Used Caterpillar CAT 320 Excavator: Specs, Pricing, and What to Check

This guide covers the CAT 320's core specs, why it holds up well as a used purchase, indicative pricing for Japan-sourced units, and what a proper pre-shipment inspection should actually check before you commit to a machine.

CAT 320 core specs

• Operating weight — 20,000–21,500 kg depending on configuration
• Bucket capacity — 0.97 m³ standard
• Engine output — roughly 103–122 kW (138–163 hp) across the E, E2, and GC variants
• Fuel consumption — typically 18–22 L/hour under load
• Engine — C4.4 ACERT

Those figures put the 320 squarely in the sweet spot for mid-scale construction — enough machine for pipeline trenching, road-base excavation, demolition, and utility installation, without the footprint of a full 30-ton unit. It's over-engineered for a lot of the day-to-day work contractors assign it, which is part of why parts availability stays wide and resale value holds up.

Why buyers source the CAT 320 from Japan

Japanese construction and rental fleets are known for lower operating hours and disciplined service records. A used CAT 320 sourced from Japan typically comes with documented maintenance history — oil change intervals, hydraulic filter replacements, dealer-stamped service books — that many domestically sourced machines simply don't have. That paper trail is what actually reduces your post-import repair risk, more than the sale price does.

Japan Machinery Trader sources Caterpillar excavators through Japan's established auction network and private fleet liquidations. Before anything ships, our inspectors check engine compression, hydraulic pressure, undercarriage wear, and structural integrity, and compile a full photographic report you can review before committing to a deposit.

One thing worth knowing: Japanese rental and municipal fleets tend to retire equipment earlier than contractors in many other markets would. It isn't unusual to see a 6,000-hour machine in condition that would pass for considerably fewer hours elsewhere — but always verify the hour meter against the service book rather than taking either figure on its own.

Indicative pricing and landed cost

Pricing varies by vintage, hours, and condition grade, and shifts with auction volume and exchange rates — the figures below are a planning reference, not a quote. As a rough guide, older units (roughly 6,000–8,000 hours) tend to sit at the lower end of the used market, while cleaner, lower-hour machines from more recent years command a real premium. Ask for a current, machine-specific quote rather than budgeting off a general figure.

Total landed cost is always higher than the machine price alone. Budget for pre-shipment inspection, ocean freight (which varies significantly by destination port and container type), and destination customs duties — commonly in the range of 10–25% of CIF value depending on the importing country, though this varies by jurisdiction and changes over time, so confirm the current rate for your destination rather than assuming a figure that applied elsewhere. Compare quotes on a CIF (cost, insurance, freight) basis rather than FOB alone — a machine that looks cheaper FOB can end up costing more once freight class and destination port fees are applied.

Pre-shipment inspection checklist

• Engine — blow-by, oil contamination, coolant condition
• Hydraulics — pressure tested across the main pump, travel motors, and stick cylinder circuits
• Electrical systems — monitor panel and sensors tested under load
• Undercarriage — track link wear, idler condition, sprocket teeth
• Boom, arm, and bucket pins — checked for play and wear
• Slewing ring — checked for backlash; frame checked for cracks or weld repairs
• Hour meter — cross-referenced against available service records

That last point matters more than buyers usually expect. Hour meter tampering is rare on Japanese-sourced machines but not impossible — a proper inspection notes any inconsistency between wear patterns and the recorded hours rather than taking the display at face value. If undercarriage wear suggests significantly more use than the meter shows, a credible inspector will say so in writing.

Frequently asked questions

What does a pre-shipment inspection actually cover?

A structured inspection covering engine compression, hydraulic pressure, undercarriage wear, boom and arm condition, and electrical systems, with a written report and photos before the machine ships — the checklist above is what we work from.

What documents do I need to import a used CAT 320?

Standard export documents are the bill of lading, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, and packing list. Some destination countries require additional import permits, conformity assessments, or specific HS code declarations for used heavy equipment — requirements vary by country and change over time, so confirm current rules with a licensed customs broker before you commit to a purchase.

Is a used CAT 320 a good fit for a smaller contractor?

Generally yes — the 20-ton class and roughly 140 hp engine handle utility trenching, demolition, and mid-scale earthworks without the fuel and maintenance overhead of a larger machine, and Japanese fleet units with documented service histories tend to keep ongoing repair costs more predictable.

Import regulations, freight costs, emissions rules, and customs requirements change and vary by destination — always confirm current requirements with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder, and the relevant authorities before you commit to a purchase.

Sourcing your own CAT 320

A used CAT 320 sourced from a Japanese fleet typically arrives with lower accumulated hours and documented service records, without the deferred maintenance that shows up in a lot of regionally sourced equipment. Landed costs are predictable once you account for the machine price, freight, and local duties. Contact Japan Machinery Trader with your target port and preferred hour range, and we'll confirm current availability, condition-graded pricing, and an inspection summary for machines actually in stock.

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