Used CAT 312, 313 and 315 Excavator for Sale: 12 to 15 Ton Export Guide

The 12 to 15 ton class sits between mini excavators and full 20-ton machines, and it is one of the best sellers for road maintenance, village infrastructure, pipelines and plantation work in Africa and South America. Caterpillar's 312, 313 and 315 are the reference machines in this size. Shanghai yards carry a steady supply of low-hour units, from the older D-series to the newer GC models. This guide explains how the models differ, what to check on video, and how to ship a used CAT 312, 313 or 315 excavator from China.

312, 313 or 315: how they differ

• CAT 312 (about 12 tons): light enough to move on a standard low-bed truck, ideal for trenching, drainage and loading small trucks. Examples: 312D2 (2023, 862 h), 312D (2023, 1823 h), 312E (2023, 2976 h) and the 312GC.
• CAT 313 (about 13 tons): slightly more lift and a longer undercarriage for better stability on slopes. Examples: 313DL (2023, 413 h) and the 313GC.
• CAT 315 (about 15 tons): the strongest of the three, often chosen for hammer work, light quarry jobs and loading 10–15 ton trucks. Examples: 315GC (2024, 657 h), 315D2L (2023, 1300 h) and 315D (2020, 2200 h).

Need more reach? The CAT 318D2L is a step up, and our CAT 320 buying guide covers the 20-ton class. All current units are under used Caterpillar excavators.

D2 or GC: which generation?

D and D2 machines have simpler electronics and are easy for local mechanics to repair, which suits remote sites. GC models are newer, use less fuel and have a better cab, but check which engine is fitted and whether your local diesel quality suits it. Price both against the hours and the undercarriage, not just the year.

Video inspection checklist

1. Serial plate, hour meter and monitor in one uncut clip.
2. Cold start and smoke colour, then blow-by at the oil filler once warm.
3. Combined movements: boom up, stick in and swing together at full throttle with no hesitation.
4. Pins and bushings at the bucket and stick; look for play with the engine off.
5. Swing bearing play with the bucket lifted, and noise during full rotations.
6. Undercarriage: sprockets, rollers, idlers and shoe height.
7. Hammer piping if you plan breaker work, and signs of heavy hammer use on the stick nose.

Shipping from Shanghai

A 12–15 ton excavator normally ships on a flat rack or by RoRo; with the bucket removed some 312 units can go in an open-top container. Ask for FOB Shanghai and CIF to ports such as Lagos, Tema, Mombasa, Callao or Santos, and confirm age and inspection rules with your broker. See our Kenya, Ghana and South Africa import guide and Latin America guide.

Ask for a walk-around video

Send the model, budget and destination port, and we will reply with available CAT 312, 313 and 315 units and a live video. WhatsApp / Tel: +86 180 1734 8066 · www.ychs-machinery.com