CAT 325CL Excavator

The 325CL is a mid-size workhorse that punches well above its weight class. Operating weight of 55,000–57,000 lbs, 177hp Cat 3116 diesel engine, and a digging depth of up to 22 feet — this machine handles excavation, trenching, and demolition without flinching.

What you get with a well-maintained 325CL:

• 177hp Cat 3116 turbocharged diesel engine
• Operating weight: approx. 55,000–57,000 lbs
• Max digging depth: 22 ft / reach: 32 ft
• Hydraulic system pressure: 4,900 psi
• Cat Monitoring System with diagnostic readouts
• Sealed and pressurized cab for operator comfort
• Long undercarriage for superior stability on uneven terrain

Most buyers focus on hours. That's the wrong starting point. A 325CL with 8,000 hours and documented service history outperforms a 5,000-hour machine that's been neglected. Check the undercarriage first — replacement runs $15,000 to $30,000 depending on configuration. Check the boom and stick pins for slop. Ask for the service records.

The 325CL earns its reputation on job sites where a smaller machine leaves production on the table and a larger one can't access the work area. It fits where the 330 won't and outproduces anything below it. That middle-ground capability is exactly why demand for clean examples stays steady.

One thing buyers consistently underestimate: hydraulic performance at operating temperature. A cold startup tells you almost nothing. Run it to temperature, cycle all functions, and check response under load before you commit.

Verify hours, inspect undercarriage, confirm hydraulics under load. Then make your move.