Cat 345 Large excavators tech specs

Overview

The Cat 345 (2002–2005) is a large-class production excavator designed for continuous heavy digging. With a CAT 3176C ATAAC pushing 257 kW, 2.5 cu m bucket capacity, and nearly 49,000 kg operating weight, it targets quarry loading, mass excavation, and infrastructure where stability and breakout matter more than compact-site agility.

Key Features Highlight

• 48.96-ton class for bulk material movement
• 235 kN bucket digging force, 198 kN arm crowding force
• 720 LPM hydraulic flow for sustained loading cycles
• 8.6 rpm swing tuned for controlled truck loading
• 7.2 m max digging depth, 11.29 m reach
• 331 kN drawbar pull for tough underfoot conditions
• Large onboard fluids: 720 L fuel, 520 L hydraulic oil

Pros High digging forces, massive hydraulic flow, stable platform for truck loading.

Cons Fuel-heavy in light work, oversized for tight urban sites.

Efficiency

The 345 is built for sustained production, not stop-start finesse. Its 720 LPM hydraulic capacity keeps attachments responsive under load, while the 8.6 rpm swing favors controlled, repeatable truck loading over rapid cycling.

In Cabin

Operator environment is straightforward and industrial. Visibility to the bucket and working area is solid, controls are direct, and long shifts are manageable.

In Comparison

• Cat 349: heavier and more powerful for extreme production.
• Komatsu PC400: similar class with smoother hydraulics on some setups.
• Cat 345: balanced middle ground with strong digging forces.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Cat 345 fits quarry and infrastructure work in the AED 187,500–420,000 range.