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Excavators 326 Premium Performance with Simple-To-Use Technologies

View Specs Tour
Engine Power - ISO 9249
212.0 HP
158.0 kW
Operating Weight
56659.0 lb
25700.0 kg
Maximum Digging Depth
22.38 ft
6820.0 mm
View Specs Tour
326

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Benefits
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Overview

The Cat® 326 Excavator brings premium performance with simple-to-use technologies to boost your operator efficiencies. Combine these features with a new cab, longer maintenance intervals, and a power system that reduces fuel and you have a low-cost-per-unit-of-production excavator that’s perfect for medium to heavy-duty applications.

Up To 20% Lower Maintenance Costs

With extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals, you get more done at a lower cost compared to the previous model.

Up To 5% More fuel efficiency

Three power modes and automatic engine speed control minimize fuel use and increase engine efficiency.

Up To 45% More operating efficiency

Offering the industry’s highest level of standard factory-equipped technology, including Cat Grade with 2D, Grade with Assist and Payload.

  • PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY

    • Improved controllability over the 326D2.
    • 5% fuel consumption reduction without productivity loss when using SMART mode.
    • 12% improved swing torque makes working on slopes easier.
    • Increase operating efficiency up to 45 percent with standard Cat Technologies that lower operator fatigue and your operating costs, including fuel consumption and daily maintenance.
    • The C7.1 engine can run on biodiesel up to B20 and meets China Nonroad Stage III, UNECE R96 Stage IIIA and Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA.
    • The advanced hydraulic system provides the optimum balance of power and efficiency while giving you the control you need for precise digging requirements.
    • Match the excavator to the job with power modes; let Smart mode automatically match engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions.
    • Advansys™ bucket tips increase penetration and improve cycle times. Tip changes can be done quickly with a simple lug wrench instead of a hammer or special tool, improving safety and uptime.
    • Auxiliary hydraulic options give you the versatility to use a wide range of Cat attachments.
    • Available SmartBoom™ lets the boom freely travel up and down without using any pump flow so operators can focus on stick and bucket work. The benefits are reduced operator stress and reduced fuel consumption(not available in all regions, consult your local dealer on availability).
    • Don’t let the temperature stop you from working. The excavator has a standard high-ambient temperature capability of 52° C (125° F) with de-rate and cold start capability of –18° C (0° F). An optional –32° C (–25° F) cold start package is available.

    Read More

  • TECHNOLOGY THAT GETS WORK DONE

    • Boost productivity up to 45 percent versus traditional grading with standard Cat GRADE with 2D system – includes indicate-only and laser capability.
    • Standard Grade Assist: Stay on grade – simply and effortlessly – with single-lever digging.
    • Set your desired bucket angle and let Bucket Assist automatically maintain the angle in sloping, leveling, fine grading, and trenching applications.
    • Keep the tracks on ground in lifting and hard digging with Boom Assist.
    • Automatically stop excavator swing at operator-defined set points in truck loading and trenching applications with Swing Assist, which will help you use less effort and consume less fuel.
    • Standard Cat PAYLOAD on-board weighing system: Achieve precise load targets and increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time estimates of your payload without swinging.
    • Combine Payload with VisionLink® and remotely manage your production targets, now with the possibility to download on a USB stick.
    • Upgrade to optional Cat GRADE with Advanced 2D: Create and edit grade designs with ease on a second high-resolution 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor.
    • Upgrade to optional Cat GRADE with 3D: Create and edit designs with ease on a second high-resolution 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor. Use 3D designs and GNSS technology to assist the operator in reaching the desired grade faster and accurately.

    Read More

  • WORK IN COMFORT

    • Choose between Comfort and Deluxe cabs – both with automatic climate control (consult your local dealer on availability in your region).
    • The Comfort cab is equipped with a mechanical suspension seat. The Deluxe seat is heated and air adjustable.
    • Tip up console on the Deluxe cab improves ingress/egress by approximately 45%.
    • Advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration up to 50 percent over previous excavator models.
    • Control the excavator comfortably with easy-to-reach controls all located in front of you.
    • Stow your gear with plenty of in-cab storage beneath and behind the seat and in the consoles. A cup holder, document holder, bottle holder, and coat hook are also provided.
    • Use the standard radio’s USB ports and Bluetooth® technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls.

    Read More

  • SIMPLE TO OPERATE

    • Start the engine with a push button; use a Bluetooth key fob*, smartphone app, or the unique Operator ID function.
    • Program your power mode and joystick preferences using Operator ID; the excavator will remember what you set each time you go to work.
    • Navigate quickly on the standard high-resolution 203 mm (8 in) touchscreen monitor, or with the optional 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor (available on the Deluxe cab only), or with the aid of the jog dial control.
    • Not sure how a function works or how to maintain the excavator? Always have the operator’s manual at your fingertips in the touchscreen monitor.
    • Find the tool you need – even if it’s hidden beneath overgrowth or debris. The excavator’s onboard Bluetooth reader can locate any work tool equipped with Cat asset tracking devices up to a range of 60 m (200 ft).

      * Not available with the Comfort cab.

    Read More

  • LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS

    • Expect up to 20 percent less maintenance cost than the 326F/326D2 (savings calculated over 12,000 machine hours).
    • Do all daily maintenance at ground level.
    • Check engine oil level quickly and safely with the new ground-level engine oil dipstick; fill and check engine oil on top of the machine with a conveniently located second dipstick.
    • Track your excavator’s filter life and maintenance intervals via the in-cab monitor.
    • No required maintenance on the Cat Clean Emissions Module.
    • Change all fuel filters at a synchronized 1,000 hours – a 100 percent increase over the 326F/326D2 fuel filters.
    • Expect the new air intake filter with precleaner to last up to 1,000 hours – a 100 percent increase over the previous filter.
    • The new hydraulic oil filter provides improved filtration performance, anti-drain valves to keep oil clean when the filter is replaced, and longer life with a 3,000 hour replacement interval – 50 percent longer than previous filter designs.
    • High-efficiency cooling fans run only when needed; you can program intervals so they automatically reverse to keep cores clean without interrupting your work.
    • S·O·S ports are on ground level, simplifying maintenance and allowing for quick, easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis.

    Read More

  • BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES

    • Lift Assist helps you avoid tipping. With visual and auditory alerts, you’ll know if your load is within the excavator’s safe working range limits.
    • Access 100 percent of daily maintenance points from ground level – no need for you to climb on top of the excavator.
    • The standard ROPS cab meets ISO 12117-2:2008 requirements.
    • Enjoy great visibility into the trench, in each swing direction, and behind you with the help of smaller cab pillars, larger windows, and a flat engine hood design.
    • The standard hydraulic lockout lever isolates all hydraulic and travel functions in the lowered position.
    • Ground-level shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine when activated and shuts down the machine.
    • A rearview camera and a right-side-view camera*are standard. Upgrade to 360° visibility and you’ll easily visualize objects and personnel around the excavator in a single view.
    • New right service platform design provides easy, safe, and quick access to upper service platform; the service platform steps use anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping.
    • Optional boom and stick lowering check valves prevent reverse flow, keeping your front linkage securely in place should the hydraulic system unexpectedly lose power.
    • Brightly colored seatbelts allow easy recognition of properly utilized safety restraints.

      * Not standard in all regions.

    Read More
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  • Improved controllability over the 326D2.
  • 5% fuel consumption reduction without productivity loss when using SMART mode.
  • 12% improved swing torque makes working on slopes easier.
  • Increase operating efficiency up to 45 percent with standard Cat Technologies that lower operator fatigue and your operating costs, including fuel consumption and daily maintenance.
  • The C7.1 engine can run on biodiesel up to B20 and meets China Nonroad Stage III, UNECE R96 Stage IIIA and Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA.
  • The advanced hydraulic system provides the optimum balance of power and efficiency while giving you the control you need for precise digging requirements.
  • Match the excavator to the job with power modes; let Smart mode automatically match engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions.
  • Advansys™ bucket tips increase penetration and improve cycle times. Tip changes can be done quickly with a simple lug wrench instead of a hammer or special tool, improving safety and uptime.
  • Auxiliary hydraulic options give you the versatility to use a wide range of Cat attachments.
  • Available SmartBoom™ lets the boom freely travel up and down without using any pump flow so operators can focus on stick and bucket work. The benefits are reduced operator stress and reduced fuel consumption(not available in all regions, consult your local dealer on availability).
  • Don’t let the temperature stop you from working. The excavator has a standard high-ambient temperature capability of 52° C (125° F) with de-rate and cold start capability of –18° C (0° F). An optional –32° C (–25° F) cold start package is available.

Read More

  • Boost productivity up to 45 percent versus traditional grading with standard Cat GRADE with 2D system – includes indicate-only and laser capability.
  • Standard Grade Assist: Stay on grade – simply and effortlessly – with single-lever digging.
  • Set your desired bucket angle and let Bucket Assist automatically maintain the angle in sloping, leveling, fine grading, and trenching applications.
  • Keep the tracks on ground in lifting and hard digging with Boom Assist.
  • Automatically stop excavator swing at operator-defined set points in truck loading and trenching applications with Swing Assist, which will help you use less effort and consume less fuel.
  • Standard Cat PAYLOAD on-board weighing system: Achieve precise load targets and increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time estimates of your payload without swinging.
  • Combine Payload with VisionLink® and remotely manage your production targets, now with the possibility to download on a USB stick.
  • Upgrade to optional Cat GRADE with Advanced 2D: Create and edit grade designs with ease on a second high-resolution 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor.
  • Upgrade to optional Cat GRADE with 3D: Create and edit designs with ease on a second high-resolution 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor. Use 3D designs and GNSS technology to assist the operator in reaching the desired grade faster and accurately.

Read More

  • Choose between Comfort and Deluxe cabs – both with automatic climate control (consult your local dealer on availability in your region).
  • The Comfort cab is equipped with a mechanical suspension seat. The Deluxe seat is heated and air adjustable.
  • Tip up console on the Deluxe cab improves ingress/egress by approximately 45%.
  • Advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration up to 50 percent over previous excavator models.
  • Control the excavator comfortably with easy-to-reach controls all located in front of you.
  • Stow your gear with plenty of in-cab storage beneath and behind the seat and in the consoles. A cup holder, document holder, bottle holder, and coat hook are also provided.
  • Use the standard radio’s USB ports and Bluetooth® technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls.

Read More

  • Start the engine with a push button; use a Bluetooth key fob*, smartphone app, or the unique Operator ID function.
  • Program your power mode and joystick preferences using Operator ID; the excavator will remember what you set each time you go to work.
  • Navigate quickly on the standard high-resolution 203 mm (8 in) touchscreen monitor, or with the optional 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor (available on the Deluxe cab only), or with the aid of the jog dial control.
  • Not sure how a function works or how to maintain the excavator? Always have the operator’s manual at your fingertips in the touchscreen monitor.
  • Find the tool you need – even if it’s hidden beneath overgrowth or debris. The excavator’s onboard Bluetooth reader can locate any work tool equipped with Cat asset tracking devices up to a range of 60 m (200 ft).

    * Not available with the Comfort cab.

Read More

  • Expect up to 20 percent less maintenance cost than the 326F/326D2 (savings calculated over 12,000 machine hours).
  • Do all daily maintenance at ground level.
  • Check engine oil level quickly and safely with the new ground-level engine oil dipstick; fill and check engine oil on top of the machine with a conveniently located second dipstick.
  • Track your excavator’s filter life and maintenance intervals via the in-cab monitor.
  • No required maintenance on the Cat Clean Emissions Module.
  • Change all fuel filters at a synchronized 1,000 hours – a 100 percent increase over the 326F/326D2 fuel filters.
  • Expect the new air intake filter with precleaner to last up to 1,000 hours – a 100 percent increase over the previous filter.
  • The new hydraulic oil filter provides improved filtration performance, anti-drain valves to keep oil clean when the filter is replaced, and longer life with a 3,000 hour replacement interval – 50 percent longer than previous filter designs.
  • High-efficiency cooling fans run only when needed; you can program intervals so they automatically reverse to keep cores clean without interrupting your work.
  • S·O·S ports are on ground level, simplifying maintenance and allowing for quick, easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis.

Read More

  • Lift Assist helps you avoid tipping. With visual and auditory alerts, you’ll know if your load is within the excavator’s safe working range limits.
  • Access 100 percent of daily maintenance points from ground level – no need for you to climb on top of the excavator.
  • The standard ROPS cab meets ISO 12117-2:2008 requirements.
  • Enjoy great visibility into the trench, in each swing direction, and behind you with the help of smaller cab pillars, larger windows, and a flat engine hood design.
  • The standard hydraulic lockout lever isolates all hydraulic and travel functions in the lowered position.
  • Ground-level shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine when activated and shuts down the machine.
  • A rearview camera and a right-side-view camera*are standard. Upgrade to 360° visibility and you’ll easily visualize objects and personnel around the excavator in a single view.
  • New right service platform design provides easy, safe, and quick access to upper service platform; the service platform steps use anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping.
  • Optional boom and stick lowering check valves prevent reverse flow, keeping your front linkage securely in place should the hydraulic system unexpectedly lose power.
  • Brightly colored seatbelts allow easy recognition of properly utilized safety restraints.

    * Not standard in all regions.

Read More
Full Specifications Standard Equipment Optional Equipment

Product Specifications for 326

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Engine

Hydraulic System

Swing Mechanism

Weights

Service Refill Capacities

Dimensions

Working Ranges & Forces

326 Standard Equipment

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NOTE

  • Not all features are available in all regions. Please check with your local Cat dealer for specific offering availability in your area.

CAB

  • High-resolution 203 mm (8 in) LCD touchscreen monitor

CAT TECHNOLOGIES

  • Cat GRADE with Assist (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)
  • Cat GRADE with 2D (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)
  • Remote Flash capability
  • Cat Product Link™
  • 2D E-Fence (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)
  • Cat PAYLOAD (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)

ENGINE

  • Three selectable power modes
  • One-touch low idle with automatic engine speed control
  • Reversing electric cooling fans
  • 52° C (125° F) high-ambient cooling capacity with de-rate
  • Double element air filter with integrated precleaner
  • Biodiesel capability up to B20
  • –18° C (0° F) cold start capability
  • Auto engine idle shutdown

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

  • Boom and stick drift reduction valve
  • Auto two-speed travel
  • Boom and stick regeneration circuits
  • Auto hydraulic warm up

UNDERCARRIAGE AND STRUCTURES

  • Tie-down points on base frame
  • 4600 kg (10,141 lb) counterweight

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • LED chassis light, left-hand/right-hand boom lights, cab lights
  • Programmable time-delay LED working lights
  • Two 1,000 CCA maintenance free batteries

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

  • Ground-level and platform-level engine oil dipsticks
  • Sampling ports for Scheduled Oil Sampling (S·O·S)

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • Right-hand handrail and hand hold
  • Rearview camera
  • Ground-level engine shutoff switch
  • Lift Assist (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)
  • Signaling/warning horn

326 Optional Equipment

Print

CAB

  • High-resolution 254 mm (10 in) LCD touchscreen monitor
  • ROPS, standard sound suppression, air-adjustable seat with heat (Deluxe only)
  • ROPS, Comfort cab with mechanical seat suspension

CAT TECHNOLOGIES

  • Cat GRADE with Advanced 2D (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)
  • Cat GRADE with 3D (Optional on machines equipped with a Super Long Reach boom.)

ENGINE

  • –32° C (–25° F) cold start capability

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

  • Hammer return filter circuit
  • Combined Tool Control (two pump, one/two way high-pressure flow)
  • Boom and stick lowering check valves

BOOMS AND STICKS

  • 5.9 m (19'4") reach boom, 2.5 m (8'2") reach stick, long undercarriage
  • 10.2 m (33'6") SLR boom, 7.85 m (25'9") SLR stick, long undercarriage
  • 5.9 m (19'4") HD reach boom, 2.95 m (9'8") HD reach stick, long undercarriage

UNDERCARRIAGE AND STRUCTURES

  • 6700 kg (14,771 lb) counterweight
  • 700 mm (28") triple grouser shoes
  • 790 mm (31") triple grouser shoes
  • 900 mm (35") triple grouser shoes
  • 600 mm (24") triple grouser shoes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • 360° lighting

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

  • Electric refueling pump with auto shut off

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • Right-side-view camera
  • 360° visibility (Requires 254 mm [10 in] monitor.)

See how 326 compares against frequently compared products.

Excavators 326
Engine Power - ISO 9249
212.0 HP
158.0 kW
Operating Weight
56659.0 lb
25700.0 kg
Maximum Digging Depth
22.38 ft
6820.0 mm
Selected Model
Excavators 323
Engine Power - ISO 9249
157.0 HP
117.0 kW
Operating Weight
54000.0 lb
24500.0 kg
Maximum Digging Depth
22.1 ft
6730.0 mm
Model Details
Excavators 330 GC
Engine Power - ISO 9249
212.0 HP
158.0 kW
Operating Weight
62700.0 lb
28400.0 kg
Maximum Digging Depth
23.1 ft
7260.0 mm
Model Details

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