New Cat 320 GX and 323 GX offer fast ROI

Staff Report,

11 Jan 2022

Equipment leader’s GX series of 20-tonne excavators provides 15% higher fuel efficiency and 20% lower maintenance costs over previous models

Caterpillar recently launched a new series of 20-tonne excavators in the Middle East market, giving customers more choice in the most important excavator segment in the region with its new 320 GX and 323 GGX models.

The new GX series from Cat is designed to offer a value proposition with low acquisition cost, high fuel economy and low maintenance costs, enabling customers to recover their investments quickly and easily, says Cat.

The global equipment leader adds that it leveraged the latest technical enhancements in the new 320 GX and 323 GX to enable the machines to deliver low maintenance and owning costs, increased fuel efficiency and reliable performance.

And reliable performance at a lower cost is the hallmark of the new 320 GX and 323 GX hydraulic excavators. According to Cat, the new excavators feature “classic Cat D Series quality” coupled with modern upgrades, such as a high-performance hydraulic system and modern controls. Along with the enhanced 320 and 323 and standard 320 GC and 323 GC models, the new GX excavators give contractors even more choices to meet their needs.

Announcing the new excavators, Cat says: “Designed to meet a range of customer needs from maximum productivity to low cost-per-ton operation, the new GX models offer lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and a low initial purchase price compared to Cat GC models for a fast payback.

“The 320 GX and 323 GX are up to 15% more fuel efficient than the 320D2 GC and 320D2 L in similar applications. An electronically controlled valve precisely directs hydraulic power where and when it is needed, boosting productivity. Maintaining the reliability and durability customers have come to expect from Cat excavators, the new GX series offer a lower initial purchase price than the other models but with more advanced features.”

Giacomo Bottone, Cat’s worldwide product director for medium excavators, says: “Caterpillar has introduced several products in the 20t excavator segment in the last five years. From 2017 to 2019, our Middle East customers had the 320, 320 GC and 323 models to choose from. In 2020, we introduced the 323 GC; and now in 2021, we have the 320 GX and 323 GX. These are all Cat’s ‘Next Generation’ excavators, and the product line is now the strongest in Cat’s history.”

Explaining more about that strong product line, he says the Cat excavators in the range of 20-tonners and their vicinity offer “three value propositions”.

“The first is the traditional or performance proposition, which utilises high technology for an advanced level of work and productivity. The machines that come under this are the 320 (21t), 323 (23/9t), 326 (26.5t) and the 330 (30.9t). The next is the GC or standard proposition, which has easy-to-own machines. The GC models are the 320 GC (19.8-20t), the 323 GC (22.6t) and the 330 GC (28.5t).

“The newest and the most economical proposition is the GX or ‘fast payback’ one. These are the ones we have introduced now – the 320 GX (19.7t) and 323 GX (21.6t). The GX models have been designed to offer the maximum value out of the three, with a low acquisition cost.”

He goes on to explain that the ‘fast payback’ of the GX models are derived through not only the lower acquisition cost but also lower maintenance costs and lower expenses on fuel due to a higher fuel economy.

“However, there is no dilution of the Cat brand promise in these machines. We have not compromised on durability and customers get the same level of Cat dealer support with the same high-quality Cat components. There are also no restrictions on their applications and the GX models are fit for buckets and hammers. They offer simple solutions for customers, providing them what is needed without any bells or whistles.”

Jeremy Bombre, product marketing consultant at Caterpillar, adds: “The GX machines give our customers a much wider choice. They now have machines for economical daily work, so that they don’t have to waste the capabilities of a machine like, say, the 320, which is meant for high production. Apart from the easy and cheaper maintenance, the GX also provides up to 15% lower fuel consumption.”

He points out that the choice of Power and Smart modes allows operators to manage fuel consumption. While the Power mode provides full-time maximum output and productivity, the Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to conserve fuel without impacting production. Automatic Engine Control (AEC) reduces engine speed when the machine is stationary to minimise fuel consumption.

Juan Vila, Cat’s product application specialist, explains that the new excavator models benefit from the latest technical enhancements to reduce maintenance costs by up to 20% compared to the 320D2 GC and 320D2 L. Design improvements significantly extend maintenance intervals and provide easy access to consolidated filters. Hydraulic, air, and fuel filters feature increased capacity for longer life.

“Service intervals for fuel filters extend from 500 to 1,000 hours, while the new hydraulic oil filter improves filtration performance and extends replacement intervals from 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Auto warm-up expedites hydraulic warming in cold temperatures to help improve component life,” Vila says.

The new 320 GX and 323 GX excavators feature grease seals between track pins and bushings to deliver reliable undercarriage operation. Vila explains that this enables the machines to offer durable, field-proven designs with standard J-tips.

“Multiple bucket designs and capacities are available to meet contractors’ specific application need. Customers in certain regions can equip the buckets with optional Advansys tips that retain sharpness longer and can be quickly changed using a lug wrench.”

A push of a button starts the new 320 GX and 323 GX excavators. The new high-resolution, 203mm (8-in) touchscreen monitor allows operators to quickly navigate most machine settings, including joystick pattern and response. Operator ID allows operators to select power mode, joystick pattern and joystick response and restores them at login for a quick return to work.

The GX cab design reduces operator effort. Featuring a seat that adjusts to accommodate operators of all sizes, machine controls are positioned in front to eliminate twisting and turning. Standard automatic climate control improves operator comfort, while cab sealing, pressurization, and a fresh air filter work to reduce noise and improve overall air quality. Large glass and narrow cab pillars enhance visibility into the trench, and an optional rearview camera further improves visibility. Convenience features include an integrated radio, built-in USB and auxiliary port for connecting and charging devices, and a 24V DC outlet for faster charging.

The GX excavators’ keyless push-button start and Operator ID code help to prevent machine theft. Ground-level access to filters, drains, and scheduled oil sampling ports makes routine maintenance easy and safe. Handrails, serrated steps, and anti-skid surfaces with recessed bolts make getting in, out, and up the excavator trouble free. The tool/storage box, fuel door, hydraulic oil fill, and fuel drain compartment are lockable for added security.

Standard Product Link telematics improves overall GX excavator efficiency by automatically and accurately collecting machine information, including location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health — all viewable online through web and mobile applications. My.cat.com and VisionLink provide online access to Product Link data, which allows operators to make informed decisions that help increase productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve jobsite safety and security.