Cat 320 vs Komatsu PC200: The Short Version
The Cat 320 and Komatsu PC200 class are common 20-ton excavator choices for utility trenching, roadwork, basement excavation, site prep, pipe work, and mixed contractor fleets. The Cat 320 reference profile lists 172 hp net power, 49,800 lb operating weight, 22 ft digging depth, 1.56 yd3 HD bucket basis, 113 gpm main hydraulic flow, and a 91.1 gal fuel tank. The Komatsu PC200-11 profile on Heavy Equipment Hub uses a regional PC200-11 basis with 165 hp class output, 43,650 lb operating weight, 21.7 ft dig depth, 1.05 yd3 bucket basis, and a 105.7 gal fuel tank.
Side-by-Side Decision Points
| Decision Point | Cat 320 | Komatsu PC200-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Net horsepower | 172 hp reference | 165 hp class reference |
| Operating weight | 49,800 lb reference | 43,650 lb regional reference |
| Digging depth | 22.0 ft reference | 21.7 ft reference |
| Bucket basis | 1.56 yd3 HD bucket | 1.05 yd3 bucket basis |
| Fuel burn estimate | 5.2 gal/hr Heavy Equipment Hub estimate | 5.1 gal/hr Heavy Equipment Hub estimate |
When the Cat 320 Makes More Sense
The Cat 320 is often the better shortlist machine when the fleet values Cat dealer coverage, Cat Grade or Payload workflows, a heavier published reference configuration, stronger attachment ecosystem, familiar Cat service support, and a higher bucket basis for trenching or truck loading. It also makes sense when resale data in the local market strongly favors Cat.
When the Komatsu PC200 Makes More Sense
The Komatsu PC200 can be attractive when the contractor wants a lighter 20-ton class excavator, Komatsu dealer support is stronger locally, operators prefer Komatsu hydraulic feel, and the exact regional PC200 build matches transport and job requirements better than the Cat. Because PC200 names vary by market, verify the exact serial, undercarriage, bucket, boom, stick, and emissions package.
Job-Fit Comparison Table
| Decision | Cat 320 Advantage | Komatsu PC200 Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Utility trenching | Strong Cat support, grade technology options, and a heavier reference configuration. | Lighter regional setup may fit transport and softer sites better. |
| Truck loading | Higher bucket basis can help if trucks, bench height, and material support it. | Can be efficient where lighter machine weight and fuel discipline matter. |
| Used purchase | Local Cat resale and dealer history may reduce ownership risk. | Komatsu fleet familiarity or dealer proximity may lower downtime risk. |
What the Spec Sheet Does Not Decide
Compare bucket match, truck height, trench depth, dealer response time, parts availability, service history, oil samples, undercarriage condition, attachment plumbing, transport width, resale value, and financing. A cheaper machine per hour can cost more per trench foot if cycle time, downtime, or bucket match is worse.
Used Machine Inspection Notes
For either excavator, inspect more than paint and hours. Check oil samples, service invoices, undercarriage measurements, final-drive seepage, swing play, boom and stick cracks, bucket ear wear, coupler locks, auxiliary lines, cylinder rods, cooling package cleanliness, fault history, and attachment records. A lower purchase price can disappear quickly if the machine needs tracks, pins, hydraulic work, or electronic diagnostics.
Cost and Fuel Questions to Ask
Ask for actual fuel tickets or telematics when possible. Compare gallons per hour, idle percentage, bucket size, material, attachment use, annual hours, maintenance invoices, finance terms, and expected resale. If the Cat 320 loads more trucks per hour but burns slightly more fuel, it may still win. If the PC200 is easier to move and keeps busy on smaller jobs, it may carry the better ownership story.
Use the Compare Tool Before Shortlisting
Open the comparison tool and add the Cat 320, Komatsu PC200, Cat 330, and Cat 336. That shows whether the job really belongs in the 20-ton class or whether a larger excavator lowers cost per production unit.
Internal Research Path
Start with the Cat 320 specs page and Komatsu PC200 specs page, then use the equipment comparison tool. For ownership math, read Cat 320 hourly operating cost and excavator fuel burn cost per hour.
Source and Verification Notes
Cat 320 values are based on Caterpillar public product specifications. Komatsu PC200 values are based on Heavy Equipment Hub's regional PC200-11 source-checked profile. Confirm exact market, serial range, arm, boom, bucket, counterweight, track shoe width, emissions package, and attachment piping before buying, renting, hauling, or quoting production.
