About · Caterpillar 335Overview
The Caterpillar 335 is a large crawler excavator with an operating weight of 36,200 kg and an engine output of 273 hp, placing it firmly in the upper-middle segment of the heavy excavator class. It is equipped with a standard bucket capacity of 1.54 m3, making it suited to high-volume earthmoving and heavy-duty site work. As a current-generation Caterpillar product, it carries the engineering standards and dealer support infrastructure associated with that manufacturer's global network.
Typical applicationsWhere this machine is used
Machines in this weight and power class are typically deployed on civil infrastructure projects, large-scale earthmoving, road construction, quarry preparation, and heavy demolition support. The combination of operating weight and bucket capacity makes the 335 effective in deep excavation, mass material handling, and loading operations where cycle time and reach are priorities. It is also used in pipeline trenching and foundation work where ground conditions demand a high-traction, high-force platform.
Used-market inspectionWhat to check before buying
Before purchasing a Caterpillar 335 or equivalent machine in this class, commission a full undercarriage inspection, as track components represent a significant portion of ownership cost on heavy excavators and wear rates vary considerably with operating terrain. Review hydraulic system condition, including hose integrity, pump pressures, and cylinder seal condition, since high-cycle applications accelerate wear in these areas. Request or commission a Cat ET diagnostic scan or equivalent to check for active and historical fault codes. Inspect the boom, stick, and bucket pins and bushings for play, and examine structural welds for cracking, particularly around the upper frame and attachment points. Verify that service intervals have been followed by reviewing maintenance records, and confirm that any auxiliary hydraulic circuits or attachments are correctly configured and functional before accepting the machine.
Current marketPrice position
The Caterpillar 335 competes directly with the Kobelco SK350 and the New Holland E385 in the heavy crawler excavator segment. Against the Kobelco SK350, buyers typically weigh Cat's dealer coverage and parts availability against Kobelco's reputation for fuel efficiency and swing performance. Against the New Holland E385, the comparison often centres on specification parity and fleet sourcing preferences within mixed-brand operations. Within the 335's own segment, the attributes that move a unit within its price band include total machine hours, undercarriage condition, configuration, whether a quick-coupler or additional hydraulic lines are fitted, the presence of a factory or aftermarket blade, and overall service history and inspection records. Machines in long-term single-owner fleets with documented maintenance schedules typically command stronger positioning than those with fragmented service histories.
