M320 design saves owners up to 5 percent in maintenance parts with its new, longer-lasting filters, Cat says. Offering a 50 percent longer service life than previous filter designs, the new hydraulic oil filter with anti-drain valves to safeguard from contaminating the oil during replacement delivers improved filtration performance and a 3,000 hours replacement interval. Two fuel filtration levels protect the engine from dirt particles in the diesel.

The M320 features centralized grease points with an available automatic lubrication system option for the implement and swing system. All SOS ports are positioned at ground level. The operator tracks machine maintenance intervals and filter life from inside the cab on a touch-screen monitor to improve maintenance planning efficiency.  

Standard product link technology on the M320 is designed to improve fleet management and excavator servicing by recording and reporting critical operating data and machine fault codes to key personnel. New Remote Troubleshoot allows the dealer to run diagnostic testing of fault codes from the office while the machine is operating, potentially saving a trip to the job site.

Two larger next-gen cab designs–deluxe and premium–are available for the new M320. All controls are positioned in front of the operator, within easy reach.

Operators intuitively navigate through machine functions with the new large 10-inch touch-screen monitor with jog dial.

Advanced viscous mounts found on the M320 cab decrease machine vibration feedback, reducing operator fatigue

Standard rearview and right side cameras, along with large cab windows with small cab pillars, help to improve job site visibility for the operator, according to Cat. An optional 360-degree visibility system combines input from multiple cameras around the machine to give operators an unparalleled view of their surroundings. The excavator’s new flat engine hood design also improves visibility.