326 – Tier 3
The Cat® 326 Excavator brings premium performance with simple-to-use technologies to boost your operator efficiencies. Combine these features with an ergonomic cab, longer maintenance intervals, and a power system that reduces fuel and you have a low-cost-per-unit-of-production excavator that’s perfect for medium to heavy-duty applications.
Not all features are available in all regions. Consult your Cat dealer for specific configurations available in your region.
Latest Features
Machine Setup Simplification
Cat® Grade 3D Ready
Cat Payload and Advanced Payload*
*Payload technologies are not legal for trade.
**VisionLink subscription required.
Not all features are available in all regions. Please check with your local Cat dealer for specific offering availability in your area. Build Number: 07H
- At the touch of fingertips and navigating user-friendly icons, the latest operator oriented User Interface (UI) maximizes uptime and gets crews to work without delay. From re-ordering work tool lists to creating new work tool combinations as needed, operators can quickly set up machines and easily access information.
- The interface allows operators to maintain accuracy and makes the most of every second of their shift. Adding the ability to input couplers and attachments into the system makes setting up work tool combinations highly efficient by significantly reducing calibration time. It also eliminates the need to measure up again when changing Cat® work tool attachments and makes it manageable for a single person to check and adjust for bucket wear.
Cat® Grade 3D Ready
- The Cat Grade 3D Ready option includes all the hardware required for the Grade with 3D system, installed and tested from the factory. This option provides an easier upgrade path for customers who want to add Grade with 3D after their initial purchase. To activate, contact your Cat Dealer to purchase the required 3D software licenses. Licenses can be installed remotely or manually loaded onto the machine.
Cat Payload and Advanced Payload*
- Cat Payload provides operators with on-the-go weighing to help them hit load targets and avoid overloading, underloading, or misloading materials. Advanced Payload is a system upgrade that offers expanded features and capabilities, including custom tags, daily totals, and electronic ticketing. Combine Payload with VisionLink® Productivity** to analyze jobsites and individual assets for remote management of production targets and key metrics.
*Payload technologies are not legal for trade.
**VisionLink subscription required.
Not all features are available in all regions. Please check with your local Cat dealer for specific offering availability in your area. Build Number: 07H
Performance and Productivity
- Improved controllability over the 326D2.
- Help reduce fuel consumption with no productivity loss while using Smart mode.
- Make working on slopes easier with improved swing torque over the 326D2 excavator.
- Increase operating efficiency with standard technologies that help lower operator fatigue and your operating costs, including fuel consumption and daily maintenance.
- The C7.1 engine can run on biodiesel up to B20 and meets Brazil MAR-1 emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA.
- The advanced hydraulic system provides the optimum balance of power and efficiency while giving you the control you need for precise digging requirements.
- Match the excavator to the job with power modes; let Smart mode automatically match engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions.
- Optional Advansys™ bucket tips increase penetration and improve cycle times. Tip changes can be done quickly with a simple lug wrench instead of a hammer or special tool, improving safety and uptime.
- Auxiliary hydraulic options give you the versatility to use a wide range of Cat® attachments.
- Don’t let the temperature stop you from working. The excavator has a standard high-ambient temperature capability of 52° C (125° F) with de-rate and cold start capability of –18° C (0° F). An optional –32° C (–25° F) cold start package is available.
Technology That Gets Work Done
- The latest operator oriented User Interface (UI) has been designed to maximize uptime by allowing operators to easily reorder work tool lists and quickly create new work tool combinations. It also eliminates the need to measure up again when changing Cat® work tool attachments and makes it manageable for a single person to check and adjust for bucket wear.
- Leverage standard Cat Grade with 2D system with indicate-only and laser capability to help boost productivity.
- Want a 3D system to improve your digging results? Caterpillar's single antenna global navigation satellite system (GNSS) makes it easy by giving you visual and auditory guidance to grade. Plus, you can create and edit designs on the touchscreen monitor while you’re on the job. If your application calls for a dual antenna system, it’s easy to upgrade.
- Upgrade to our dual antenna GNSS for maximum grading efficiency. The system lets you create and edit designs on the touchscreen monitor while you’re on the job, or you can have the plan design sent to the excavator to make your work easier. Plus, you get added benefits of avoidance zones, cut and fill mapping, lane guidance, and augmented reality along with advanced positioning capability.
- All Cat Grade systems are compatible with radios and base stations from Trimble, Topcon, and Leica. Already invested in a grade infrastructure? You can install grade systems from Trimble, Topcon, and Leica onto the machine.
- The Cat Grade 3D Ready option includes all the hardware required for the Grade with 3D system, installed and tested from the factory. Activation requires the purchase of additional 3D software licenses.
- Standard Grade Assist helps you stay on grade – simply and effortlessly – with single-lever digging.
- Keep the tracks on ground in lifting and hard digging with Boom Assist.
- Set your desired bucket angle and let Bucket Assist automatically maintain the angle in sloping, leveling, fine grading, and trenching applications.
- Automatically stop excavator swing at operator-defined set points in truck loading and trenching applications with Swing Assist, which will help you use less effort and consume less fuel.
- Cat Payload helps you achieve precise load targets to improve your operating efficiency. Pick up a load of material--with a bucket and thumb combination or grapple and clamshell attachments--and get a real-time weight estimate without swinging.
- Advanced Payload is a system upgrade that offers expanded features and capabilities, including custom tags, daily totals, and electronic ticketing.
- Combine Payload with VisionLink® and remotely manage your production targets.
- Optional Operator Coaching is an in-cab system that recognizes specific opportunities for operators to be more productive and prevent unnecessary machine wear and tear.
Take the Guesswork out of Managing Your Equipment
- VisionLink® provides actionable data insights for all assets - regardless of fleet size or equipment manufacturer.* Review equipment data from your desktop or mobile device to maximize uptime and optimize assets. Dashboards provide information such as hours, miles, location, idle time, and fuel utilization. Make informed decisions that lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve safety and security on your jobsite.
- VisionLink Productivity gathers and summarizes machine telematics and jobsite data from all your equipment – regardless of the manufacturer.* View actionable information such as idle time, fuel burn, location, payload, load counts, total cycles, and more to improve machine efficiency, productivity, and utilization. Access data anywhere via a mobile, tablet, or desktop device - on or off the jobsite.
- Cat® Inspect is a mobile application that allows you to easily perform digital preventative maintenance (PM) checks, inspections, and daily walkarounds. Inspections can easily be integrated with other Cat data systems like VisionLink so you can keep a close eye on your fleet.
- Remote Troubleshoot is a mobile application that allows your Cat dealer to perform diagnostic testing on your connected machine remotely to help ensure that issues are resolved quickly and with less downtime.
- Remote Flash is a mobile application that allows you to update onboard software without a technician being present, allowing you to initiate software updates when convenient, increasing your overall operating efficiency.
- The Cat PL161 attachment locator allows you to track attachments across all worksites, reduce the number of lost attachments, and plan for attachment maintenance and replacement. The work tool recognition feature automatically adjusts machine settings based on the selected tool.
*Data field availability can vary by equipment manufacturer.
Work in Comfort
- Choose between Comfort and Deluxe cabs – both with automatic climate control (consult your local dealer on availability in your region).
- The Comfort cab is equipped with a mechanical suspension seat. The Deluxe seat is heated and air adjustable.
- Control the excavator comfortably with easy-to-reach controls all located in front of you.
- Stow your gear with plenty of in-cab storage beneath and behind the seat and in the consoles. A cup holder, bottle holder, and coat hook are also provided.
- Use the standard radio’s USB ports and Bluetooth® technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls.
Simple to Operate
- Start the engine with a push button or the unique Operator ID function.
- Program your power mode and joystick preferences using Operator ID; the excavator will remember what you set each time you go to work.
- Make operating easier with the touch of a joystick button. Additional auxiliary relays allow you to power on or turn off a CB radio, beacon light, and even a dust suppression watering system without taking your hands off the joysticks (available on the Deluxe cab only).
- Navigate quickly on the standard high-resolution 203 mm (8 in) touchscreen monitor, or with the optional 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor (Deluxe cab only), or with the aid of the jog dial control.
- Not sure how a function works or how to maintain the excavator? Always have the operator’s manual at your fingertips in the touchscreen monitor.
- Need more lift during your shift? Turn on Auto Heavy Lift and get 8% more power exactly when you need it for as long as you need it.*
- Tiltrotator attachments--ours or other brands--work seamlessly with Cat® 2D Grade, Assist, Payload, and E-Fence . With no additional hardware required, all you have to do is simply select "Third Party Tiltrotator System Installation" in the monitor, do the calibration, and get to work.
*Auto Heavy Lift calculations are based on 380 bar (boost pressure) divided by 350 bar (standard pressure). Does not apply to long reach excavators.
Lower Maintenance Costs
- Expect lower maintenance costs compared to the 326D2.
- Do all daily maintenance at ground level.
- Check engine oil level quickly and safely with the ground-level engine oil dipstick; fill and check engine oil on top of the machine with a conveniently located second dipstick.
- S·O·SSM ports with extended sampling intervals are on ground level, simplifying maintenance and allows for quick easy extraction of samples for fluid analysis.
- Track your excavator’s filter life and maintenance intervals via the in-cab monitor.
- Using Cat® genuine oil and filters and doing your typical S·O·S monitoring will extend the current service interval to 1,000 hours, giving you greater uptime to do more work.
- Expect the latest air intake filter with precleaner to last up to 1,000 hours.
- The latest hydraulic oil filter provides improved filtration performance, anti-drain valves to keep oil clean when the filter is replaced, and longer life with a 3,000 hour replacement interval.
- High-efficiency cooling fans run only when needed; you can program intervals so they automatically reverse to keep cores clean without interrupting your work.
- Boost productivity with proactive service reminders. The Integrated vehicle health management system alerts the operator with step-by-step service guidance along with parts needed so you don't experience any unnecessary downtime.
Built-In Safety Features
- Lift Assist helps you avoid tipping. With visual and auditory alerts, you’ll know if your load is within the excavator’s safe working range limits.
- Access 100% of daily maintenance points from ground level – no need for you to climb on top of the excavator.
- The standard ROPS cab meets ISO 12117-2:2008 requirements.
- Optional Cat® Detect - People Detection helps protect the most valuable asset on any jobsite – people. The system uses smart cameras with depth sensors to provide the operator with visual and auditory alerts so he or she can take immediate action when a person is too close to the excavator.*
- Enjoy great visibility into the trench, in each swing direction, and behind you with the help of smaller cab pillars, larger windows, and a flat engine hood design.
- Optional Cat Command remote control enables equipment operators to work safely outside the machine when working in hazardous environments. Command offers the choice of handheld Consoles** (line-of-sight) or long-distance virtual Stations (non-line-of-sight). Deep integration with machine systems enables efficiency and productivity by maintaining the use of in-cab technology** features (Grade, Payload, Assist, etc.).
- The standard hydraulic lockout lever isolates all hydraulic and travel functions in the lowered position.
- Ground-level shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine when activated and shuts down the machine.
- 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside of operator-defined set points; the system works with thumb and bucket combinations along with hammer, grapple, and clamshell attachments.
- The right service platform design provides easy, safe, and quick access to upper service platform; the service platform steps use anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping.
- Optional boom and stick lowering check valves prevent reverse flow, keeping your front linkage securely in place should the hydraulic system unexpectedly lose power.
- Brightly colored seatbelts allow easy recognition of properly utilized safety restraints.
- Make service work easier and safer with optional inspection lighting. With the flip of a switch, lights will illuminate the engine, pump, battery, and radiator compartments to enhance visibility.
- Enhance jobsite safety. Add a swing alarm to alert people when you're rotating from trench to stockpile and back again.
*The system may not detect personnel in certain circumstances, such as fast swing speeds, people lying down or crouching, or when cameras are impaired by low light conditions (dusk, dawn, overcast), inclement weather (snow, rain, fog), or other similar conditions. For limitations of use, refer to the operation and maintenance manual.
**Operator assist features for the Command Console are not available in Australia and New Zealand.
