Used CAT 323, 325 and 326 Excavator for Sale: China Export Guide

Between the everyday CAT 320 and the heavier 330 class sits a busy mid band that export buyers ask for every week: the CAT 323, 325 and 326 (plus related 324 / 329 units). These 23–29 ton excavators dig harder and load larger trucks than a 20-ton machine, yet they still ship on a flat rack from Shanghai. This guide compares the sizes, lists what to check on a live video, and explains how to buy a used CAT 323, 325 or 326 excavator from China.

323 vs 325 vs 326: which size fits?

• CAT 323 / 323D / 323D2 / 323GC / 323GX (about 23–25 tons): the step up from 320 for deeper cuts and higher truck loading. Examples: 323D #884, 323DL #853, 323GX #719, 323GC #455, 323GC (2023, 1690 h), 323D2 (2023, 1508 h) and 323D2L #706.
• CAT 324 / 325 / 325D / 325D2L (about 25–27 tons): more dig force for pipe, foundation and quarry support. Examples: 324D2L #695, 325D #885, 325 #871, 325D2L #823 and 325D (2022, 3100 h).
• CAT 326 / 326D / 326GC / 326FL and 329D2L (about 26–29 tons): the upper mid class before a full 330. Examples: 326GC #502, 326GC (2022, 438 h), 326D (2024, 1200 h), 326FL (2019, 3961 h) and 329D2L (2022, 2389 h).

Prefer a lighter CAT first? See our CAT 320 Shanghai export guide and the 320GC buyer guide. Need a larger class? See the CAT 330 buyer guide. Browse all units under used Caterpillar excavators.

What to check on a live video

1. Serial plate, hour meter and monitor in one uncut clip, including any fault codes on the CAT display.
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. Boom drift: hold a loaded bucket in the air for one minute and watch for creeping.
5. Pins, bushings and swing bearing play at the bucket, stick and upper structure.
6. Undercarriage: sprockets, rollers, idlers and shoe height — critical on 23–29 ton machines.
7. Hammer piping and stick nose wear if you plan breaker work.

Shipping from Shanghai

A 323 or 325 usually ships on a flat rack or by RoRo; 326 and 329 almost always need a flat rack, often with the counterweight or bucket removed. Ask for FOB Shanghai and CIF to ports such as Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Callao or Santos, and confirm age and inspection rules with your broker. Our Kenya, Ghana and South Africa import guide and Latin America guide cover the paperwork.

Request a walk-around video

Tell us the model, budget and destination port, and we will send available CAT 323, 325 and 326 units with a live video. WhatsApp / Tel: +86 180 1734 8066 · www.ychs-machinery.com