Caterpillar 311B
Caterpillarexcavator

Caterpillar 311B

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar 311B is a mid-size hydraulic crawler excavator in roughly the 11.1 to 12.6 metric ton (24,500 to 27,700 lb) class, with exact operating weight depending on the boom/stick configuration, counterweight, and undercarriage fitted. It runs a Cat 3064T inline four-cylinder, turbocharged, mechanically injected diesel rated at about 59 kW (79 hp) net and 63 kW (85 hp) gross. Caterpillar built the 311B from the late 1990s into the early 2000s as the direct successor to the original 311 (built 1994-1997), and it was later replaced by the 311C generation. Buyers could order three boom-and-stick combinations for different reach and digging-depth targets, a choice of steel-shoe or rubber-pad track undercarriage, and buckets from about 0.38 to 0.84 cubic meters (0.5 to 1.1 cubic yards) depending on the job.

Over the original 311, the B-series added a turbocharged version of the 3064 engine for more usable power while keeping the same mechanical fuel system and simple, non-electronic controls that make the platform straightforward to diagnose and repair in the field. The follow-on 311C moved to a different engine generation and an updated cab and control layout, so the 311B marks the last of Cat's small-excavator line before that transition. Today the 311B shows up mainly in the used and rental market: it is inexpensive to buy, its engine and hydraulic components are well understood by independent shops, and undercarriage, hydraulic, and engine wear parts stay in circulation because the same drivetrain family carried into other compact Cat models. That keeps older 311B units working on utility, landscaping, and site-prep jobs where a low-cost, mechanically simple excavator with solid parts support outweighs the lack of modern emissions controls or electronic diagnostics.

Below: full specifications, fluids & capacities, the factory service schedule, common service parts, verified fault codes, what owners discuss, attachment guidance, the complete assembly directory, and a serial-number reference. Complete parts lists with full OEM part numbers, exploded diagrams, quantities, and fitment data are available free in Heavy Parts AI.

Caterpillar 311B specifications

Engine

Engine modelCat 3064T, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel
Gross power63.4 kW (85 hp) @ 1800 rpm
Net power58.9-59.0 kW (79 hp) @ 1800 rpm
Displacement4.2 L (259 cu in)
Bore x stroke101.6 x 129.6 mm (4.0 x 5.1 in)
Emissions tierNot documented in available spec sheets for this build era - verify with your dealer

Weights

Operating weightVaries by boom/stick configuration: roughly 11,125-12,555 kg (24,527-27,680 lb)
Ground pressure38 kPa (5.5 psi) with standard 500 mm (19.7 in) track shoes
Transport weightNot separately published - use operating weight for transport/permit planning, confirm exact configuration weight with your dealer

Dimensions

Transport lengthApprox. 7.26 m (23.8 ft), varies slightly by boom/stick option
Transport width (over tracks)2.49 m (8.2 ft)
Transport height (to cab top)2.76 m (9.1 ft)
Tail swing radius2.13 m (7.0 ft)
Track shoe width500 mm (19.7 in), standard
Ground clearance0.44-0.46 m (1.45-1.5 ft)
Undercarriage length (track on ground)2.61 m (8.6 ft)
Track gauge1.99 m (6.5 ft)

Performance

Max dig depth4.7-5.6 m (15.6-18.4 ft), varies by boom/stick configuration
Max reach at ground level7.3-8.1 m (23.9-26.6 ft), varies by boom/stick configuration
Max dump/loading height5.3-5.8 m (17.4-19.0 ft), varies by boom/stick configuration
Max cutting height7.7-8.1 m (25.1-26.7 ft), varies by boom/stick configuration
Swing speed10.8 rpm
Travel speed5.5 km/h (3.4 mph)
GradeabilityNot documented in available spec sheets - verify with your dealer
Drawbar pull92.2 kN (20,720 lbf)
Swing torque30,400 Nm (22,422 lbf-ft)
Hydraulic pump flow216 L/min (57.1 gal/min)
Hydraulic relief valve pressure34,336 kPa (4,980 psi)

Forces

Bucket digging force50-53 kN (11,240-11,915 lbf), figures vary slightly by source/configuration
Stick/arm digging forceNot documented in available spec sheets - verify with your dealer

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank250 L (66 gal)
Hydraulic system, total157 L (41.5 gal)
Engine oil12.9-13.0 L (3.4-3.5 gal)
Cooling system15.5-15.6 L (4.1 gal)

Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.

311B fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)12.9 L (3.4 US gal)Cat DEO Diesel Engine Oil. Use SAE 15W-40 above -9.5°C (15°F); switch to SAE 10W-30 below that ambient. Meets API CI-4/CH-4/SL performance level.
Cooling system15.6 L (4.1 US gal)Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) or Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant), mixed per Cat's water/glycol ratio. Any coolant used must meet Cat's EC-1 specification (nitrited, OAT-type, low-silicate). Older Cat DEAC is the conventional green option; ELC is the long-service alternative.
Fuel tank249.9 L (66 US gal)No. 2-D diesel fuel meeting Cat's fuel specification. Use winterized/blended fuel in cold ambient to prevent gelling; keep biodiesel blend content within Cat's published limit for this engine.
Hydraulic system total / hydraulic tankTotal system (incl. tank): 157.1 L (41.5 US gal). Tank alone: 98.1 L (25.9 US gal).Cat HYDO hydraulic oil preferred, graded SAE 10W, 20W, or 30 by ambient temperature; Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil) is an accepted alternate where a single fluid is wanted across hydraulics and drivetrain. Match viscosity grade to seasonal ambient per Cat's fluid recommendation chart.
Final drive (each side)2.7 L (0.7 US gal) per sideCat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil), SAE 10W, 30, or 50 selected by ambient temperature range.
Swing drive2.9 L (0.8 US gal)Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil), same viscosity-by-climate selection as the final drives.
Pilot/other circuitsNot separately listed — pilot/servo circuit draws from the main hydraulic tank, no standalone refill figure published.Same fluid as the main hydraulic system (Cat HYDO or Cat TDTO, matched by viscosity to ambient temperature).
Grease (spec only)Spec only — no reservoir capacity; applied at grease fittings per lube schedule.Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease (NLGI 1 or 2, factory-fill standard) for pin and linkage points across -20° to 40°C (-4° to 104°F). Cat Extreme Application Grease is the upgrade option for heavier-load, higher-temperature duty cycles.

Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.

Caterpillar 311B maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Check engine oil level before starting and look for leaks around the pan, turbo, and lines.
  • Check coolant level in the recovery tank and inspect hoses and clamps for seepage.
  • Check hydraulic tank oil level with the boom, stick, and bucket cylinders retracted.
  • Grease boom, stick, and bucket linkage pins; grease more often in wet or dusty conditions.
  • Walk around the machine to check undercarriage, track tension, and structure for damage or cracks.
  • Drain water and sediment from the fuel/water separator.
Every 250 h
  • Change engine oil and replace the engine oil filter on the 3064T diesel.
  • Replace the primary engine fuel filter element.
  • Check swing drive gear oil level and top off with the specified gear oil.
  • Inspect and adjust fan and alternator belt tension.
  • Pull engine and hydraulic oil samples for fluid analysis.
Every 500 h
  • Replace the hydraulic system return filter element.
  • Check final drive gear oil level in both travel motors.
  • Replace the secondary fuel filter/water separator element.
  • Clean radiator, engine oil cooler, and hydraulic oil cooler cores of debris.
  • Inspect and re-torque track shoe bolts and undercarriage fasteners.
Every 1,000 h
  • Change swing drive gear oil.
  • Check and adjust track sag on both sides; inspect rollers and idlers for wear.
  • Inspect turbocharger mounting and boost lines for leaks.
  • Test coolant condition and additive concentration; add extender as needed.
  • Replace the hydraulic tank breather/cap filter element.
Every 2,000 h
  • Change final drive gear oil in both travel motors.
  • Change the full hydraulic system oil charge and clean the suction strainer.
  • Change swing drive gear oil again as part of the recurring cycle.
  • Check swing bearing bolt torque and bearing play.
  • Inspect boom, stick, and bucket pins and bushings for wear; rebuild worn bores as needed.
Every 4,000 h
  • Inspect the swing motor and swing reduction gear set; rebuild if backlash or leakage is excessive.
  • Inspect travel motor and final drive internals for gear and bearing wear.
  • Check main hydraulic pump output and pressure, and inspect cylinders for seal drift.
  • Rebuild worn boom, stick, and bucket linkage with new pins and bushings.
Every 6,000 h
  • Replace coolant (or extended-life coolant/extender) and flush the cooling system.
  • Schedule a top-end engine inspection covering injectors, turbocharger cartridge, and valve lash on the 3064T.
  • Evaluate undercarriage wear (chain, sprockets, rollers, idlers) for rebuild versus replacement.
  • Perform a full machine condition assessment to plan major overhaul work on the engine, hydraulics, and structure.

Servicing the 311B beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

Pull engine, hydraulic, swing drive, and final drive oil samples on the 3064T's service schedule (roughly every 250 hours) and track trends rather than one-off results. Because this engine uses mechanical injection with no exhaust aftertreatment, fuel and coolant contamination shows up early as injector wear and cylinder blow-by in oil analysis. Watch hydraulic oil for water intrusion around cylinder rod seals and for metal fines that signal main pump wear. Catching a rising iron trend in final drive samples before failure avoids replacing planetary gear sets.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Weak or drifting final drives and worn swing gear are common complaints on high-hour 311B units; check travel motor gear oil condition and swing bearing bolt torque before assuming a pump or motor has failed. Track sag, worn idlers, and stretched rubber pads or steel links are routine on machines run over rock or demolition debris. Boom, stick, and bucket pin/bushing wear shows up as play at the joints and uneven bucket digging; bushing replacement is cheaper than letting worn pins score the boss bores.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Major rebuild points on the 311B center on the hydraulic pump and cylinders, swing motor/reduction gear, and the two travel final drives; all three see heavy load cycling in trenching and grading work. Reseal cylinders showing rod-seal weep or drift before pins and bushings wear further from misalignment. A full undercarriage rebuild (chains, rollers, idlers, sprockets) is typically due around the same wear point as a hydraulic pump overhaul on machines worked in abrasive soil. Budget the mechanically simple 3064T for injector and turbocharger reconditioning rather than a full swap.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Cold-weather starts on the 3064T's mechanical fuel system depend on glow plug/ether-start condition and correct-viscosity engine and hydraulic oil; switch to a lighter-grade hydraulic oil and check block heater function before winter. In hot, dusty environments, clean the radiator, hydraulic oil cooler, and air filter more often than the standard interval to prevent overheating and accelerated air filter loading. Wet or muddy sites call for more frequent undercarriage washouts and pin greasing since packed mud accelerates track and bushing wear on this compact excavator's chassis.

311B fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
ECM switch — OFF / backup positionThe machine's electronic (pump/power) controller is manually disabled and the machine is running in mechanical backup mode.Operator moved the ECM switch on the right-hand console to OFF, or the controller was disabled to trace a suspected electronic fault; in this state the dash display also shuts off and pump power is limited.Confirm switch position first on any electronic-control complaint. Return the switch to ON for normal pump-power control and dash operation; if faults persist with the switch ON, check the controller's wiring and connections.
MID 122 – CID 0168 – FMI 00System (charging) voltage reported outside its normal range by the machine's electronic control/telematics module.Failing alternator or voltage regulator, damaged wiring harness conductor feeding the module, or a weak/loose battery connection; not every 311B carries this module — it applies only to units fitted with the optional electronic controller/telematics unit.Run the engine at high idle for several minutes and check system voltage at the module connector against the normal range; repair the charging circuit or harness if out of range, otherwise clear the code with Cat ET and confirm it does not return.
Low Engine Oil Pressure warning lamp (red)Engine oil pressure has dropped below the monitored safe threshold.Low oil level, failing oil pump, clogged oil filter, worn bearings, or a faulty oil pressure sender/switch.Shut the engine down immediately. Check oil level and filter condition, inspect for leaks, and verify the pressure sender before restarting.
Engine Coolant Temperature warning lamp (red) / gauge in high zoneEngine coolant temperature is above normal operating range.Low coolant level, blocked radiator core or debris screen, slipping or broken fan belt, stuck thermostat, or a faulty coolant temperature sender.Reduce load and let the engine idle down to cool. Check coolant level, clean the radiator core, inspect the belt and thermostat, and verify the sender before resuming full work.
Hydraulic Oil Temperature gauge in high zoneHydraulic system oil temperature is above normal operating range.Low hydraulic oil level, a clogged or restricted oil cooler, a worn pump generating excess internal heat, a stuck relief valve, or sustained heavy-duty work in high ambient temperatures.Reduce workload or idle the machine to allow cooling. Check hydraulic oil level, inspect the cooler for blockage, and check relief valve operation before returning to full duty.
Charging system / alternator warning lamp (red)Battery charging circuit voltage is outside normal operating range.Failed alternator, loose or worn drive belt, bad voltage regulator, corroded battery terminals, or a wiring fault in the charging circuit.Check belt tension and condition, test alternator output, and inspect battery terminals and wiring before replacing any charging-system component.

Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.

311B attachments & work tools

Buckets

Factory general-duty (GD) buckets for the 311B's size class range roughly 0.35–0.78 m³ (0.46–1.02 yd³) across 600–1200 mm (24–48 in) widths. Heavy-duty (HD) and severe-duty (SD) rock buckets run slightly less capacity at the same width because of thicker wear plates, typically about 0.31–0.65 m³ at 600–1050 mm widths — varies by configuration and ground-engaging tooth setup. Bucket pin diameter is 65 mm, and buckets are offered pin-on or hinged for a pin-grabber quick coupler.

Hydraulic hammers

The 311B's roughly 11–11.5 t operating class lines up with the smallest Cat performance-hammer size, the H110-class breaker: about 950–1080 kg (2,090–2,376 lb) service weight, 100 mm (4 in) tool diameter, 2,712 J (2,000 ft-lb) energy class, rated for carriers of 11–18 t. Hydraulic demand for that class is 60–120 L/min (16–32 gal/min) at 13,000–16,000 kPa (1,885–2,320 psi), matching a standard medium-pressure attachment circuit; the next size up, the H115-class breaker (12–20 t carrier range), also suits the upper end of this machine's weight.

Quick couplers

Pin-grabber couplers sized for this excavator class pick up any standard-pin bucket or work tool with no modification, using a spring-loaded redundant lock so the tool stays secured if hydraulic pressure is lost. A dedicated hook-style coupler (manual or hydraulic-actuated) is also offered as an alternative, mainly for hammers, compactors and multi-processors. The exact linkage-family designation for the 311B isn't consistent across sources — verify against the machine's actual stick and pin dimensions before ordering.

Thumbs/grapples

Pin-on mechanical (stiff-link) thumbs and stick-face-mounted hydraulic utility thumbs are used on this class; progressive-tooth thumb kits sized for roughly 750 mm (30 in) buckets are built specifically for the 311/312/314 family in pin-on style. Rock and demolition grapples matched to the 311B's 65 mm pin diameter and 225 mm ear spacing run about 750–800 mm (30–32 in) wide in the roughly 700 kg (1,500 lb) class; confirm exact pin and ear-spacing fitment before ordering, since grapple hinge dimensions vary by manufacturer.

Rippers

Single-tooth rippers built to the 65 mm pin diameter and 225 mm ear spacing shared by the 311/311B/312/312B/313/314 linkage family are available for light scarifying and ripping duty. Factory Cat ripper work tools are generally cataloged starting at the larger 315 size class and up, so ripper coverage at 311B scale is mainly a pin-matched aftermarket offering rather than a factory Cat model.

Hydraulic-kit notes

The 311B's auxiliary/attachment circuit draws off the same variable-displacement piston pumps that serve the boom, stick, swing and travel circuits, with a factory hammer-mode pressure switch and boom-priority control logic for one-way tools such as breakers. This standard medium-pressure circuit covers hammer-class tools up to H110/H115 class without needing a high-flow kit. Two-way flow for a rotating thumb, grapple, or tilt bucket is typically added through a factory- or dealer-installed auxiliary hydraulic kit rather than being standard equipment; no dedicated high-flow (mulcher-class) circuit is documented for this machine.

All 311B assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 311B. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Excavator
Base Frame Assembly
Carrier Roller Group
Fastener Group
Final Drive Group
Front Idler Group
Motor Cover
Motor Group
Relief Valve Group
Roller Arrangement--Track & Carrier
Sprocket Group
Swivel
Swivel Guard
Track 700mm Triple Grouser Shoe
Track 800mm Apex Shoe
Track 800mm Triple Grouser Shoe
Track 900mm Apex Shoe
Track 900mm Triple Grouser Shoe
Track Adjuster & Recoil Group
Track Guide Guard Group
Track Motor Piping
Track Roller Group
Under Carriage Frame Assembly

311B serial number reference

The PIN/serial plate is a riveted metal tag on the machine frame, most commonly on the right-hand exterior of the operator's cab below the window; older machines can carry a second plate inside the cab near the operator's right foot or seat base. Read the first three characters as the serial prefix (letters and numbers) and the remaining digits as the sequence number, e.g. 8GR00001 and up.

PrefixIdentifies
2LS311B standard/export configuration
8GR311B standard/export configuration
8HR311B Japan-domestic-market configuration
9MR311B standard/export configuration
2MS311B configuration

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar 311B use?

The 311B is powered by a Cat 3064T inline four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine rated at about 59 kW (79 hp) net and 63 kW (85 hp) gross. It uses a mechanical, non-electronic fuel injection system typical of Caterpillar's small excavators from this era.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar 311B?

Operating weight runs roughly 11.1 to 12.6 metric tons (about 24,500 to 27,700 lb), varying by boom/stick configuration, counterweight, and undercarriage. Most standard-configuration references cite a working weight near 12.6 t (27,680 lb).

What replaced the Caterpillar 311B?

Caterpillar replaced the 311B with the 311C, which moved to a newer engine generation along with an updated cab and control layout. The 311B itself had succeeded the original 311 (built 1994-1997), making it the middle generation in Cat's small hydraulic excavator line before the C-series update.

What 311B owners discuss

What engine powers the Cat 311B, and is it considered a dependable unit?
The 311B line runs the Cat 3064T, a 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel of roughly 4.2 L (259 cu in) displacement, rated around 59 kW (79 hp) net and 63 kW (85 hp) gross at 1800 rpm — the same engine family cross-referenced to the 312B. It predates modern emissions electronics and is mechanically governed, so owners generally describe the base engine as straightforward and low-drama on clean fuel and regular oil service. The turbo is the part to watch: it depends on steady, clean oil pressure, and even a brief interruption at startup or shutdown can wipe the bearings. Let the engine idle briefly before shutdown rather than killing it under load. If you hear a rising whine or feel play at the compressor wheel, have your dealer verify turbo bearing condition before it fails and drops metal into the intake.
Why do the boom, stick, and bucket slow down after the machine has been working a while, while travel and swing stay normal?
This heat-soak pattern is a recurring complaint on the 311B: implement functions bog down once the hydraulic oil temperature gauge climbs into the mid range, then loosen back up if the operator keeps working through it. Owners trace it to restricted cooling or flow rather than a failing pump — mud or debris packed between the hydraulic oil cooler and the radiator core is a frequent cause, along with a loaded case-drain filter or a clogged inlet strainer on the implement valve. Pull and clean both faces of the cooler pack and check the filters before condemning the pump or valve bank.
The swing hesitates for several seconds before it starts turning, or the brake seems to grab mid-swing. What causes that?
This is a known swing-brake complaint on this size of Cat excavator, and it tends to show up worse once the hydraulic oil is hot. The swing brake is spring-applied and hydraulically released, so anything that blocks release pressure — a sticking brake solenoid, a wiring fault, or contamination holding the solenoid open — can leave the brake dragging or let it reapply while the machine is still turning. Most cabs have a swing-brake override switch on the right console for diagnosis, and running the machine in backup/manual mode will show whether the fault is electrical or in the valve itself. Because an uncommanded brake application mid-swing is a control and pinch-point hazard, have your dealer verify the swing brake solenoid and wiring before returning the machine to normal duty.
One track seems to pull noticeably weaker than the other, or travel feels weak overall. What's the usual cause on a 311B?
Weak final drive or travel complaints on this machine more often point to the travel circuit than a worn-out motor. A relief valve stuck open — from trapped contamination or a broken spring — lets pressure bypass instead of doing work, and a loaded case-drain filter or plugged inlet strainer on the travel valve produces the same symptom. Tracks adjusted too tight add drag that can mimic a weak motor as well. Check strainers, the case-drain filter, and track tension before pulling a final drive apart. Because an unbalanced or weak final drive affects steering and braking on grade, have your dealer verify travel motor and relief-valve condition if the symptom persists after basic checks.
What undercarriage wear pattern should I expect on a 311B, and how do owners manage it?
As with most excavators in this weight class, the end (front and rear) track rollers wear faster than the center rollers because they see more load reversal as the machine travels and works off the pile. A common field practice when one roller fails is to measure all rollers on that side, move the least-worn survivor into the failed position, and fit a new roller only where needed — saving a full undercarriage rebuild for when wear is generalized across the chain. Idlers and sprockets on a 311B this age should be inspected alongside the rollers, since sprocket tooth wear and lower roller wear typically progress together.
The dash lights up and the startup alarm sounds, but nothing happens when the key is turned to crank. Where do owners look first?
This points to the battery relay/starter relay bank rather than the starter itself — dash lights and the alarm working confirm main battery power is present, but a poor ground at a relay connector, or a relay that has failed internally, will stop the crank signal from reaching the starter solenoid. The practical fix is checking grounds at the relay bank connectors and swapping relays one at a time with a known-good spare to isolate the faulty one, rather than jumping straight to a starter replacement.
What should I check before buying a used Cat 311B?
Beyond hour meter and service records: cycle every hydraulic function (boom, stick, bucket, swing, travel) from a cold start through a full warm-up and watch for the slowdown pattern common on this machine as oil temperature climbs — a heat-soak drop-off points to a cooler or filter problem, not necessarily a bad pump. Confirm the swing brake releases promptly and doesn't grab mid-swing. Walk both sides of the undercarriage and compare end-roller wear to center-roller wear; heavy, uneven wear signals a rebuild is coming. Check both final drives for equal pulling power and look for case-drain or seal leaks. Listen for turbo whine and, if accessible, feel for shaft play at the compressor wheel — the turbo is the highest failure-risk item on this engine. Sump the fuel tank and check for sediment or water; a plugged tank sump drain is common on machines that sat idle. Verify all instrument gauges and the two-speed travel indicator respond correctly when commanded, since solenoid and wiring faults in these circuits are a recurring repair item on this model. Have your dealer run a full pre-purchase hydraulic and undercarriage inspection before you commit.

Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.

Need a specific 311B part?

Search live OEM part data, check fitment, and cross-reference alternatives with Heavy Parts AI.