Caterpillar 330 L
Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown
The Caterpillar 330 L is a mid-size crawler hydraulic excavator in roughly the 30-tonne class, one of the original 300-series machines Caterpillar introduced in the early 1990s. It runs a Caterpillar 3306 turbocharged, aftercooled inline-six diesel rated around 222 gross horsepower (165 kW), driving a pilot-operated, variable-flow hydraulic system with selectable work and power modes. Operating weight varies with configuration, from roughly 27,100 to 32,100 kg (59,750-70,830 lb). Caterpillar built the 330 L from the early-to-mid 1990s into 1996, when it was replaced by the 330B. The "L" designates the long-undercarriage, extended-reach configuration offered alongside the shorter, lighter standard 330 front end; buyers could also spec different stick lengths and general-purpose or mass-excavation buckets.
Within the original 330 platform, the 330 L is Caterpillar's early-1990s long-undercarriage line, built before the company moved to electronically controlled engines and hydraulics starting with the 330B. That makes it mechanically simple by modern standards: a governor-controlled diesel and pilot hydraulics with no ECM to interrogate, which keeps diagnosis and rebuild straightforward for an independent shop. Three decades on, the 330 L survives mainly as a low-cost, rebuildable workhorse for owners who don't need emissions-tier electronics. Parts commonality with other 3306-powered Cat machinery keeps engine and driveline parts reasonably available, even as overall machine value now hinges more on undercarriage and hydraulic condition than on any comparison to new equipment.
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 330 L specifications
Engine
| Engine model | Cat 3306 inline-six diesel, turbocharged, direct injection |
| Gross (flywheel) power | 222 hp (166 kW) |
| Displacement | 10.5 L (638 cu in) |
| Cylinders | 6, inline, 4-stroke diesel |
| Emissions tier | No formal EPA/EU emissions tier rating. Mechanically governed, pre-regulation diesel typical of early-1990s off-highway engines. |
Weights
| Operating weight | Approx. 32.7-34 t (72,000-75,000 lb) in standard configuration. Actual weight varies with track gauge, counterweight, and bucket fitted. |
| Ground pressure | Not documented in available factory literature for this generation. Depends on track shoe width fitted; confirm with your dealer. |
Dimensions
| Transport length | Approx. 11.0 m (36 ft 2 in) |
| Transport width | 3.2-3.4 m (10 ft 6 in - 11 ft 3 in), depends on track shoe/gauge option |
| Transport height | Approx. 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in) |
| Track shoe width | 600 mm (23.6 in), standard |
| Tail swing radius, ground clearance, undercarriage length | Not documented in available factory literature for this generation. Confirm with your dealer or the machine's operation and maintenance manual. |
Performance
| Max dig depth | Approx. 8.88 m (29 ft 1 in) with standard boom and stick |
| Max horizontal reach at ground level | Approx. 12.37 m (40 ft 7 in) with standard boom and stick |
| Swing speed | 8.9 rpm |
| Max travel speed | 2.9-3.0 mph (4.7-4.8 km/h) |
| Max dump height, max cutting height, gradeability | Not documented in available factory literature for this generation. These vary by boom/stick/bucket combination; confirm with your dealer. |
Forces
| Swing torque | 27,600 lbf-ft (37,421 Nm) |
| Bucket digging force, stick digging force | Not documented in available factory literature for this generation. Values vary widely by stick length and bucket fitted, and by generation; confirm with your dealer for your specific configuration rather than assuming later 330-series figures apply. |
Service capacities (summary)
| Fuel tank, hydraulic system, engine oil, cooling system | Not documented in available factory literature specific to this generation. Confirm exact refill capacities with your dealer or the machine's operation and maintenance manual. |
Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.
330 L fluids & capacities
| System | Capacity | Recommended fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine crankcase (with filter) | 30 L (7.9 US gal) | Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil), multigrade. Use SAE 10W-30 in cooler ambient conditions and SAE 15W-40 once ambient temperatures run warmer, per Cat's standard ambient-temperature viscosity chart for this engine. |
| Cooling system | 45 L (11.9 US gal) | Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant) concentrate, mixed 50/50 with water for freeze protection to about -37 degC (-34 degF). A fully-formulated extended-life coolant is a common modern retrofill equivalent; do not mix coolant types. |
| Fuel tank | 560 L (147.9 US gal) | No. 2-D grade diesel fuel meeting Cat's fuel spec. Switch to a winterized or blended fuel, or use a cold-flow conditioner, in freezing climates to prevent gelling and filter plugging. |
| Hydraulic system total | approx. 400 L (105.7 US gal), tank plus lines and cylinders | Cat HYDO anti-wear hydraulic oil, viscosity graded to ambient temperature (light-grade in cold climates, heavier grade in hot climates). Where the machine's fluid plan calls for one shared hydraulic/drive-train fluid, Cat TDTO is the accepted alternate. |
| Hydraulic tank | 160 L (42.3 US gal) | Same as hydraulic system total: Cat HYDO anti-wear hydraulic oil, ambient-temperature viscosity grade; Cat TDTO as an alternate where specified. |
| Final drive (each) | Not published in the accessible 330 L documentation set for this exact configuration; confirm the refill quantity against the OMM or parts book for your machine's serial prefix. | Cat TDTO (meets TO-4 spec), viscosity selected by ambient temperature. Some field guidance also cites 80W-90 gear oil as an acceptable substitute where TDTO is not stocked. |
| Swing drive | Not published in the accessible 330 L documentation set for this exact configuration; confirm the refill quantity against the OMM or parts book for your machine's serial prefix. | Cat TDTO (meets TO-4 spec), same ambient-temperature viscosity selection as the final drives. |
| Grease (spec only) | No reservoir volume; applied at scheduled intervals through grease fittings on pins, bushings and linkage points. | Cat MPGM (Multipurpose Grease), NLGI Grade 2 for normal service; drop to NLGI Grade 1 or 0 in sustained sub-zero climates. |
Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.
Caterpillar 330 L maintenance schedule
| Service interval | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Every 10 h |
|
| Every 250 h |
|
| Every 500 h |
|
| Every 1,000 h |
|
| Every 2,000 h |
|
| Every 4,000 h |
|
Servicing the 330 L beyond the schedule
Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis
Run oil sampling on engine, swing drive, and final drive oil at every 250/500/1000-hour service; the mechanically governed 3306 has no ECM to flag wear early, so lab trending is the main warning system on this machine. Watch for high iron or copper in swing and final drive samples, a sign of worn planetary gears, and silicon spikes in engine oil pointing to an air filter leak on dusty sites. Sample hydraulic oil at 1000-hour intervals to catch pump and control-valve wear before it slows cycle times.
Corrective & Common Repairs
Expect injector pop-test failures and gradual power loss on high-hour 3306 engines; mechanical injection wears steadily rather than throwing a fault code. Turbocharger shaft play and boost leaks show up as smoke and sluggish response. The pilot-operated, variable-flow hydraulic system develops control-valve and pilot-line wear that causes implement drift or slow response. Swing motor brake drag and final drive seal leaks are common on machines with deferred oil changes, and undercarriage components wear faster on the long-undercarriage 330 L under sustained mass-excavation loads.
Overhaul & Rebuild Points
At today's age, most surviving 330 L units are due or overdue for major component work. An engine top-end or inframe rebuild is typical once compression and blow-by fall off on the 3306. Main hydraulic pump and control valve rebuilds restore cycle speed lost to internal wear. Swing and final drive planetary sets need rebuild once gear-oil samples show heavy wear metal. Undercarriage replacement (chains, sprockets, idlers, rollers) is usually the largest single rebuild cost on the long-undercarriage frame.
Seasonal & Environment Servicing
Cold climates: check coolant concentration and consider a block heater; the mechanical 3306 has no glow-plug or ether-start assist, so cold starts depend on compression and battery condition. Run a winter-grade fuel treatment to prevent wax gelling in the pre-common-rail fuel system. Hot, dusty sites: shorten air filter service intervals and clean the radiator and hydraulic oil cooler cores more often to protect the turbocharged engine from overheating. Wet or abrasive ground accelerates final drive seal and undercarriage wear, so inspect more frequently.
330 L fault codes & troubleshooting
| Code | Meaning | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Temperature warning lamp (red) | Engine coolant temperature has risen above the safe operating range. | Low coolant level, a blocked radiator core or debris-packed fan guard, a slipping or broken fan/water pump belt, or a stuck thermostat. | Reduce load and let the engine idle to cool. Once safe, check coolant level, radiator fins, and belt condition before returning to work. |
| Engine Oil Pressure warning lamp (red) | Engine oil pressure has dropped below the minimum needed for safe lubrication. | Low oil level, a plugged oil filter, a worn oil pump, or oil viscosity that is wrong for ambient temperature. | Shut the engine down immediately rather than continue running. Check oil level and filter condition before restart. |
| Hydraulic Oil Temperature gauge/warning lamp | Hydraulic system oil temperature has exceeded the normal working range. | Low hydraulic fluid level, a fouled or blocked hydraulic oil cooler, a relief valve stuck open, or sustained heavy-load operation in hot ambient conditions. | Reduce hydraulic demand and idle the machine to cool down. Check fluid level and inspect the cooler core for mud or debris. |
| Charging System warning lamp (red, battery symbol) | The alternator is not charging the battery at the correct rate. | A failed or worn alternator, a loose or broken drive belt, or a corroded/loose battery or charging-circuit connection. | Check belt tension and condition, inspect battery terminals and charging wiring, then test alternator output. |
| Air Filter Restriction indicator (amber) | Air intake filter restriction has reached the service limit. | A clogged or saturated air filter element, or a collapsed/leaking intake hose ahead of the turbocharger. | Inspect and replace the air filter element, and check intake piping and clamps for damage or leaks. |
| Diagnostic lamp (amber, flashing) | The machine's basic monitoring system has flagged a fault in a sensor circuit feeding the gauge cluster, rather than the monitored condition itself being out of range. | A corroded or loose sensor connector, chafed wiring harness, or a failed temperature/pressure sending unit. | Inspect wiring and the connector at the affected sender, verify grounds, and check sensor resistance against the electrical schematic before replacing parts. |
Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.
330 L attachments & work tools
Buckets
General-purpose buckets for this 30-tonne class run about 1.6-1.8 m3 (2.1-2.4 yd3) at 1067-1372 mm (42-54 in) width. Heavy-duty buckets hold similar or slightly reduced capacity, around 1.6 m3 (2.1 yd3), at 1372-1524 mm (54-60 in) width with thicker plate and stronger sidebars. Rock/severe-duty buckets trade width for strength, roughly 1372-1750 mm (54-69 in) wide and 1.6-2.1 m3 (2.1-2.7 yd3), built for abrasive and fractured material. Both direct pin-on (H-link/dipper pin) and hydraulic pin-grabber coupler mounting are used on this class; pin-on gives full breakout force and reach, coupler mounting trades a little capacity for fast tool changes.
Hydraulic hammers
This machine falls in the roughly 27-32 tonne carrier class, matching a medium/large-class hammer around 1300-2100 kg (2900-4600 lb) tool weight with a 130-150 mm (5-6 in) chisel. Rule of thumb across brands puts breaker weight at about 8-10% of carrier operating weight, which lands a 27-tonne-class machine in a roughly 2.2-2.7 tonne hammer. Required auxiliary flow and pressure for this hammer class run about 120-220 L/min (32-58 gpm) at approximately 14,000 kPa (2030 psi); confirm the carrier's relief-valve and flow settings match before mounting a breaker this size.
Quick couplers
Hydraulic pin-grabber couplers sized for this excavator family use dual-diameter jaws, commonly around 80 mm and 90 mm pins, so buckets and tools can be shared across similarly sized carriers in the same family without changing linkage. Mechanical (manual) pin couplers are also used in this class but the hydraulic pin-grabber is the common fast-change option paired with factory or dealer-fit work-tool circuits.
Thumbs and grapples
Hydraulic thumbs for this class are offered both pin-on (mounted through the factory bucket pin) and coupler-mounted, sized to match 1372-1524 mm (54-60 in) buckets, with full-rotation and fixed-position designs both common. Rotating hydraulic grapples in this weight class open to roughly 2.4-2.5 m (94-98 in) and weigh about 1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lb), running on the auxiliary circuit at roughly 130-170 L/min (34-45 gpm) and 15,700-17,650 kPa (2275-2560 psi).
Rippers
Single-shank heavy-duty rippers built on the same D-linkage stick and pin envelope as the heavy-duty buckets are available for this carrier class, used to fracture hard-pan or broken rock ahead of digging rather than for continuous ripping duty.
Hydraulic-kit notes
Breakers, grapples, and compactors in this class need the machine's auxiliary (work-tool) circuit set up for medium-to-high pressure, roughly 14,000-17,650 kPa (2030-2560 psi), at 120-220 L/min (32-58 gpm) depending on the specific tool; match the carrier's flow/pressure settings to the tool's rated range before hookup. A factory tool-control option, where fitted, lets flow, pressure, and one-way/two-way circuit behavior be tuned per attachment, useful when several tool types are run off the same machine.
All 330 L assemblies by section
Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar 330 L. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.
Cooling System
1036306 Cooling Ar
| 10***02 | Radiator & Oil Cooler Group | 1 |
| 10***03 | Lines Group-Hydraulic Oil Cooler | 1 |
| 10***06 | Cooling Ar | 1 |
1036301 Radiator & Oil Cooler Gp
| 10***01 | Radiator & Oil Cooler Group | 1 |
1036302 Radiator & Oil Cooler Gp
| 09***61 | Strap; (Cable) | 3 |
| 09***35 | Clamp | 1 |
| 10***01 | Radiator & Oil Cooler Group | 1 |
Electrical System
9g9813 Alarm Gp
| 9G***13 | Alarm Group; -Action-Action, Engine Overspeed | 1 |
7y5500 Control Gp-Electronic
| 7Y***00 | Control Group-Electronic | 1 |
1180474 Harness As
| 11***74 | Harness As-Panel; -Eis, Interconnect | 1 |
1007525 Wiring Gp-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***25 | Wiring Group | 1 |
1007525 Wiring Gp-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***25 | Wiring Group | 1 |
1124725 Wiring Gp
| 10***59 | Harness As | 1 |
| 10***60 | Harness As | 1 |
| 11***25 | Wiring Group | 1 |
1005430 Wiring Gp-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***30 | Wiring Group | 1 |
1005430 Wiring Gp-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***30 | Wiring Group | 1 |
7y3816 Wiring Gp-Cab
| 7Y***16 | Wiring Group-Cab | 1 |
Frame And Body
1006615 Counterweight Gp
| 10***15 | Counterweight Group | 1 |
1019388 Counterweight Gp
| 10***88 | Counterweight Group | 1 |
1019387 Counterweight Gp
| 10***87 | Counterweight Group | 1 |
1006614 Counterweight Gp
| 10***14 | Counterweight Group | 1 |
4i8491 Door Gp
| 4I***91 | Door Group-Hood | 1 |
1068945 Fastener Gp
| 10***45 | Fastener Group-Swing & Final Dr | 1 |
1007320 Frame As-Undercarriage
| 10***20 | Frame As-Undercarriage | 1 |
1064939 Frame As-Undercarriage
| 10***39 | Frame As-Undercarriage | 1 |
1020247 Frame Gp-Upper
| 10***47 | Frame Group-Upper | 1 |
7y0933 Gear & Bearing Gp
| 3B***89 | Fitting-Grease; (Fan And Alternator Drive) | 1 |
| 6I***94 | Seal (953 cm) (Order By The Centimeter) | 0 |
| 6W***87 | Seal (953 cm) (Order By The Centimeter) | 0 |
1020248 Gear & Bearing Gp
| 10***48 | Gear & Bearing Group | 1 |
1003721 Guard Gp-Swivel
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
1028749 Guard Gp-Track Guide-2 Required
| 10***49 | Guard Group-Track Guide | 1 |
1022375 Guard Gp-Track Motor
| 10***75 | Guard Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1100115 Guard Gp-Track Motor
| 11***15 | Guard Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1078689 Guard Gp-Track Motor
| 10***89 | Guard Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1100118 Guard Gp-Track Roller
| 11***18 | Guard Group-Travel Motor | 1 |
1036067 Hood & Guard Gp-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***67 | Hood & Guard Group | 1 |
1036067 Hood & Guard Gp-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***67 | Hood & Guard Group | 1 |
4i8488 Hood Gp-Engine Hinged
| 4I***88 | Hood Group-Engine | 1 |
7y0762 Idler Gp-Front
| 7Y***62 | Idler Group-Front | 1 |
1012618 Idler Gp-Front
| 10***18 | Idler Group-Front | 1 |
1012617 Idler Gp-Front
| 10***17 | Idler Group-Front | 1 |
6y2754 Link As-Track (Sealed)
| 6Y***54 | Link As-Track | 1 |
7y1869 Plate Gp-Stop (Rh)
| 7Y***69 | Plate Group-Stop; (Stop) (Rh) | 1 |
7y1870 Plate Gp-Stop (Lh)
| 7Y***70 | Plate Group-Stop | 1 |
1059228 Roller Ar
| 10***28 | Roller Ar-Track & Carrier | 1 |
6y2795 Roller Gp-Track Single Flange
| 6Y***95 | Roller Group-Track-Single Flange | 1 |
1091213 Roller Gp-Track-Single Flange
| 10***13 | Roller Group-Track-Single Flange | 1 |
1012619 Spring Gp-Recoil
| 10***19 | Spring Group-Recoil | 1 |
1061501 Sprocket Gp-Non-Segmented
| 10***01 | Sprocket Group; Sprocket Gp-Non-Segmented | 1 |
7y1635 Adjustment Gp-Hydraulic Track (Lh)
| 7Y***35 | Track Adjuster & Recoil Group; (Lh) | 1 |
7y1636 Adjustment Gp-Hydraulic Track
| 7Y***36 | Track Adjuster Group | 1 |
6i8459 Track Gp-2 Required
| 14***91 | Bolt-Track; (M22x1.5x73-mm) | 196 |
| 6I***55 | Shoe-Track | 49 |
| 6I***59 | Track Group | 1 |
Fuel System
1019856 Lines Gp-Fuel
| 10***56 | Lines Group-Fuel | 1 |
1019390 Tank Gp-Fuel
| 10***90 | Tank Group | 1 |
Hydraulic System
5i4081 Drive Gp-Accessory
| 5I***81 | Drive Group-Auxiliary Pump | 1 |
1410221 Head Gp-Pump Control
| 14***21 | Head Group-Pump Control | 1 |
6e6316 Head Gp-Pump Control
| 6E***16 | Head Group-Pump Control | 1 |
1022378 Lines Gp-Front
| 08***77 | Flange | 2 |
| 10***78 | Lines Group-Front | 1 |
| 10***87 | Tube As | 1 |
1022376 Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***33 | Bracket | 1 |
| 10***76 | Lines Group-Hydraulic; Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil | 1 |
| 10***08 | Tube As. | 1 |
1036066 Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***66 | Lines Group-Hydraulic; Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil | 1 |
1036066 Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***66 | Lines Group-Hydraulic; Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil | 1 |
1022376 Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***76 | Lines Group-Hydraulic; Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil | 1 |
| 3K***60 | Seal Pilot Manifold On; Seal To Boom Check Valve Drain | 2 |
| 6E***34 | Valve Group-Relief; (Auxiliary Over-Load) | 2 |
1036303 Lines Gp-Hydraulic Oil Cooler
| 10***03 | Lines Group-Hydraulic Oil Cooler | 1 |
9u4175 Lines Gp-Pilot-Part 2 Of 2
| 9U***75 | Lines Group-Pilot | 1 |
9u4175 Lines Gp-Pilot-Part 1 Of 2
| 9U***75 | Lines Group-Pilot | 1 |
1022374 Lines Gp-Pilot
| 03***05 | Seal-O-Ring | 2 |
| 08***78 | Hose As-Lines From Selector Valve To | 2 |
| 10***74 | Lines Group-Pilot | 1 |
1020260 Lines Gp-Track Motor-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***60 | Lines Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1078651 Lines Gp-Track Motor-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***51 | Lines Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1078651 Lines Gp-Track Motor-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***51 | Lines Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1020260 Lines Gp-Track Motor-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***60 | Lines Group-Track Motor | 1 |
1036065 Pump & Mounting Gp
| 10***65 | Pump & Mounting Group | 1 |
| 10***55 | Drive Group-Accessory (No Servicable Parts) | 1 |
| 13***70 | Pump Group-Piston | 1 |
1022373 Pump & Mounting Gp
| 10***73 | Pump & Mounting Group | 1 |
| 5I***81 | Drive Group-Auxiliary Pump | 1 |
| 8T***92 | Capscrew; (Hex Hd) (M12 X 1.75 X 25, Gr10.9, Z) | 4 |
9j7900 Pump Gp-Gear
| 9J***00 | Pump Group-Gear | 1 |
1513172 Pump Gp-Gear
| 15***72 | Pump Group-Gear | 1 |
1308057 Pump Gp-Gear
| 13***57 | Pump Group-Gear | 1 |
6e5273 Pump Gp-Piston
| 6E***73 | Pump Group-Piston | 1 |
1375170 Pump Gp-Piston
| 13***70 | Pump Group-Piston | 1 |
1410219 Rotating Gp-Motor
| 14***19 | Rotating Group-Motor | 1 |
6e6315 Rotating Gp-Pump
| 6E***15 | Rotating Group-Pump | 1 |
4i6263 Rotor Gp
| 4I***63 | Rotor Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
4i6262 Rotor Gp
| 4I***61 | Rotor (Casting) | 1 |
| 4I***62 | Rotor Group-Swivel | 1 |
| 4I***63 | Rotor Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
7y4800 Swivel Gp
| 7Y***00 | Swivel Group | 1 |
7i4111 Valve & Mounting Gp
| 3E***33 | Valve Group-Solenoid | 1 |
| 7I***11 | Valve & Mounting Group | 1 |
| 8T***00 | Bolt (M8x1.25x16mm); (M8x1.25x16-mm) | 4 |
1032566 Valve & Mounting Gp
| 10***66 | Valve & Mounting Group | 1 |
6e5292 Valve Gp
| 6E***92 | Valve Group; -Butt-N-Top | 1 |
1050952 Valve Gp-Control
| 10***52 | Valve Group-Control | 1 |
1050954 Valve Gp-Control
| 10***54 | Valve Group-Control | 1 |
1050953 Valve Gp-Control
| 10***53 | Valve Group-Control | 1 |
6i6934 Valve Gp-Pilot
| 6I***34 | Valve Group-Pilot | 1 |
1003974 Valve Gp-Pilot
| 10***74 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1003972 Valve Gp-Pilot
| 10***72 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1003971 Valve Gp-Pilot
| 10***71 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1003973 Valve Gp-Pilot
| 10***73 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
4i8700 Valve Gp-Relief Pilot
| 4I***00 | Valve Group-Pilot Relief; Valve Gp-Relief Pilot | 1 |
1410265 Valve Gp-Pressure Control
| 14***65 | Valve Group-Pressure Control | 1 |
1051318 Valve Gp-Relief
| 10***18 | Valve Group-Relief | 1 |
1051321 Valve Gp-Relief
| 10***21 | Valve Group-Relief; (Pilot Relief) | 1 |
6e5229 Valve Gp-Relief
| 6E***29 | Valve Group-Relief | 1 |
6e5234 Valve Gp-Relief
| 4I***00 | Valve Group-Pilot Relief; Valve Gp-Relief Pilot | 1 |
| 6E***29 | Valve Group-Relief | 1 |
| 6E***34 | Valve Group-Relief; (Auxiliary Over-Load) | 1 |
1u4595 Valve Gp-Relief
| 1U***95 | Valve Group-Relief | 1 |
3e8634 Valve Gp-Solenoid
| 3E***34 | Valve Group-Solenoid | 1 |
3e8633 Valve Gp-Solenoid
| 3E***33 | Valve Group-Solenoid | 1 |
6t8208 Valve Gp-Solenoid
| 6T***08 | Valve Group-Solenoid | 1 |
9u4173 Valve Gp-Solenoid
| 10***80 | Bracket | 2 |
| 5P***70 | Nut-Hard; (M8 X 1.25) | 8 |
| 6T***08 | Valve Group-Solenoid | 5 |
4i3700 Valve Gp-Traction Control
| 4I***00 | Valve Group-Traction Control | 1 |
Implements
1097203 Special Ar-Feller Buncher
| 09***83 | Ashtray As | 1 |
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***73 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1012796 Special Ar-Feller Buncher
| 09***83 | Ashtray As | 1 |
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***73 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1097202 Special Ar-Log Loader
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***71 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
| 10***72 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1097204 Special Ar-Multi Purpose-Hoe
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***83 | Harness As | 1 |
| 10***17 | Idler Group-Front | 1 |
1072250 Special Ar-Log Loader
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***71 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
| 10***72 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1072249 Special Ar-Feller Buncher
| 09***83 | Ashtray As | 1 |
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***73 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1012795 Special Ar-Log Loader
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***71 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
| 10***72 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1072251 Special Ar-Multi Purpose-High Wide Carbody
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***83 | Harness As | 1 |
| 10***17 | Idler Group-Front | 1 |
1095158 Special Ar-Log Loader
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***71 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
| 10***72 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1095157 Special Ar-Feller Buncher
| 09***83 | Ashtray As | 1 |
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***73 | Valve Group-Pilot; Valve Gp-Pilot-C | 1 |
1039858 Special Ar-Multi-Purpose
| 10***47 | Frame Group-Upper | 1 |
| 10***48 | Gear & Bearing Group | 1 |
| 10***78 | Lines Group-Front | 1 |
1039856 Special Ar-Multi-Purpose
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***83 | Harness As | 1 |
| 10***20 | Frame As-Undercarriage | 1 |
1095159 Special Ar-Multi Purpose-High Wide Carbody
| 10***21 | Guard Group-Swivel; (Swivel) | 1 |
| 10***83 | Harness As | 1 |
| 10***17 | Idler Group-Front | 1 |
Operator Station
1069808 Air Conditioner Ar
| 10***08 | Air Conditioner Ar | 1 |
| 4I***33 | Lines Group-Air Conditioner | 1 |
| 4I***34 | Condenser & Mounting Group | 1 |
7t8600 Clutch & Refrigerant Compressor Gp
| 7T***00 | Compressor Group-Clutch & Refrig | 1 |
4i7451 Compressor Gp-Refrigerant
| 4I***51 | Compressor Group-Refrigerant | 1 |
4i0434 Condenser & Mounting Gp
| 4I***34 | Condenser & Mounting Group | 1 |
7c2162 Drive Gp-Auxiliary (Lower)
| 7C***62 | Drive Group-Auxiliary; -Lower | 1 |
4i0433 Lines Gp-Air Conditioner-Part 1 Of 2
| 4I***33 | Lines Group-Air Conditioner | 1 |
4i0433 Lines Gp-Air Conditioner-Part 2 Of 2
| 4I***33 | Lines Group-Air Conditioner | 1 |
Power Train
1068944 Final Drive Gp
| 10***44 | Final Drive Group | 1 |
1054689 Final Drive Gp
| 10***89 | Final Drive Group; -(Without Motor) | 1 |
0874764 Motor & Mounting Gp
| 08***64 | Motor & Mtg Group-Travel | 1 |
1076545 Motor Gp-Piston-Slipper
| 10***45 | Motor Group-Travel; (Travel) | 1 |
1076546 Rotating Gp-Motor
| 10***46 | Rotating Group-Motor | 1 |
7i0034 Valve Gp-Pressure & Flow Compensator
| 7I***34 | Valve Group-Press & Flow Cmpnstr | 1 |
Service Equipment And Supplies
1043001 Film Gp-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***01 | Film Group | 1 |
1036068 Film Gp-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***68 | Film Group | 1 |
1022377 Film Gp
| 10***77 | Film Group | 1 |
1043001 Film Gp-Part 2 Of 2
| 10***01 | Film Group | 1 |
1036068 Film Gp-Part 1 Of 2
| 10***68 | Film Group | 1 |
330 L serial number reference
The PIN plate is riveted to the right side of the upper structure frame near the base of the operator's cab, and Caterpillar also stamps the same number directly into the frame at that spot so it stays readable if the plate is lost. On these pre-2001 machines the serial number reads as an 8-character code: the first 3 letters are the prefix tying the machine to a specific production block, and the following 5 digits count the individual unit within that block.
| Prefix | Identifies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6SK | 330 L excavator | Early production block from the model's introduction. Cat 3306 diesel. The factory service manual for this break is shared documentation covering the plain 330 and the 330 L nameplate from the same production run, not a 330 L-exclusive block. |
| 6WJ | 330 L excavator | Early production block running alongside 6SK. Also carries the Cat 3306 diesel. Documentation for this break is shared across the plain 330 and 330 L badge names (also seen catalogued as "330 & L"), so treat as shared rather than a distinct sub-model. |
| 8FK | 330 L excavator | Later production block. Cat 3306 diesel. Confirmed on a dedicated 330 L service manual. The same prefix block also turns up on a separate forestry swing-machine catalogue for this chassis, so confirm configuration (standard excavator vs. forestry swing machine) with your dealer. |
| 9ML | 330 L excavator | Later production block. Cat 3306 diesel. The factory manual set covering this break also carries the plain 330 and 330-A L badge names from the same production run, so treat it as shared documentation rather than a distinct sub-model. |
| 5YM | 330 L excavator | Production block confirmed across independently hosted manual listings. Like 9ML, the manual set for this break is shared with the plain 330 and 330-A L badge names from the same run. |
Frequently asked questions
What engine powers the Caterpillar 330 L?
The 330 L uses a Caterpillar 3306 turbocharged, aftercooled inline-six diesel of roughly 10.5 liters displacement, rated around 222 gross horsepower (165 kW). It is a mechanically governed, direct-injection engine, not an electronically controlled engine like later 330-series generations.
What is the operating weight of the Caterpillar 330 L?
Operating weight runs roughly 27,100-32,100 kg (about 59,750-70,830 lb) depending on counterweight, undercarriage, and front-end configuration. The 330 L's long-undercarriage layout and extended reach make it heavier than the standard-undercarriage 330.
What replaced the Caterpillar 330 L?
Caterpillar replaced the 330 L with the 330B in 1996, the start of the B Series upgrade. The lineage continued through the 330C and 330D, and today's Next Generation 330 carries the model number forward on a completely different, electronically controlled platform.
What 330 L owners discuss
What engine powers the Cat 330L, and what quirks come up with it in the field?
Why do 330L operators report the house swing losing power or lurching instead of turning smoothly?
One track has no power to travel -- where do owners say to look first?
A recently bought 330L has almost no modulation on boom-up -- what's the likely cause?
The machine feels down on hydraulic power -- how do owners isolate a pump fault from an electrical/controller fault?
What undercarriage wear patterns should owners watch for on a machine this size and vintage?
What do experienced buyers check before purchasing a used 330L?
Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.
Need a specific 330 L part?
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