Caterpillar 320B S
Caterpillarexcavator

Caterpillar 320B S

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Caterpillar 320B S is a severe-duty configuration of the 320B medium hydraulic excavator class, built with a reinforced, narrower-gauge undercarriage for demanding underfoot conditions such as mountainous or mining terrain. It carries the Cat 3116T turbocharged diesel, a mechanically governed inline-six of 6.6 L (402.8 cu in) displacement rated around 95.5 kW (128 hp), controlled by an electronic speed-control actuator rather than a full engine ECM. Operating weight runs about 22.5 t (49,670 lb), heavier than the base 320B's roughly 20.6 t due to the added undercarriage reinforcement, with a narrower track gauge of about 1.92 m (6.24 ft) versus roughly 2.2 m on the standard machine. The 320B S was built through the 1990s as part of Cat's 320B family, which followed the original 320/320 L excavators and was itself succeeded by the 320C generation. Cat offered the base 320B chassis in several undercarriage and frame configurations for different jobs: standard, L (long), LL, LN (long/narrow), N (narrow), and S (severe-duty reinforced), each suited to different ground conditions and lift requirements.

Across the 320B lineage, the letter suffixes mark undercarriage and frame changes more than powertrain changes. The S variant's main difference from a standard 320B is its reinforced frame and narrower track gauge for tougher ground, not a different design philosophy, though in practice Cat paired it with the 3116T rather than the 3066T used across the rest of the 320B family. The next-generation 320C moved the whole line to updated cooling and electronics, and later 320D, E, F, GC, and Next Gen generations shifted to electronic, common-rail fuel systems under Tier emissions rules. That makes the 320B S a pre-electronic, pre-emissions machine: mechanically simple, no ECM fault codes, and serviceable without a diagnostic laptop. On the used and parts market today, that simplicity plus shared undercarriage and drivetrain components across the 320B family keep demand steady for used and aftermarket parts, particularly undercarriage, hydraulic, and mechanical fuel-system components, on machines still working in regions without strict emissions enforcement.

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 320B S specifications

Engine

Engine modelCat 3116T turbocharged diesel, inline-6
Rated power95.5 kW (128 hp) — spec sheets label this figure inconsistently as gross vs. net; treat as the machine's single published rating
Displacement6.6 L (402.8 cu in / 6,600 cc)
Cylinders6, inline
Emissions tierPredates EPA/EU nonroad emissions-tier regulation (pre-Tier, 1990s production)

Weights

Operating weight (S severe-duty undercarriage)approx. 22,530 kg (49,670 lb) — heavier than the standard 320B due to the S model's reinforced, narrow-gauge undercarriage
Ground pressureNot documented in available spec sheets for this configuration — verify with your dealer
Transport weightNot separately published; operating weight is the standard shipping reference figure

Dimensions

Height to top of cab3.11 m (10 ft 2 in)
Width over tracks (narrow transport gauge)2.50 m (8 ft 2 in)
Tail swing radius2.77 m (9 ft 1 in)
Track shoe width551 mm (21.7 in), standard grouser shoe
Track gauge1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Length of track on ground3.51 m (11 ft 6 in)
Ground clearanceapprox. 0.49–0.52 m (1 ft 7 in–1 ft 8 in), minor variance across spec sheets
Transport length/width (overall shipping dimensions)Not separately documented for this configuration; track-on-ground length and transport width above are the closest published figures

Performance

Max digging depth6.49 m (21 ft 3 in) on the recorded boom/stick configuration
Max reach at ground level9.68 m (31 ft 9 in) on the recorded boom/stick configuration
Max cutting height9.47 m (31 ft 1 in) on the recorded boom/stick configuration
Max vertical wall digging depth5.48 m (18 ft 0 in) on the recorded boom/stick configuration
Max dump heightNot separately documented — cutting height figure above is the closest published reach dimension
Swing speedNot documented in available spec sheets — verify with your dealer
Max travel speedapprox. 5.5–5.6 km/h (3.4–3.5 mph), minor variance across spec sheets
GradeabilityNot documented in available spec sheets for this configuration — verify with your dealer
Drawbar pull177 kN (39,800 lbf / 18,053 kgf)

Forces

Bucket digging forceNot documented for this configuration in available spec sheets — verify with your dealer
Stick digging forceNot documented for this configuration in available spec sheets — verify with your dealer

Service capacities (summary)

Fuel tank290 L (76.7 gal)
Hydraulic systemPump flow capacity 370 L/min (97.8 gpm) at 34.3 MPa (4,980 psi) relief pressure; hydraulic tank capacity not separately documented
Engine oilNot documented in available spec sheets — verify with your dealer
Cooling systemNot documented in available spec sheets — verify with your dealer

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

320B S fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with filter)approx. 19.3–20.5 L (5.1–5.5 US gal)Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil), multigrade diesel engine oil. Viscosity by ambient temperature per the Cat chart: SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 in temperate range, dropping to 0W-20/0W-30 in sub-zero cold-start conditions.
Cooling systemapprox. 25 L (6.6 US gal)Cat coolant/antifreeze meeting Cat EC-1 spec — factory-era fill is Cat DEAC (conventional, requires supplemental coolant additive on interval); Cat ELC (extended-life, no SCA needed) is the accepted long-life alternative for refill.
Fuel tankapprox. 340–341 L (89.9–90 US gal)No. 2-D diesel fuel meeting ASTM D975 (or equivalent EN 590), minimum cetane number 40. No. 1-D or a winter blend recommended below freezing to prevent fuel waxing.
Hydraulic system total (including tank)approx. 219.5–220 L (58 US gal)Cat HYDO (multigrade hydraulic oil) as first choice; Cat TDTO is an accepted second-choice fluid in this system. Viscosity by climate: SAE 10W in cold ambient temperatures, SAE 30 (or 10W-30) in temperate-to-hot conditions.
Hydraulic tank (reservoir only)Not published as a separate figure — the OMM's Service Refill Capacities table lists only the combined "hydraulic system including tank" figure above for this familySame fluid as hydraulic system total (Cat HYDO, second choice Cat TDTO).
Final drive (each)approx. 9.8 L (2.6 US gal) per sideCat TDTO (TO-4 drivetrain oil) — historically the factory spec for final drive and swing-drive compartments on this era of machine. Viscosity SAE 10W, 30, or 50 selected by ambient temperature per the Cat chart.
Swing driveapprox. 6.0–6.1 L (1.6 US gal)Cat TDTO (TO-4 drivetrain oil), same viscosity-by-temperature selection as the final drives.
Grease (all lubrication points)Spec only — no reservoir capacity appliesCat Multipurpose Grease (MPGM), NLGI grade 2 for normal ambient temperatures; NLGI grade 1 or 0 recommended in sustained sub-zero cold climates.

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

Caterpillar 320B S maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Check engine oil level and coolant level before starting.
  • Check hydraulic oil level and look for leaks around the pump, cylinders, and hose fittings.
  • Drain water and sediment from the fuel/water separator.
  • Grease boom, stick, and bucket linkage pins (daily during the first 100 hours, weekly after).
  • Inspect the undercarriage for track tension, loose shoe bolts, and damage from severe-duty ground conditions.
  • Check swing drive and final drive oil levels.
Every 250 h
  • Change engine oil and filter.
  • Replace the primary fuel filter and prime the fuel system.
  • Inspect and clean the air filter primary element; replace it if the restriction indicator shows service is due.
  • Check battery electrolyte level and clean terminals.
  • Grease the swing bearing and swing gear.
  • Check track shoe bolt torque and general undercarriage wear.
Every 500 h
  • Replace the hydraulic oil return filter.
  • Wash the hydraulic tank breather and suction screen.
  • Change final drive oil in both travel gearboxes.
  • Change swing drive gearbox oil.
  • Sample engine oil and coolant for lab analysis.
  • Inspect the turbocharger mounting and boost lines for leaks.
Every 1,000 h
  • Replace the secondary fuel filter and inspect injection lines for wear.
  • Check the mechanical governor linkage and electronic speed-control actuator for free movement and corrosion.
  • Inspect the alternator and starting motor.
  • Check track adjuster (idler) and roller mounting bolt torque.
  • Test coolant condition and top up extender if running extended-life coolant.
Every 2,000 h
  • Adjust valve lash and check fuel injection timing on the 3116T (mechanical engine, no ECM).
  • Replace the hydraulic oil suction screen.
  • Inspect swing bearing bolt torque and backlash.
  • Check and adjust track chain sag for the undercarriage wear pattern.
  • Test hydraulic relief valve pressure and pump flow against the roughly 34.3 MPa (4,980 psi) and 370 L/min (97.8 gpm) spec.
  • Inspect engine mounts and turbocharger for shaft play.
Every 4,000 h
  • Change hydraulic system oil if not running extended-life hydraulic fluid.
  • Inspect or rebuild the final drive travel motors.
  • Inspect the swing motor and gearbox for wear; rebuild as needed.
  • Inspect turbocharger shaft play and rebuild or replace if worn.
Every 6,000 h
  • Replace extended-life coolant (ELC) per the coolant's rated service life.
  • Inspect the main hydraulic pump and main control valve for internal wear.
  • Inspect undercarriage rollers, idlers, sprockets, and track chain for replacement.
  • Inspect cylinder liners, pistons, and injectors during a full engine overhaul if hour totals and oil analysis trends call for it.

Servicing the 320B S beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

Sample engine oil at every oil change to track soot and fuel dilution typical of the mechanically governed 3116T; without an ECM to log fault codes, oil analysis is the main early warning for turbocharger wear (rising boost lag, oil in the intake) or injection pump wear. Pull hydraulic oil samples at the 500 and 2000 hour intervals to catch pump wear before the roughly 370 L/min (97.8 gpm) pump and 34.3 MPa (4,980 psi) relief circuit lose output. Track undercarriage wear readings more closely than on a standard 320B, since the S's reinforced frame usually works harder ground.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Rough idle and hard starting on a high-hour 3116T usually trace to worn mechanical injectors or a sticking governor linkage, not electronics. Turbocharger seal leaks and boost loss are common by mid-life; check the electronic speed-control actuator linkage for corrosion and free movement. On the undercarriage, watch track adjuster and idler mounting bolts for loosening, more frequent on the S's reinforced but narrower-gauge frame under sustained severe-duty loads than on a standard-gauge 320B. Swing bearing play also shows up earlier on units run hard in this configuration.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Judge swing gear and bearing condition on wear and backlash rather than a fixed hour count. The 3116T's mechanical injection pump and turbocharger are the major mid-life rebuild items on this engine, both serviceable without diagnostic tools. Hydraulic pump and main control valve wear shows up as slower cycle times against the roughly 370 L/min flow spec. Undercarriage components (rollers, idlers, sprockets, track chain) wear faster on the reinforced S frame under mountainous or severe-duty ground and are the most common full-rebuild items on used units.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

In cold climates, protect the mechanical 3116T fuel system from gelling with the correct diesel blend, and verify the cold-start aid works, since there is no ECM-managed cold-start strategy on this engine. On the hot, dusty, or rocky severe-duty sites the S configuration is built for, check the air intake and turbocharger inlet for dust ingestion more often and keep the hydraulic oil cooler clear to protect the 34.3 MPa (4,980 psi) relief circuit. Inspect undercarriage seals for grit intrusion on rocky-terrain jobs.

320B S fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
1302Engine oil pressure lowLow oil level, worn oil pump, plugged filter, or a failed oil pressure sending unitShut engine down if the warning lamp is active, check oil level and filter condition, verify the sender before replacing parts
1303Engine coolant temperature too highLow coolant level, clogged radiator core, failed thermostat, or a slipping/failed fan driveReduce load and let the engine idle down, check coolant level and radiator fins, inspect fan belt and drive before restart
1304Hydraulic oil temperature too highLow hydraulic oil level, clogged oil cooler fins, failed cooling fan, or sustained relief-valve operation from a stuck or overloaded circuitReduce load, idle to cool, check oil level and cooler for debris, confirm the cooling fan is turning
1305Engine air intake filter element restrictedDirty or clogged primary air filter element, or a faulty restriction indicatorInspect and service the air filter element, check the restriction indicator for a false signal
2201System (battery) voltage abnormalWeak or failing battery, loose or corroded battery cable, faulty alternator or voltage regulatorCheck battery state of charge and terminal condition, test alternator output, inspect charging harness
2301Governor actuator feedback sensor circuit shorted to groundChafed or pinched harness wiring near the governor motor, corroded connectorInspect governor actuator wiring and connector for a short to frame ground, repair or replace the harness as needed
2302Governor actuator feedback signal unstable (biased, does not track commanded position)Worn or misadjusted governor actuator linkage, or a failing feedback potentiometer inside the actuator motorCheck the governor linkage for binding or wear, verify feedback sensor voltages at the connector against the test procedure, recalibrate or replace the actuator
2303Governor actuator feedback signal deviates from the commanded positionLinkage binding, worn actuator gear train, or a drifted calibrationInspect linkage for free movement, recalibrate the governor actuator, replace the actuator if deviation persists
2304Governor actuator not responding to command (no movement detected)Seized actuator motor, broken or disconnected linkage, blown fuse, or open wiring to the actuatorCheck power supply and fuse to the actuator, inspect linkage for mechanical seizure, replace the actuator motor if confirmed failed

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

320B S attachments & work tools

Buckets

General-purpose buckets for this 20-23 t class run about 0.8-1.36 m³ (1.0-1.8 yd³), with widths from roughly 900 mm to 1.4 m (36-54 in). Heavy-duty buckets give up some capacity for reinforced sides and extra wear plate, and rock buckets narrow further to about 0.8-1.0 m³ in 400-900 mm (16-36 in) widths for better breakout control in abrasive ground. Buckets mount on 80 mm pins, either pin-on direct to the stick or through a coupler; pin spacing and ear width should be checked against the specific boom/stick option fitted, since this machine was offered with several stick lengths.

Hydraulic hammers

This machine falls in the mid-size breaker class built for roughly 19-32 t carriers, matching a service-weight-near-1.7 t hammer class. Typical demand is about 120-220 L/min (32-58 gpm) at roughly 155-235 bar (2,250-3,400 psi) working pressure, with impact rates around 320-600 bpm depending on model. Breakers from other brands sized to the same 20-23 t carrier class, flow, and pressure bands are equally compatible.

Quick couplers

A hydraulic pin-grabber coupler was available for this size class, using an 80 mm pin with a wedge-type primary lock, spring-loaded secondary latch, and in-cab visual lock confirmation. Manual (mechanical pin) couplers with the same 80 mm pin geometry are also common on machines of this vintage; either type accepts buckets, thumbs, and light work tools sized to the 320-class pin and ear dimensions.

Thumbs/grapples

Hydraulic thumbs for this class run about 1.5-1.8 m (60-72 in) long, pin-on to the stick with an 80 mm pin, and need a dedicated two-way auxiliary hydraulic circuit to open and close the cylinder. Demolition and sorting grapples sized for carriers in the low-20-tonne range run roughly 0.4-1.0 m³ jaw capacity; larger grapples in the same product family are built for heavier carriers and don't suit this weight class.

Rippers

A single-shank pin-on ripper is available for this class, roughly 1.4 m (55 in) long with a shank around 1.05-1.1 m (42-43 in), mounting on the same 80 mm stick pin. It suits light rock ripping, frost breaking, and root or pavement work rather than dozer-class mass ripping; service weight runs near 490 kg (1,080 lb).

Hydraulic-kit notes

Running a hammer needs a one-way auxiliary circuit sized to the breaker's flow/pressure window (roughly 120-220 L/min at 155-235 bar); a thumb or grapple needs a two-way circuit for cylinder return. As a mechanically governed, pre-electronic-flow-select machine, tool flow and pressure are set by a fixed relief/orifice circuit rather than an in-cab adjustable multi-tool menu, so match the auxiliary kit's rated flow to the specific tool at install time.

All 320B S assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 320B S. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Electrical And Starting System
1761784 (V00) Lighting Gp - Boom
17***84Lighting Group; Lighting Gp-Boom1
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1415998 (V00) Magnet
166638 (V00) Magnet As
1475000 (V01) Special Ar - Generator
12***59Frame Group-Upper1
13***05Gear & Bearing Group-Swing1
14***00Special Ar1
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1482245 (V03) Wiring Gp
1760146 (V01) Wiring Gp
1482245 (V01) Wiring Gp - Riser
Frame And Body
1856068 (V00) Counterweight As.
1856070 (V00) Counterweight Gp
1856069 (V00) Counterweight Gp (Basic)
1724148 (V00) Frame Ar - Upper
12***59Frame Group-Upper1
13***05Gear & Bearing Group-Swing1
15***28Counterweight Group1
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1642952 (V01) Frame Ar - Less Off U/C
10***04Bolt; (Socket Head) (M10x1.5x30mm)16
11***79Flange-Special2
11***42Gear & Bearing Group-Swing1
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1593755 (V01) Frame Ar - Less Off U/C
10***04Bolt; (Socket Head) (M10x1.5x30mm)16
11***79Flange-Special2
11***42Gear & Bearing Group-Swing1
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2018776 (V00) Frame Gp - Upper Hd
1761874 (V00) Frame Gp - Upper
1745530 (V00) Guard Ar
17***84Walkway Group1
17***29Guard Group-Swing1
17***30Guard Ar1
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1487309 (V01) Guard Gp - Bottom
Hydraulic System
1517841 (V00) Control Ar - Aux.
12***85Lines Group-Front1
12***66Film Group; Film Gp-Combined Function1
13***72Control & Mtg Group-Auxiliary Flow; Control & Mounting Gp-Electronic1
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1763989 (V00) Cylinder & Lines Gp - Boom
11***03Lines Group-Boom Cylinder; -Rh1
17***89Cylinder & Lines Group; Cylinder & Lines Gp-Boom1
17***90Cylinder & Seal Group; Cylinder & Seal Gp-Boom1
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1763988 (V00) Cylinder & Lines Gp - Boom
11***02Lines Group-Boom Cylinder; -Lh1
17***88Cylinder & Lines Group; Cylinder & Lines Gp-Boom1
17***90Cylinder & Seal Group; Cylinder & Seal Gp-Boom1
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1763990 (V00) Cylinder & Seal Gp - Boom
17***90Cylinder & Seal Group; Cylinder & Seal Gp-Boom1
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1760584 (V01) Cylinder Gp-Boom
1883783 (V00) Hydraulic Ar
12***85Lines Group-Front1
16***06Installation Group-Harvester Head1
16***46Lines Group-Front1
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1482242 (V02) Lines Gp - Pilot
1482242 (V00) Lines Gp - Pilot
1723643 (V00) Lines Gp - Boom
1750310 (V00) Lines Gp - Boom
1759090 (V02) Lines Gp - Stick
1723644 (V02) Lines Gp - Stick
1716066 (V00) Valve Ar - Tlcd
17***66Valve Ar1
17***43Lines Group; Lines Gp-Boom1
17***44Lines Group; Lines Gp-Stick1
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1966698 (V01) Valve Ar - Tlcv
1957731 (V01) Valve Ar - Tlcv
Implements
1745568 (V00) Boom Ar
11***96Boom Group; Boom Gp -B1
11***97Lines Group-Grease; (Grease)1
11***62Cylinder & Lines Group-Stick1
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1761780 (V00) Boom Ar - Forestry
11***97Lines Group-Grease; (Grease)1
11***58Cylinder & Lines Group-Boom1
11***60Cylinder & Lines Group-Boom; -Rh1
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1761781 (V00) Boom Gp - Forestry
1605079 (V00) Bracket As
1743555 (V00) Coupler Gp - Quick
1760588 (V00) Front Ar - Super Long Reach
11***15Lock Group-Transport1
11***90Cylinder & Lines Group-Stick1
12***21Lines Group-Boom; (Boom)1
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1608597 (V00) Special Ar - Super Long Reach Front
14***70Special Ar-Ditch Cleaning; Special Ar-Super Long Reach Front1
16***97Special Ar1
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1761787 (V00) Stick Ar - Forestry
17***90Lines Group; Lines Gp-Stick1
17***87Stick Ar; Stick Ar-Forestry1
17***88Stick Group1
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1761788 (V00) Stick Gp - Forestry
Machine Arrangement
1368991 (V00) Conversion Ar
13***91Conversion Ar1
15***01Alternator Group-Charging1
15***03Pulley Group-Fan Drive1
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2008079 (V00) Conversion Ar.
11***08Lines Group-Front1
12***85Lines Group-Front1
13***72Control & Mtg Group-Auxiliary Flow; Control & Mounting Gp-Electronic1
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1759089 (V00) Forestry Ar - Boom & Stick Only
17***89Forestry Ar1
17***80Boom Ar; Boom Ar-Forestry1
17***87Stick Ar; Stick Ar-Forestry1
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1760131 (V02) Forestry Ar
13***91Conversion Ar1
16***06Installation Group-Harvester Head1
16***42Hydraulic Ar1
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1782274 (V00) Forestry Ar.
13***91Conversion Ar1
16***06Installation Group-Harvester Head1
16***42Hydraulic Ar1
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1997489 (V00) Special Ar
11***15Lock Group-Transport1
11***90Cylinder & Lines Group-Stick1
12***21Lines Group-Boom; (Boom)1
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Operator Station
1600405 (V00) Hex Ar-Less Off Cab
1482246 (V01) Lines Gp-A/C
1482246 (V00) Lines Gp-A/C
1482244 (V01) Lines Gp-Heater
1482244 (V00) Lines Gp-Heater
1481327 (V03) Riser Ar-Cab (700mm)
12***12Bonnet; (Rain)1
14***27Riser Ar; Riser Ar-Cab1
14***42Lines Group; (Riser 700mm)1
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1508146 (V00) Riser Ar - Cab
12***59Frame Group-Upper1
13***05Gear & Bearing Group-Swing1
15***46Riser Ar1
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1486272 (V00) Riser Gp-Cab
1486271 (V00) Riser Gp-Cab
1486272 (V02) Riser Gp-Cab
1486271 (V01) Riser Gp-Cab
1766710 (V00) Tool Box Gp-Overhead
1482243 (V00) Washer Gp-Riser
1482243 (V01) Washer Gp-Riser
Service Equipment And Supplies
1883785 (V00) Lubricant Gp B
Undercarriage
1601516 (V00) Frame Ar - Undercarriage
11***42Gear & Bearing Group-Swing1
11***19Idler Group-Front1
12***18Step Group1
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1601517 (V00) Frame As - Undercarriage
16***17Frame As; Frame As-Undercarriage1
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1766405 (V00) Guard Gp - Track Guide
1605089 (V01) Guard Gp - Track Guide
16***89Guard Group; Guard Gp-Track Guide1
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1614315 (V03) Link As Track
16***15Link As Track; (Lubricated Pins)1
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1614315 (V03) Link As - Track
09***63Pin; (Cotter)1
11***71Bushing - Track44
11***72Bushing-Track Master1
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1593754 (V00) Ring As
1605014 (V01) Roller Ar - Track & Carrier
16***14Roller Ar; Roller Ar-Track & Carrier1
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1790879 (V00) Track Gp - 500mm Triple Grouser Shoe
17***79Track Group1
17***80Track Group; Track Gp-500mm Tg2
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1919125 (V00) Track Gp (700 Triple)
10***45Step As2
11***21Track Group1
19***25Track Group1
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2054567 (V00) Track Gp
10***45Step As2
19***11Track Group; -2-Required1
20***67Track Group1
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1613164 (V02) Track Gp - 800 Mm Triple Grouser Shoe
1631117 (V00) Track Gp - 600 Mm Triple Grouser Shoe
2064908 (V00) Track Gp
10***15Shoe; (Track)49
19***08Link As-Track; (Track)1
20***08Track Group1
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1580485 (-00) Track Gp
4q4356 (V00) Track Gp - 850mm Triple Grouser Shoe
13***16Track Group; Track Gp-850mm Tg Offset1
13***17Track Group; Track Gp-850mm Tg Offset1
4Q***56Track Group1
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1600027 (V00) Track Gp
16***27Track Group1
16***43Step As2
9W***58Track Group; Track Gp-900mm Tg1
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1613164 (V02) Track Gp
12***62Shoe; (Track)45
16***64Track Group1
16***15Link As Track; (Lubricated Pins)1
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1307617 (-00) Track Gp - 850 Mm Triple Grouser Shoe
13***17Track Group; Track Gp-850mm Tg Offset1
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1631116 (V01) Track Gp - 600 Mm Triple Grouser Shoe
1790880 (V00) Track Gp
1307616 (-00) Track Gp-850 Mm Triple Grouser Shoe
13***16Track Group; Track Gp-850mm Tg Offset1
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1784797 (V00) Track Gp - 500mm Triple Grouser Shoe

320B S serial number reference

The PIN/serial plate on a 320B-family excavator is a riveted metal tag on the upper frame, typically front-right near the base of the cab (or on the cab's right-side exterior below the window); the number is also stamped directly into the frame at the same spot so it stays readable if the plate is lost. These are pre-2001 machines, so the plate shows a plain 8-character serial number rather than a full 17-character PIN: read the first 3 letters/digits as the prefix, which identifies the model and configuration block, and the last 5 digits as the sequential unit number within that block.

PrefixIdentifies
5MS320B S (severe-duty, narrow-gauge undercarriage configuration)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Caterpillar 320B S excavator use?

The 320B S is fitted with the Cat 3116T turbocharged diesel, a mechanically governed inline-six of 6.6 L (402.8 cu in) displacement rated around 95.5 kW (128 hp), controlled by an electronic speed-control actuator rather than a full engine ECM. This differs from the 3066T shared across the rest of the base 320B family. Confirm the exact engine against the machine's own serial and engine plate, since the factory Operation & Maintenance Manual for this range covers several 320B undercarriage configurations in one book.

What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar 320B S excavator?

Operating weight runs about 22.5 t (49,670 lb), heavier than the standard 320B's roughly 20.6 t because of the S configuration's reinforced, narrower-gauge undercarriage frame. Exact weight varies with bucket, counterweight, and attachment selection, so treat this as a class figure rather than a fixed number.

What replaced the Caterpillar 320B S excavator?

The 320B S was part of Cat's 320B family built through the 1990s, alongside 320B L, LL, LN, and N undercarriage variants. Caterpillar's next 320-series generation, the 320C, succeeded the 320B line with updated electronics and cooling. Later 320D, E, F, GC, and Next Gen generations carried the 320 lineage forward with electronic, common-rail, emissions-compliant engines.

What 320B S owners discuss

What engine does the Cat 320B S actually have, and does it matter for parts and service?
Documentation for this chassis is inconsistent. Some parts and spec literature ties the 320B S to the same 3066T turbocharged inline-six used in the standard 320B, rated around 95-100 kW (128-134 hp) at 1800-2000 rpm. Other spec sheets for this severe-duty configuration cite the 3116T turbocharged six instead. Both are 6.6 L (402 cu in) inline-six diesels from the same Cat engine family, so mixing up the two literature sets on this generation is common. Pull the engine serial plate and match it against the parts book for your machine's actual serial number range before ordering injectors, oil cooler seals, or an overhaul kit. Don't assume the engine family from the model plate alone.
Are there known problems with the 3116-family engine that a 320B S owner should watch for?
Where a 320B S is fitted with the 3116T, a few wear points recur across this engine family. Oil cooler O-ring seals weep over time and are considered routine service, not a sign of a bigger problem. Injector tip O-rings harden with heat cycling and can start weeping fuel or drop a cylinder at idle. Engines built roughly mid-to-late 1990s can carry a batch of factory-supplied exhaust valves known to fail and drop into the cylinder, which is a rebuild-grade event. If a machine falls in that build window, ask for records of a top-end inspection or valve replacement. A spun main or rod bearing on this engine family usually traces back to oil starvation from a neglected cooler or filter rather than a design flaw.
What hydraulic behavior do owners commonly report on 320B-family excavators?
The most common complaint across this generation is gradual loss of overall power and slow function speed together, rather than one circuit acting up alone. Chasing this down typically turns up worn pump swashplates, a scored barrel, or a weak main relief or pressure-reducing valve rather than a single blown hose. A related complaint is weak pilot pressure. Normal pilot circuits on this class of machine run in the neighborhood of 4 MPa (roughly 600 psi); when it drops, joystick input barely moves the main spools and every function feels sluggish even though the main pump gauges read normal. Check pilot pressure at the pilot manifold under the main pump block before chasing the main pumps themselves, it's a faster and cheaper check.
What undercarriage wear pattern is typical of the 320B S specifically?
The 320B S carries a heavier, reinforced undercarriage on a narrower track gauge than the standard 320B, built for rough underfoot conditions like mountainside or quarry work rather than raw hours. That narrower stance trades some side-to-side stability for the extra structure, so it can feel tippier working across a slope than a standard-gauge 320B even though it's the tougher machine underfoot. On final drives and swing drives, the recurring failure across this excavator class is the duo-cone (floating face) seal at the sprocket hub. Once it lets go, gear oil weeps out and dirt gets pulled into the planetary. Packed-in undercarriage debris is a common contributor, so keep carrier rollers and final drive housings clean rather than letting mud cake up.
Do these machines drift or creep in swing, and is it serious?
Some owners of this excavator generation report swing drift, where the upper structure keeps rotating briefly after the joystick is centered instead of stopping cleanly. This traces most often to the swing brake or the swing motor's internal makeup/relief valve rather than the parking brake pack itself. On higher-hour machines, a replacement swing motor that fails again shortly after can point to a contaminated pilot line re-damaging the new unit rather than a bad part. Because uncontrolled swing is a hazard around ground personnel, have your dealer verify swing brake engagement and motor relief settings before returning the machine to work.
What electrical or monitor issues come up on the 320B family?
Cab monitor dropouts are a recurring complaint: intermittent loss of display power, or the backlight failing while the unit still otherwise functions. Chase ECM output voltage to the monitor first; no voltage points to the ECM or the harness feeding it rather than the display itself. Wiring harness chafe near the engine bay and along the boom base is a known wear point on machines this age, and corroded or moisture-fouled connector pins produce the same symptoms as a bad control module. On a used machine, pull a few harness connectors and check for green or white corrosion deposits and bent pins before assuming an ECM is at fault.
What should a buyer check on a used 320B S beyond the usual excavator checklist?
Beyond the standard walk-around (frame and boom welds for crack lines or fresh paint hiding repairs, cutting edges, hose condition), pay extra attention to the undercarriage on this variant since it's the reason to buy an S over a standard 320B. Measure track sag at the mid-roller against spec at ambient temperature, since hot tracks read tight and mislead you. Check for missing or damaged shoes, worn idlers, and seepage at the sprocket hubs indicating a failing duo-cone seal. Confirm the engine serial plate and cross-check it against the parts book for that specific serial range, since literature for this chassis is inconsistent between the two possible engine families. Get pilot and main pump pressures checked under load if the seller allows it. Have your dealer verify final drive and swing gear-oil condition and confirm no open service bulletins apply to that engine's serial range before you buy.

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

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