Komatsu PC360LC-11 vs Cat 336: The Short Version
The Komatsu PC360LC-11 and Cat 336 are both serious 36-ton class excavator candidates for production digging, utility trenching, truck loading, and heavy site work. The Komatsu page lists 257 hp net power, 78,645-80,547 lb operating weight range, 0.89-2.56 yd3 bucket capacity range, and a 159.8 gal fuel tank. The Cat 336 reference profile lists 300 hp net power, 81,100 lb operating weight, 26 ft 11 in maximum digging depth, 2.61 yd3 HD bucket basis, and a 158.5 gal fuel tank.
The better buyer question is not simply which spec is larger. A 36-ton excavator decision should compare production target, truck match, trench depth, reach, hydraulic attachments, dealer response, resale, transport and cost per bank cubic yard. Two machines can be close on paper and still perform differently in a specific fleet.
Side-by-Side Decision Points
| Decision Point | Komatsu PC360LC-11 | Cat 336 |
|---|---|---|
| Net horsepower | 257 hp | 300 hp |
| Operating weight | 78,645-80,547 lb published range | 81,100 lb reference |
| Bucket basis | 0.89-2.56 yd3 published range | 2.61 yd3 HD bucket basis |
| Digging depth | 24 ft 3 in reference with 3,185 mm arm | 26 ft 11 in reference |
| Fuel tank | 159.8 gal | 158.5 gal |
| Planning fuel burn | 8.1 gal/hr Heavy Equipment Hub estimate | 8.7 gal/hr Heavy Equipment Hub estimate |
Production Fit Comes Before Brand Preference
Start with the work that will pay for the machine. For truck loading, match bucket size, swing angle, bench height, truck count and cycle time. For utilities, compare trench depth, reach, pipe lift needs, trench box handling and space around traffic control. For site development, compare grading support, attachment use, fuel burn, transport cost and dealer field response. A spec advantage that does not improve the actual job should not carry the decision.
If possible, demo both machines with the same bucket class and operator on the same material. Record cycles per truck, fuel used, hydraulic temperature, operator comments, idle time and any faults or warnings. A short demo with clean notes is more valuable than a long debate over brochure numbers.
When the PC360LC-11 Makes More Sense
The Komatsu PC360LC-11 is the cleaner choice when your fleet already trusts Komatsu dealer response, technicians prefer Komatsu diagnostics, operators like the CLSS hydraulic feel, Komtrax data fits your maintenance workflow, and the local parts channel is strong. It is also worth favoring when purchase price, warranty, service agreement, and expected resale create a better full-cycle ownership number than the Cat option.
It may also fit contractors who value Komatsu service history, existing technician familiarity and a lower planning fuel burn assumption in their own records. The machine should still be checked against the exact arm, bucket, shoe width, counterweight, guarding and hydraulic piping because those details affect weight, reach, lift and attachment performance.
When the Cat 336 Makes More Sense
The Cat 336 becomes compelling when the job values higher listed horsepower, deeper reference digging depth, Cat technology options, Cat dealer coverage, Cat attachment support, and strong resale in your market. A Cat-heavy fleet may also gain value from shared fluids, tooling, technician familiarity, and existing preventive-maintenance workflows.
Cat can also be the easier decision when local resale demand is strong, the fleet already uses Cat telematics and technicians have Cat diagnostic tooling. That does not remove the need to price the exact machine. Bucket package, grade technology, coupler, thumb, auxiliary hydraulics, service agreement and warranty can move the ownership math more than the base model name.
Decision Table for Common Buyers
| Buyer Situation | What to Compare | Winning Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Truck-loading contractor | Bucket match, cycle time, fuel per truck, bench setup and dealer uptime. | Lowest cost per loaded truck, not lowest purchase price. |
| Utility contractor | Dig depth, lift at radius, trench box handling, coupler and attachment control. | Safe production in the actual trench setup. |
| Mixed fleet owner | Shared parts, technician familiarity, telematics, resale and service contract terms. | Full-cycle ownership cost with predictable support. |
How to Compare Them Like a Buyer
Run both machines against the same trench depth, bucket class, truck target, soil type, haul plan, fuel price, operator skill, and attachment package. Then compare cost per production unit, not only cost per hour. Ask both dealers for warranty terms, parts stocking, PM kit pricing, hydraulic oil sample process, telematics access, field technician response time, and buyback or resale guidance.
Transport should be checked before the purchase order. Confirm trailer capacity, permit rules, bucket removal, counterweight configuration, shoe width, height, chains, binders and route limits. A larger excavator that improves production can still lose profit if mobilization is slow, expensive or limited to a smaller pool of drivers.
Questions to Ask Both Dealers
- Which exact boom, arm, counterweight, shoe width, bucket and coupler are included in the quote?
- What are the PM kit prices, normal filter availability and field technician response expectations?
- How are telematics, fault codes, oil sampling and warranty claims handled for this serial range?
- What attachment flow, pressure, return routing and case drain options are installed?
- What resale or buyback assumptions are realistic in the local market after three to five years?
Use the Compare Tool Before Shortlisting
Open the comparison tool and add the PC360LC-11, Cat 336, Cat 330, and Cat 320. That gives a useful spread across 20-ton, 30-ton, and 36-ton excavator classes so you can see when the extra size is worth the transport and ownership cost.
For a more focused shortlist, compare this page with Komatsu PC360LC-11 specs, Cat 336 specs, the excavator category hub, and Cat 336 operating cost per hour. The goal is to connect specs, cost and job fit before the dealer quote becomes the only decision tool.
Source and Verification Notes
Komatsu values are based on public PC360LC-11 product specifications. Cat 336 values are based on Caterpillar public product specifications already recorded in the Heavy Equipment Hub equipment profile. Confirm serial range, arm, boom, bucket, counterweight, shoe width, emissions package, and attachment piping before buying, renting, hauling, or quoting production.
