Cat M318 Wheel excavators tech specs

Overview

The Cat M318 (M318D) (2011–2021) is a 17.5-ton wheel excavator aimed at contractors, municipalities, and utility teams that need full-size digging performance with better road mobility than a crawler excavator. Its 130 kilowatt Cat C6.6 ACERT engine, 0.91 cubic meter bucket, 6.36 m digging depth, and 9.6 m reach make it suitable for drainage, utility installation, road maintenance, loading, trenching, and urban excavation.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 130 kilowatt Cat C6.6 ACERT engine supports a hydraulic pump flow of 290 liters per minute at a relief pressure of 350 bar. Its 126 kN bucket digging force and 102 kN arm crowding force provide strong breakout performance for trenching, loading, and compacted ground, while the 9.8 rpm swing speed supports steady excavation cycles. A 99 kN drawbar pull and 25-degree gradeability help the machine work across sloped sites, while the 37 kph travel speed is a major advantage for road and municipal work.

In Comparison

Volvo EW160: A close alternative in the same road-mobile excavator class, suited to utility, municipal, and general construction work.
Cat M318: Provides a 9.6 m digging reach, 126 kN bucket force, and 37 kph travel speed for buyers who need strong excavation output with practical road mobility.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Cat M318 is a capable wheel excavator within the AED 180,000–400,000 range. Its strong hydraulic system, 0.91 cubic meter bucket, long digging reach, and high road speed make it a practical choice for roadworks, utilities, drainage, and urban excavation.