Top 10 Most Popular Crawler Excavators on LECTURA Specs in 2023

By Patrik Eder · August 1, 2024
 

In the ever-evolving landscape of heavy machinery, crawler excavators remain indispensable for a wide range of construction and industrial applications. These machines, characterised by their bucket, arm, rotating cab, and movable tracks, are essential for tasks such as digging trenches, breaking holes, lifting waste, and excavating mines. Unlike their wheeled counterparts, crawler excavators operate on two large endless tracks, making them particularly suited for mining and heavy construction jobs. Their hydraulic power mechanisms and chain wheel systems enable them to navigate and grade hilly and uneven terrains with greater stability and balance.

To identify the top 10 most popular crawler excavators in 2023, we utilised data from LECTURA Specs, the largest database of construction equipment specifications. By analysing website traffic across all language versions of the LECTURA Specs website, we determined the most viewed crawler excavator models of the year. This methodology provides an objective measure of popularity based on user interest and engagement, offering valuable insights into the current trends and preferences within the industry.

The Caterpillar 320, a crawler excavator manufactured by Caterpillar, has been in production since 2017. This machine weighs 22.6 tons and features a transport length of 9.53 metres, a transport width of 3.17 metres, and a transport height of 2.96 metres. The Caterpillar 320 is equipped with a tear-out force of 150 kN, a dredging depth of 6.72 metres, and a maximum horizontal reach of 9.86 metres. Its bucket capacity is 1.19 cubic metres, and it operates on tracks with a width of 790 millimetres.

The Caterpillar 320 comes with a range of special equipment, including air conditioning, a high-resolution LCD monitor, keyless push-to-start, a jog dial, shortcut keys, a suspension seat, a console, and a Bluetooth integrated radio. It also features advanced 2D/3D technology, engine Tier IV compliance, fuel economy measures, and grading assistance. The machine supports various attachments such as a bucket, grapple, hydraulic hammer, multi-processor, coupler, rake, ripper, pulverizer, shear, thumb, and vibratory plate compactor.

The Caterpillar 6015B is a crawler excavator that has been in production since 2016. This machine weighs 140 tons and features a transport length of 15.34 metres overall, with the body alone measuring 7 metres. Its transport width is 5.31 metres, and it stands at a transport height of 4.88 metres. The 6015B offers a tear-out force of 466 kN and a dredging depth of either 8 or 8.8 metres, depending on the configuration. The maximum horizontal reach of this model is 13.9 metres, and it comes with a bucket capacity of 8.1 cubic metres. The track width is 700 mm.

Additional features of the Caterpillar 6015B include a variety of available buckets and a high tool carrying capacity. The cab is certified with an Operator Protective Guard (Top Guard) and can be equipped with an optional two-camera system. Safety features include five emergency shut-off switches. The machine is controlled via a joystick and display system. It is suitable for mining applications and incorporates several advanced technologies such as GLT4, Positive Pin Retention 2 (PPR2) track design, Proportional Priority Pressure Compensating (PPPC) hydraulic system, Load Enhanced Anticipatory Control (LEAC), and Engine Torque Load Control (ETLC). Connectivity is facilitated through the Product Link™ Elite system, and it also supports MineStar Health and MineStar Edge™ for data management. The engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards.

The Caterpillar 320D L, manufactured by Caterpillar, is a crawler excavator that was produced from 2006 to 2014. This machine has a weight of 21.5 tons and features a transport length ranging from 9.44 to 12.86 metres, a transport width of 2.98 metres, and a transport height of 3.12 metres. The 320D L is equipped with a tear-out force of 106 kN, a dredging depth of 6.65 metres, and a maximum horizontal reach of 9.73 metres. Its bucket capacity is 1 cubic metre, with a bucket width of 1 metre and a track width of 600 millimetres.

Special equipment for the Caterpillar 320D L includes air conditioning, ACERT™ technology for engine optimization, Tier 3 compliance, a Tool Control System for hydraulic and operational flexibility, and an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that functions as the engine’s brain. The machine also features multiple injection fuel systems, a robust undercarriage, and various front linkage options. Available options for this model include R3.9B1, R3.9B1, R2.5B1, M2.4CB2, and a Super Long Reach Front. Work tools compatible with the 320D L include hammers, thumbs, stiff link, full rotation, grapples, multi-processors, shears, vibratory plate compactors, and rippers.

The Caterpillar 330, a crawler excavator manufactured by Caterpillar, has been in production since 2019. This machine falls under the category of crawler excavators and has a weight of 30 tons. Its transport dimensions are notable, with a length of 10.42 metres, a width of 3.49 metres, and a height of 3.4 metres.

The Caterpillar 330 is equipped with a tear-out force of 157 kN and a dredging depth of 7.24 metres. It offers a maximum horizontal reach of 10.68 metres and a bucket capacity of 1.76 cubic metres. The track width of this model is 600 mm.

Special equipment features include an air conditioning system, an engine compliant with TIER 4 / STAGE V standards, and a LH/RH electrical pedal for tool control. Additional features include a radial lower wiper for a two-piece (70/30) windshield with a washer, a Bluetooth® key fob, premium lights, and the Cat Grade with a 2D system. Users can choose between Deluxe and Premium cabs for added customization. 

The Liebherr R 9800, a crawler excavator manufactured by Liebherr, has been in production since 2008. This machine is designed for large-scale mining operations, boasting a substantial operating weight of 810 tons. The R 9800 is equipped with a tear-out force of 1,760 kN and a dredging depth of 9 metres, making it suitable for heavy excavation tasks.

One of the standout features of the Liebherr R 9800 is its bucket capacity, which is 42 cubic metres. The machine operates on tracks with a width of 1,630 mm, providing stability and balance on uneven terrains. It includes special equipment such as a quick hitch hydraulic system and an Arctic kit that allows it to function in temperatures as low as -40 °C / -40 °F.

The R 9800 is powered by a Cummins Tier 2 engine, with an impressive power output of almost 3,000 kW (2,984 kW). Additionally, there is potential for an electric motor option. The machine's electronic control system, known as Litronic Plus, features a 10.5’’ LCD colour screen with 8 keys, providing real-time text information for the operator.

The Caterpillar 320 C L, manufactured by Caterpillar, is a crawler excavator that was produced from 2002 to 2005. This machine has a weight of 20.8 tons and features a transport length of 9.42 metres, a transport width of 2.98 metres, and a transport height of 3.01 metres. The 320 C L is equipped with a Cat 3066 T engine, a six-cylinder turbocharged engine with Automatic Engine Control (AEC).

In terms of performance, the Caterpillar 320 C L offers a tear-out force of 113 kN and a dredging depth of 6.11 metres. Its maximum horizontal reach is 9.3 metres, and it has a bucket capacity of 1.2 cubic metres with a bucket width of 1.4 metres. The track width of this model is 600 mm, providing stability and balance on uneven terrains.

Special equipment for the 320 C L includes air conditioning and the SmartBoom™ feature, which is used for rock scraping, hammer attachment, and material handling. The machine also supports multiple OS languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Czech, Greek, Serbian, Turkish, Chinese, Indonesian, and Thai. Additionally, it comes with a skylight for enhanced visibility.

The Komatsu PC200-8, manufactured by Komatsu, is a crawler excavator that was produced from 2005 to 2012. This model has a weight of 20.01 tons and features a transport length of 9.495 metres, a transport width of 3 metres, and a transport height of 3.19 metres. The machine is equipped with a dredging depth capability of 6.62 metres and a maximum horizontal reach of 9.875 metres.

The PC200-8 comes with a bucket capacity of 1.2 cubic metres and a bucket width of 1.219 metres. The track width ranges between 600 to 800 millimetres. Additional features include compliance with Tier 3/EU stage 3A emissions standards, a 7-inch multi-colour monitor available in 10 languages, an EMMS monitoring system, a 50A/24V alternator, and an AM/FM radio.

The Caterpillar 6090 FS, a prominent model in the crawler excavator category, has been manufactured since 2013. This machine is designed specifically for mining applications, reflecting its substantial weight of 1000 tons. The transport dimensions are notable, with a length of 13.53 metres, a width of 9.72 metres, and a height of 9.99 metres.

In terms of performance, the 6090 FS boasts a tear-out force of 2502 kN and a dredging depth of 2.6 metres. Its maximum horizontal reach extends to 19.3 metres, and it features a bucket capacity of 52 cubic metres with a bucket width of 6.1 metres. The track width of this excavator is 2000 mm, providing stability and support for its operations.

Additional features include two 60-litre engines, armoured glass for the windshield, a Falling Object Protection System (FOPS), and a Control and Monitoring Platform (CAMP). These specifications highlight the machine's suitability for demanding mining environments.

The 336, manufactured by Caterpillar, is a crawler excavator that has been produced since 2017. This machine has a weight of 37.2 tons and features a transport length of 11.2 metres, a transport width of 3.44 metres, and a transport height of 3.17 metres. The Caterpillar 336 is equipped with a tear-out force of 210 kN and a dredging depth of 8.2 metres. Its maximum horizontal reach is 11.73 metres, and it has a bucket capacity of 2.27 cubic metres. The track width of this model is 850 mm.

Additional features of the Caterpillar 336 include compliance with EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions standards, GRADE with 2D, GRADE with Assist, PAYLOAD, a touchscreen monitor, Smart Mode, USB ports, anti-skid plates, and the E-WALL system. The machine is compatible with various attachments such as buckets, grapples, hammers, processors, couplers, rakes, rippers, pulverizers, shears, thumbs, and compactors.

The Caterpillar 320D, manufactured by Caterpillar, is a crawler excavator that has been manufactured since 2007. This machine weighs 21.45 tons and features a transport length of 9.46 metres, a transport width of 3 metres, and a transport height of 3.03 metres. The 320D is equipped with a tear-out force of 105 kN, a dredging depth of 6.58 metres, and a maximum horizontal reach of 9.71 metres. The track width of this model is 800 mm.

The Caterpillar 320D incorporates ACERT™ technology for engine optimization and fuel delivery, ensuring compliance with EU Stage 2/EPA Tier 2 emissions standards. It also features a full-colour graphical display with a resolution of 400 x 234 pixels on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a 50A alternator.

Before diving into the detailed comparison, it is essential to understand the key specifications that define the performance and capabilities of crawler excavators. The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the top 10 most popular models in 2023, highlighting critical technical details such as operating weight, engine power, bucket capacity, and maximum digging depth. This comparative analysis aims to offer a clear and comprehensive overview, enabling industry professionals to make informed decisions based on their specific operational requirements and project needs.
 

 

#	Model	Weight	Transport length	Transport width	Transport height	Max. reach horizontal	Bucket capacity
1	Caterpillar 320	22.6 t	9.53 m	3.17 m	2.96 m	9.86 m	1.19 m³
2	Caterpillar 6015B	140 t	15.34 m	5.31 m	4.88 m	13.9 m	8.1 m³
3	Caterpillar 320D L	21.5 t	9.44 - 12.86 m	2.98 m	3.12 m	9.73 m	1 m³
4	Caterpillar 330	30 t	10.42 m	3.49 m	3.4 m	10.68 m	1.76 m³
5	Liebherr R 9800	810 t	23.9 m	8.33 m	9.83 m	21 m	42 m³
6	Caterpillar 320 C L	20.8 t	9.42 m	2.98 m	3.01 m	9.3 m	1.2 m³
7	Komatsu PC200-8	20.01 t	9.495 m	3 m	3.19 m	9.875 m	1.2 m³
8	Caterpillar 6090 FS	1000 t	13.53 m	9.72 m	9.99 m	19.3 m	52 m³
9	Caterpillar 336	37.2 t	11.2 m	3.44 m	3.17 m	11.73 m	2.27 m³
10	Caterpillar 320D	21.45 t	9.46 m	3 m	3.03 m	9.71 m

 

In this article, we have highlighted the top 10 most popular crawler excavators of 2023, as determined by user engagement on the LECTURA Specs website. The list is dominated by Caterpillar models, with the Caterpillar 320 leading the pack, followed by other notable entries such as the Caterpillar 6015B and the Liebherr R 9800. Komatsu also makes an appearance with the PC200-8, showcasing the diversity of options available in the market.

The data-driven approach used to compile this list offers a clear snapshot of current industry trends and user preferences. By analysing website traffic across multiple language versions, we have provided an objective measure of popularity that reflects the interests and needs of professionals in the heavy machinery sector.

For those seeking detailed specifications, datasheets, and technical information on these and other crawler excavators, we encourage you to visit the LECTURA Specs website. The platform offers a comprehensive database that can assist in making informed decisions about heavy machinery equipment.