If you operate an excavator or have employees who do, you expect your machine to be robust, durable and long-lasting. Several Cat® excavator models have come to the fore in recent years, continuously offering new ways to improve quality and safety ratings. You won’t have to look too far to find the best Cat excavators for your next construction project.
The excavator sales market is projected to be worth more than $63 billion by 2026. Thanks to increased research and development in the field, we’ll likely see Cat release new, advanced models in 2024 and beyond. Explore the top-selling Cat excavator models on the market and what makes them so popular below.
The Caterpillar brand has a global reach and is one of the most recognized brands in the industry. From compact excavators and backhoe wheel loaders to crawlers and haulers, many people turn to Caterpillar for their next project.
When it comes to excavators, the Cat 336 and 315 are at the top of most people’s lists. These models are preferred favorites among builders thanks to their high performance and efficiency.
Beyond the Cat 336 and 315, several other models top the sales lists. These models boast innovative technology and operating power needed in excavation and demolition sites. To further their popularity, parts and after-sales support are widely available from various Cat dealers.
Here are some of the most popular Cat excavator models for 2024:
The Cat 336 is a large excavator that makes heavy excavation more efficient and productive with a powerful hydraulic system. This excavator is so popular due to its digging force and swing torque, making it a tough competitor to other similar machines. The Cat 336 is especially suitable for more in-depth projects that require robust machinery — you can lift heavy material up to 81,100 pounds and dig as low as 26.11 feet.
Second on our list is the Cat 315, a comfortable and efficient excavator that is both easy to use and simple to maintain, saving you time and money. This is a compact machine with a larger cab, so you get more ergonomic seating to help you work around almost any job site with ease. Despite its compactness, the Cat 315 is powerful — you can tackle heavy-duty projects thanks to the Cat C3.6 engine and powerful hydraulics.
This machine helps you cut back on downtime while delivering extensive productive hours. The Cat 320 is reliable and robust, and users prefer its easy-to-use technology and its compact design. The Cat 320-07 is a medium excavator featuring less fuel consumption while breaking barriers in technology, making operations powerful and efficient. Users enjoy the Cat 320 for its comfortable cab and low maintenance costs.
The Cat 323 is a tier 4 medium excavator. The tier indicates how heavy equipment should control emissions per Environmental Protection Agency standards. This model offers high production combined with speed. It comes with new and improved standard model features that outperform its predecessors.
Saving users time and money, the Cat 323 uses 25% less fuel and demands less maintenance than other similar models, owing to its popularity. The excavator is suitable for challenging projects and delivers high-quality performance thanks to the large hydraulic pump.
This large excavator is suitable for extensive projects stretching over long timelines, thanks to its powerful performance and operator efficiency. The Cat 349’s popularity lies in its advanced technology and ease of use. Its hydraulic control is unparalleled, bringing you fuel efficiency and less maintenance that can increase your bottom line.
This robust crawler remains a firm favorite for any operator who wants reliable durability. The Cat 325FLCR makes operation easier with powerful swing torque and easy-to-operate wheels. Along with a comfortable cab and classic Cat technology known for its durability and robust operation, the popularity of this model rests on its powerful engine. The newer Cat 325 builds on this formidable legacy, bringing users ease of use with a compact design.
A robust hydraulic system and fuel efficiency are signature traits of a Cat model, and the 330FL is no different. This excavator gives you all the power of Caterpillar products coupled with easy-to-use technology. Users often prefer this model, as it allows them to operate the machine for extended hours with speed. The Cat 330 features a comfortable operating environment, too.
The construction industry is growing at an impressive rate, and equipment sales are set to rise. Though Caterpillar is constantly at the forefront of producing top-quality heavy machinery, a few specific excavator models consistently hit the top of the list when it comes to sales.
The top-selling excavators and sales of previous years can help inform us of what to expect for 2024 Cat excavator sales trends. Discover the most popular models based on revealing sales and auction figures, which could influence the top-selling excavators and sales trends for 2024.
Both new and classic Cat models are the preferred excavators for the majority of users. Throughout 2024 and beyond, what can operators expect when it comes to Cat excavators?
The numbers are clear according to sales trends — the Cat 336 is the most popular of all Cat excavators across new and used models. The Cat 320 is also massively popular, coming in at second in terms of sales. Finally, the Cat 315 is the third biggest seller in the excavator category.
These models’ sales figures may give us a bit of insight into what to expect from Caterpillar in the next few years. For example, the Cat 336 was first released in 2019, so we’ll likely see Caterpillar continue to make upgrades over the coming years thanks to its high popularity. Ultimately, keeping track of the best-selling Cat excavators can give you a better idea of when and to which models Caterpillar might apply updates.
The Cat 325 FLCR, Cat 330 FL and Cat 349FL were all featured in the auctioned category, making them standouts for their unparalleled reliability and robust quality. The Cat 325 Hydraulic Excavator and Cat 330 Digger could see a revival in sales for 2024, building on other excavators’ legacy of strength and forward-thinking technology.
The Cat 349FL is a large excavator and is in a league of its own when it comes to power and performance. However, this machine may be outperformed in sales during 2024 by other large models like the 340 Hydraulic Excavator.
The Cat 336, 320 and 315 take the top three spots for the most popular excavator models. Here’s a quick summary of the figures discussed above to give you a clear picture:
At the Consumer Electronic Show 2024, Caterpillar made its commitment to sustainability and productivity clear. With electrification to boost efficiency levels and exploring possible battery power to break through barriers, Caterpillar has an exciting future with innovative energy solutions as a priority. For example, models at the forefront of energy efficiency include the Cat 335 and Cat 326. Another model to watch is the 320 GC due to its reduced fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.
The numbers are clear, showing that Caterpillar remains one of the top excavator companies. Thousands of new and used excavators were sold for this brand, and it’s highly unlikely that these numbers will decrease significantly in the future, especially considering the construction industry is only set to grow. Due to Caterpillar’s strength and global impact, it’s set to improve its sales figures in 2024.
Caterpillar remains a global leader in the excavator industry and will continue this trend in the coming years. With a vast range of excavators suitable for various projects, contractors in many fields of work can find the perfect Cat machinery for their needs.
At Gregory Poole Equipment Company, we’re proud to be your premier Cat equipment source. We’ve been servicing eastern North Carolina with quality excavators for decades, building more than 70 years of experience to assist customers just like you with heavy machinery sales.
You can rely on our range of new and used Cat excavators for all your earthmoving tasks. Additionally, you can rent Cat equipment, allowing you to use an excavator without committing to a purchase — an ideal option for smaller businesses with limited capital or for anyone who wants to try out the equipment before they buy.
No matter if you choose to buy new or used or rent, Cat earthmoving equipment is the best-selling in its category for a reason. Find a dealer near you to browse our array of equipment in person. Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us today.