326 Hydraulic Excavator

Machine Setup Simplification

    
• 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™** 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

    
• Help reduce fuel consumption with no productivity loss while using Smart mode.
    
• 12% improved swing torque makes working on slopes easier.
    
• Standard Cat® technologies help reduce operator fatigue and maintenance costs, increasing operating efficiency.
    
• C7.1 engine that meets emission standards. An aftertreatment system that requires no maintenance or downtime.
    
• 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.
    
• 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.
    
• Available SmartBoom™ lets the boom freely travel up and down without using any pump flow so operators can focus on stick and bucket work. The benefits are reduced operator stress and reduced fuel consumption (not available in all regions - consult your local dealer on availability).
    
• 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.

    
• 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.
    
• 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.
    
• 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.
    
• 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 (E-Tickets).*
    
• 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.

*Advanced Payload requires an additional software license (SEA).

    
• 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. Equipment management features provide up-to-date asset tracking of your entire fleet. You can track asset location, operating hours, fuel level, health issues, and overall utilization. Monitor equipment health with fault codes, fluid analysis, and inspection due dates. It's all about making informed, data-based decisions to help reduce operating costs. Productivity management features enable you to analyze overall job site performance. You'll be able to track tonnage moved, production targets, and payload, as well as Grade 3D and compaction data. These vital metrics help you to reduce costs and improve jobsite operational efficiency.
    
• 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.

    
• Choose between Comfort, Deluxe and Premium cabs – all 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. The Premium seat is heated and cooled and adjusts automatically.
    
• Tip up console on the Deluxe and Premium cab improves ingress/egress by approximately 45%
    
• Feel more comfortable in the cab while you work with reduced cab vibrations from advanced viscous mounts.
    
• 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, document 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.

    
• 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 moving the excavator much easier with optional Cat® Stick Steer. Simply push a button and use one hand to travel and turn instead of both hands or feet on levers or pedals.
    
• 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.    
    
• 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.
    
• Navigate quickly on the standard high-resolution 203 mm (8 in) touchscreen monitor, or with the optional 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor (available on the Deluxe and Premium cabs 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.
    
• Use the in-monitor QR code to learn about machine and technology features through a full suite of “how-to” videos.
    
• Find the tool you need – even if it’s hidden beneath overgrowth or debris. The excavator’s onboard Bluetooth® reader can locate any work tool equipped with Cat asset tracking devices up to a range of 60 m (200 ft).
    
• Auto Dig Boost increases power by up to 8% for better bucket penetration, shorter cycle times, and greater payloads.*

*Auto Dig Boost calculations are based on 380 bar (boost pressure) divided by 350 bar (standard pressure). Does not apply to long reach excavators.

    
• Expect lower maintenance costs compared to the 326F/326D2.
    
• 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.
    
• Do all daily maintenance inspections 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.
    
• Track your excavator’s filter life and maintenance intervals via the in-cab monitor.
    
• No required maintenance on the Cat® Clean Emissions Module.
    
• Using Cat genuine oil and filters and doing your typical S·O·S^SM 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.
    
• S·O·S ports are on ground level, simplifying maintenance and allowing for quick, easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis.

    
• Cat® Lift Assist helps avoid machine tipping. With visual and auditory alerts, operators will know if their load is within the excavator’s safe working range limits.
    
• Access 100% of daily maintenance inspection 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.
    
• A rearview camera and a right-side-view camera are available. Upgrade to 360° visibility and you’ll easily visualize objects and personnel around the excavator in a single view.
    
• 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.

* Operator assist features for the Command Console are not available in the Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Tackle your jobs with a complete Cat® solution. Cat attachments are not just accessories – they are essential tools that define what your machine can do. When you pair a Cat excavator with Cat attachments, you unlock a fully integrated system built for performance, durability, and efficiency. Whether you are clearing land, breaking concrete, or compacting soil, the right attachment transforms your excavator into a powerful, multi-purpose tool ready for any challenge. Depending on your project or application, you could benefit from excavator attachments such as:

    
• Buckets: Handle everything from digging and grading to cleanup and debris removal with your excavator. Caterpillar® offers general duty, heavy duty, extreme duty, and severe duty buckets, as well as specialized designs for ditch cleaning, rock, and finishing work. Reinforced edges and wear-resistant materials ensure long-lasting performance in tough conditions.
    
• Couplers (HEX): Cat® couplers for excavators enable fast, secure attachment changes, without the need to leave the cab. From Pin Grabbers to hydraulic quick connect options, couplers help reduce downtime, boost jobsite efficiency and promote versatility by allowing multiple machines to share a common attachment inventory.
    
• Hammers: Break concrete, rock, and steel with up to 1,000 blows per minute. Built for high-production demolition, quarrying, and construction, they offer powerful impact energy and consistent performance. Their durability and low-maintenance design make them essential for demanding breaking applications.
    
• Multi-Processors: A versatile tool for demolition, equipped with interchangeable jaws to handle concrete, steel, and rebar. Multi-Processors combine cutting, crushing and pulverizing capabilities in one attachment. Their modular design maximizes efficiency across a range of job site demands.
    
• Demolition and Sorting Grapples: Tackle larger debris or precisely sort materials into piles. These grapples are engineered for accuracy in demolition and material sorting, handling concrete, rebar, wood, and mixed debris. High clamping force and agile movement make them ideal for primary and secondary demolition and recycling operations.
    
• Scrap and Demolition Shears: Rotating shears provide precision cutting for metal structures, pipes, rebar, and scrap, making them ideal for demolition and recycling. Their powerful jaws and fast cycle times ensure clean cuts and high productivity. Built for durability, they excel in heavy-duty steel processing.
    
• Pulverizers: Built to crush concrete and separate rebar during demolition and recycling. With high crushing force and fast cycle times, pulverizers efficiently reduce material for easier handling. Primary models feature 360° bidirectional rotation and tackle structure teardown, while secondary models have a fixed jaw design and process debris after demolition.
    
• Compactors (Vibratory Plate): Compact soil, sand, gravel and asphalt quickly and efficiently to create a stable foundation. Vibratory plate compactors deliver high-impact force and even coverage, reducing air pockets and improving surface integrity for trenching, roadwork, and patching.
    
• Rotary Cutters: Get accurate, precise work with less noise and vibration. Cat® Rotary Cutters deliver high torque and precision for a range of applications: demolition, grinding, profiling, trenching, tunneling, and quarrying. Specifically designed for excavator-mounted use to handle heavy-duty materials like concrete, rock, and dense brush with ease.
    
• Orange Peel Grapples: Built for scrap and bulk material handling, Orange Peel Grapples excel with irregular, heavy loads like metal, rock, and waste. Their hydraulic tines provide superior grip and penetration. High-capacity and continuous rotation are perfect for scrap yards and transfer stations. Caterpillar® offers these grapples with a choice of different shell designs and tine options suited to various applications.
    
• Thumbs: Add gripping capability to your buckets, enabling precise and secure handling of irregular materials like rocks, stumps, and debris. Perfect for loading, sorting, and placing tasks, they enhance versatility and control. Hydraulic or mechanical options allow for flexible operation across job types.
    
• Tiltrotators: Tiltrotators provide 360° rotation and 40° left/right tilt functionality, allowing attachments to move with unmatched precision and flexibility. This flexibility transforms your machine into a multi-functional tool capable of working from virtually any angle without repositioning. Ideal for grading, trenching, and complex excavation work, they deliver multi-angle control for tight and confined spaces.

Cat® attachments are engineered to maximize your excavator’s productivity, helping you get more work done with greater efficiency and confidence. Choosing the right attachment is not just about compatibility, it is about unlocking your machine’s full potential while avoiding equipment damage or safety risks. Connect with your Cat Dealer to find the optimal attachments for your specific machine and application needs.

Please note: Not all attachments are available in all regions. Contact your Cat Dealer for details.

    
• The Cat® C7.1 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards.
    
• The 326 emits lower CO2 emissions compared to the previous 326F.
    
• Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) and are compatible* with ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels** up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)*** or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details.  
    
• Cat Grade technologies combine advanced guidance with optional automated machine control helping you reach grading targets while reducing fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by improving efficiency, job site productivity, and accuracy.
    
• Auto Engine Speed Control reduces unnecessary fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by allowing the engine to automatically go into idle mode when the machine is not working.
    
• Cat Payload for excavators provides on-the-go material weighing which helps reduce fuel burn by improving loading efficiency, job site productivity, and eliminating trips to the scale.
    
• Extended maintenance intervals not only reduce downtime but decrease the amount of fluid and filters that are replaced over the life of the machine.
    
• VisionLink™ displays the CO2 emissions for monitored assets, calculated by fuel type for the Runtime Fuel Burned each day in a selected date range.
    
• Remote Flash minimizes downtime and maintenance time while keeping your asset running with maximum efficiency. Alerts for machine updates are sent virtually from your Cat dealer and updates can be deployed without a dealer technician needing to be onsite.

*While Caterpillar engines are compatible with these alternative fuels, some regions may not allow their use. 
**Tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from lower-carbon intensity fuels are essentially the same as traditional fuels. 
***Engines with no aftertreatment devices are compatible with higher blends, up to 100% biodiesel (for use of  blends higher than 20% biodiesel, consult your Cat dealer).