Cat 336 vs Komatsu PC360LC-11: The Short Version
The Cat 336 and Komatsu PC360LC-11 sit in the large excavator conversation for contractors who need more production than a 20- to 30-ton machine but still care about transport, service support, fuel burn, attachment fit, and hourly cost. The Cat 336 reference page lists 300 hp net power, 81,100 lb operating weight, 26 ft 11 in maximum digging depth, a 2.61 yd3 HD bucket basis, and 148 gpm hydraulic flow. The Komatsu PC360LC-11 reference page lists 257 hp net power, 78,645-80,547 lb operating weight range, 0.89-2.56 yd3 bucket range, and a 159.8 gal fuel tank.
Side-by-Side Decision Points
| Spec | Cat 336 | Komatsu PC360LC-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Net horsepower | 300 hp | 257 hp |
| Operating weight | 81,100 lb | 78,645-80,547 lb range |
| Bucket basis | 2.61 yd3 HD bucket | 0.89-2.56 yd3 published range |
| Digging depth | 26 ft 11 in reference | 24 ft 3 in reference for 3,185 mm arm |
| Fuel tank | 158.5 gal | 159.8 gal |
When the Cat 336 Makes More Sense
The Cat 336 is the stronger fit when the job values higher listed horsepower, deeper reference digging depth, Cat technology ecosystem, Cat Payload/Grade options, strong dealer support, and a familiar Cat ownership workflow. It can be attractive for truck loading, production trenching, and heavy utility contractors already standardized around Cat service, fluids, telematics, or attachments.
When the Komatsu PC360LC-11 Makes More Sense
The Komatsu PC360LC-11 deserves a close look when the fleet values Komatsu hydraulic feel, Komtrax support, closed-center load-sensing hydraulics, strong bucket capacity range, and competitive ownership numbers in the local dealer territory. It is especially worth comparing where Komatsu parts, service, resale, or rental support are stronger than Cat in the operating region.
Job-Fit Comparison Table
| Decision | Cat 336 | Komatsu PC360LC-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Truck loading | Strong fit where Cat support, technology and bucket setup reduce cycle risk. | Strong fit where Komatsu service support and bucket range match the truck fleet. |
| Heavy utilities | Depth, reach, grade technology and dealer response can justify the shortlist. | Hydraulic feel, fleet familiarity and local parts support may matter more. |
| Used purchase | Resale depth can help, but inspect technology options and service history. | Condition, Komtrax history, undercarriage and regional spec package are critical. |
What the Spec Sheet Does Not Decide
Do not choose only by horsepower or operating weight. Compare dealer response time, parts availability, warranty, financing, machine history, undercarriage condition, hydraulic oil history, attachment setup, operator preference, resale data, and transport cost. The best excavator is the one that moves the target material with the right uptime, cycle time, support, and cost per production unit.
Used Machine Inspection Priorities
For either machine, ask for oil samples, service invoices, fault history, idle hours, undercarriage measurements, final-drive records, bucket and coupler condition, auxiliary plumbing, hydraulic temperature complaints, boom and stick repairs, and cooling package photos. A large excavator can look competitive in a table and still be a poor buy if the individual machine has track wear, heat history, poor records, or attachment abuse.
Cost Per Yard Questions
Ask what production unit you are trying to improve. If the job is mass excavation, compare truck match, bucket fill, swing angle, bench height, material density, and fuel per yard. If the job is deep utility work, compare trench depth, lift needs, pipe handling, trench box movement, and dealer support. The right choice is usually visible in cost per yard or cost per trench foot, not only purchase price.
Use the Compare Tool
For a live side-by-side view, open the comparison tool and add the Cat 336, Komatsu PC360LC-11, Cat 330, and Cat 320. That gives a cleaner view of how large-excavator specs step up by horsepower, operating weight, bucket basis, fuel burn estimate, and hourly cost.
Internal Research Path
Start with the Cat 336 specs page and Komatsu PC360LC-11 specs page. Then review Cat 336 operating cost and the equipment comparison tool for a broader four-machine shortlist.
Source and Verification Notes
Cat 336 values are based on Caterpillar public product specifications. Komatsu PC360LC-11 values are based on Komatsu public product specifications and regional configuration notes. Confirm exact serial range, arm, boom, bucket, counterweight, shoe width, emissions package, and attachment piping before buying, renting, hauling, or quoting production.
