®

312C
312C L
Hydraulic Excavators

Cat® turbocharged 3064 T diesel engine

Gross power 70 kW/94 hp
Flywheel power 67 kW/90 hp
Operating weight range 12 700 to 15 150 kg
Travel speed – 312C/312C L 5.5/5.1 km/h
Drawbar pull – 312C/312C L 108/126 kN
312C and 312C L Hydraulic Excavators
Improved performance and rugged durability combine to maximize productivity.

Operator Station Multipro Electronic Control System Engine

Roomy and quiet with ergonomic
control placement has excellent
sightlines to the work area to help keep
operator fatigue low and production up
throughout the entire shift. Optional
climate control maintains constant
temperature in the cab in both hot and
cold weather. pg. 4-5
An user friendly new monitor that
shows a wide variety of useful
information for machine operation
and provides high efficient service
data and diagnostic capabilities
while maximizing fuel efficiency
and performance. pg. 6
✔ The 312C is powered by the Cat 3064 T
engine which complies with worldwide
emissions requirements. This engine
includes several design features which
enhance performance, efficiency and
reliability. Engine service intervals are
at 500 hours. pg. 7

Improved performance.
Increased horsepower, better controllability,
extended service intervals, optimized VA
boom structure, a revolutionary tool control
system and a redesigned ergonomic operator
station increase your productivity and lower
your operating costs.

✔ New feature

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Hydraulics
The open-center, two-pump hydraulic
system features pump flow control
which improves fuel efficiency, ensures
smooth controllability, reduces sound
levels and extends component life,
through an increased maximum flow.
The unique tool control option offers
the ability to optimize the machine
performances according to 5 tool
specifications, and to set priorities
between tools and implements for
maximized efficiency. pg. 8
Serviceability
Longer service intervals and easier
maintenance results in better machine
availability and lower owning and
operating costs. Electronic diagnostics
means increased productivity. pg. 9
Undercarriage and Blade
Rugged Caterpillar® undercarriage design
and proven structural manufacturing
techniques assure outstanding durability
in the toughest applications, resulting in
stability, durability and low maintenance.
Blade option adds versatility. Standard
grease-lubricated tracks extend the
undercarriage life. pg. 10
Structures
Caterpillar design and manufacturing
techniques assure outstanding durability
and service life from these important
components. pg. 11
Buckets and Teeth
A wide variety of bucket types
with aggressive bucket designs
take advantage of the 315C L’s higher
power to improve productivity.
pg. 12
Work Tools
Ex-factory available Buckets, Multi-
processors, Sorting and Demolition
Grapples, Hammers and Quick
Couplers provide a total solution
package to the end-user. pg. 13
Complete Customer Service
Your Cat dealer offers a wide range of
services that can be set up under a
customer support agreement when you
purchase your equipment. The dealer
will help you choose a plan that can
cover everything from machine and
attachment selection to replacement.
pg. 14
3
Operator Station
Designed for comfort and ease of operation.

4
 Operator work station. This operator
work station is quiet with ergonomic
control placement and convenient
adjustments, low lever and pedal
effort, ergonomic seat design, and
highly efficient ventilation.
Viewing area. Excellent viewing area
through large, wide windows. A large
skylight provides upward visibility.
The upper front window features
parallelogram wiper to provide un-
obstructed front viewing. The upper
left side door window can slide open.
The lower window provides visibility
to the tracks and the ground next to
the machine. The rear window offers
a good view behind and to the left,
aided by a lower hood profile.
Greater control convenience.
Each of the controls is positioned
within easy reach of the operator.
Cab shell. The double wall, pressed
cab shell is mounted to the swing
frame using viscous mounts for
reduced sound and vibrations.
Wiper. A standard large wiper for
the upper and lower windows offers
the selection between continuous
and intermittent modes and provides
a better visibility.
Dial throttle. Dial throttle with ten
settings for simple, precise repeatable
engine speed adjustment.
Automatic climate control. Optional
automatic climate control maintains
constant temperature in the cab in both
hot and cold weather conditions and,
at the touch of a switch, the operator
can choose between fresh or
recirculated air.
Special joysticks for tool control
options.
1 Multipro Electronic Control System.
Caterpillar monitor panel includes fuel
level, hydraulic oil temperature and
engine temperature gauges, machine
condition indicators, and operator
controls in a single console (refer to
Multipro on pg. 6).
2 Joysticks. Joysticks control all
implements and swing functions with
minimal effort. This includes 4 switches
on each joystick. The integrated joystick
consoles adjust to operator preference.
Joystick consoles are suspended as part
of the seat arrangement. Special joystick
for the tool control option feature
modulated switches.
3 Travel controls. Hand or foot actuated
travel controls allow the operator to
move the excavator while working the
boom, stick and bucket. Hand levers
are easily removable.
4 Activation control lever. Hydraulic
activation control lever deactivates
hydraulic functions and prevents start-
up when the operator exits the cab.
5 Suspension seat. The fully adjustable
suspension seat includes an impressive
range of comfort features. In addition to
fore/aft height and weight adjustments,
it also offers wide arm support, headrest
and a retractable seat belt. The height
adjustment system of the seat and
console allows to adjust them together,
while the console height can be also
adjusted independently. Moreover,
the armrest also has its owns height
adjustment mechanism, providing good
access to control levers.
5
Multipro
The Multipro manages the engine and hydraulics for maximum performance and enhanced
monitoring capabilities through a new user friendly interface.
2
3
Multipro. It controls state-of-the-art
hydraulics and engine performance for
maximized productivity, increased fuel
efficiency, and lower emission and
sound levels.
Compact monitor. The 312C uses
a compact monitor that nevertheless
shows a variety of information.
The 312C monitor uses a liquid crystal
display, and the dot matrix screen is
capable of displaying a wide range of
items, such as written messages.
It consists of an 8-key keyboard that
makes it user friendly to the operator.
6
4
Pump Flow and Pressure Settings. Filter and Oil Warnings. The monitor
The 312C monitor is capable of provides the number of hours that filter
recording five hydraulic pump flow and fluids have been used. It also
and hydraulic pressure settings for displays filter and oil change warnings
various tools. This function is very when the number of hours used reaches
convenient because it eliminates the the maintenance interval.
need to adjust the hydraulics every time
The 312C monitor consists of
a tool is changed and instantly provides
five areas:
the operator with the correct setting
1 Alert indicator
of flow and pressure for each tool.
2 Engine speed dial indicator
Alert. This monitor is capable of auto- 3 Gauges
diagnostic and is designed to alert an 4 Message area
impending problem to the operator. 5 Key pad
Languages. In addition to icons,
the 312C monitor displays language-
based information identifying various
functions. 20 different display
languages are available.
Cat 3064 T Engine
The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is built for power, reliability, economy and
easy maintenance.
Cat 3064 T Engine. The 312C is powered
by a Cat 3064 T diesel engine, built for
world-class performance and reliability,
low maintenance, long life and
excellent fuel economy for low
operating costs.
■ The 3064 T engine complies with
Stage II Emission Directive
97/68/EC.
■ The oil filter, oil level gauge, fuel
filter and priming pump are located
on the top of the engine for easy
maintenance.
■ Big capacity of the samp and the oil
cartridge allows to reinforce the
maintenance intervals at 500 hours.
Torque Rise. The engine is designed for
high torque rise at middle rpm, a feature
that is especially beneficial for heavy-
duty use.
Compact Design. Designed to be as
compact as possible while maintaining
high performance and excellent
response.
Automatic Engine Control.
The automatic engine control (AEC)
maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces
sound levels. The control automatically
reduces engine speed to suit application.
For further ease and control, a one-
touch low idle button on the right
joystick lever will also reduce engine
levels, conserve fuel and reduce engine
sound levels. Operators can use the low-
idle button at any time, such as between
cycles when loading trucks.
Starting Performance. To avoid white
smoke during cold starting, the 3064 T
engine is equipped with an air heater on
the inlet manifold.
Closed Breather (option). For certain
countries, closed breather circuit is
available.
Fuel System. Efficient direct injection
fuel system means lower operating cost.
Fuel Consumption. The 3064 T engine
has the best fuel consumption in this
class of diesel engines. It features
improved thermal efficiency and
reduced friction resistance between
piston and liners.
Crankshaft. Eight balance, one-piece,
forged crankshaft enhances balance and
decreases vibration and is induction
hardened to improve abrasion
resistance.
Pistons. Heat resistant aluminum alloy
pistons have a short compression
height, reducing weight and improving
efficiency.
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Hydraulics
Caterpillar hydraulics deliver power and control to keep material moving at high volume.
Component Layout. The 312C hydraulic
system was designed to provide a high
level of efficiency. With all major
components located close together,
shorter tubes and lines are needed,
resulting in less friction loss in the lines
and reduced pressure drops.
Hydraulic Cross Sensing System.
Improves productivity with faster
implement speeds and quicker,
stronger pivot turns.
Hydraulic connections. Use of O-ring
face seals on all high-pressure and pilot
circuits reduces leaks opportunities and
makes assembly easy.
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Automatic Boom and Swing Priority.
For simpler operation, work mode
and power mode switches have been
eliminated. Instead, the automatic boom
and swing priority function selects
the best engine and pump regulation,
based on joystick movement.
Stackable Valves. Three types of
stackable valves are available on the
312C and attached directly to the main
control valve. Up to two stackable
valves can be used in combination
with the main control valve to provide
a variety of different functions.
Tool selection.
5 tools settings can be programmed and
selected from the monitor:
– drastic reduction of mistake risk
– quick installation of a tool
– less repairs
– higher tool life
– automatic tool setting by single
monitor selection
– full operation from joysticks
Controllability. The hydraulic system
offers precise control of the 312C,
reducing operator fatigue, improving
operator effectiveness and efficiency,
which ultimately translates into
enhanced performance.
Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve.
The auxiliary hydraulic valve is
standard of the 312C for use with
optional hydraulic circuits.
Hydraulic Snubbers. Hydraulic cylinder
snubbers at the rod-end of boom
cylinders and both ends of the stick
cylinders cushion shocks, reduce sound
and increase cylinder life.
Oil sampling. Scheduled oil sampling
allows for scheduled replacement or
repair of components before the
machine is stopped because of a major
breakdown.
Tool Control. With the tool control
(option), the machine is being provided
with an electronic additional
programmable stackable valve and
the ability to optimize the machine
performances according to 5 tool
specifications (including settings for
electrical relief valve for hammer
circuit and flow). Flow distribution
between implements is analyzed and
optimized, with the ability to set priority
on the tool or the implements. This
option also includes special joysticks
with modulated switches for medium
and high pressure modulation.
Serviceability
Simplified service and maintenance features save you time and money.

Extended Service Intervals.

312C service and maintenance intervals
have been extended to reduce machine
service time and increase machine
availability.
Radiator Compartment. The left rear
service door allows easy access to
the engine radiator and the oil cooler.
A reserve tank and drain cock are
attached to the radiator for simplified
maintenance.
Air Filter Compartment. The air filter
features a double-element construction
for superior cleaning efficiency.
Ground Level Service. The design
and layout of the 312C was made
with the service technician in mind.
Many service locations are easily
accessible at ground level allowing
critical maintenance to get done
quickly and efficiently.
Swing-Out Oil Cooler. The oil cooler
swings out horizontally for excellent
cleaning (optional equipment).
Pump Compartment. A service door
on the right side of the upper structure
allows ground-level access to the pump
Engine Inspection. Engine can be Electronic Power Unit Control.
and pilot filter.
accessed from the upper structure or Monitor Electronic Power Unit Control
Capsule Filter. The hydraulic return from under the machine. has diagnostic capabilities for service
filter, a capsule filter, is situated outside technicians use. Dealer service
Water Separator. Water separator
the hydraulic tank. This filter prevents technicians can quickly and easily
removes water from fuel even when
contaminants from entering the system diagnose and adjust machine
under pressure and is located in the
when hydraulic oil is changed and keeps component maximizing uptime.
battery compartment. Optional water
the operation clean. Filter change information available
level sensor within cab alarm.
in 20 different languages.
Anti-Skid “Punched-Star” Plate.
Handrails and Steps. Larger handrails
Anti-skid punched-star plate covers the Caterpillar Product Link system
and steps assist operator in climbing
top of storage box and upper structure attachment. It includes a transceiver
on and off machine.
to prevent slipping during maintenance. module (on-board the machine), office
The plate can be removed for cleaning. Grease-lubricated Track. Grease application PC software, and a satellite
lubricated seals protect the track link communications network to track
Radiator Compartment. The left rear
and deliver long track link pin and machine hours, location, and warnings.
service door allows easy access to the
bushing inner wear life. Product Link simplifies maintenance
engine radiator and the oil cooler.
scheduling, fleet management,
A reserve tank and drain cock are Fan Guard. Engine radiator fan is
unauthorized machine usage or
attached to the radiator for simplified completely enclosed by fine wire mesh,
movement, and product problem event
maintenance. reducing the risk of an accident.
tracking and diagnosis (PL-201).
Greasing Block. Remote greasing block Bearings. New boom and stick
on the boom and two grease points for standard bearings only need greasing
the swing bearing deliver grease to hard- every 1000 hours.
to-reach locations.

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Undercarriage and Blade
Durable undercarriage absorbs stresses and provides excellent stability.
Optional blade increases versatility.
■ Helps level a working space so the
312C sits firmly and digs vertically.
■ Dozes and backfills trenches.
Blade has a float position resulting
in smooth levelling.
■ Speeds site cleanup - objects can be
trapped against the blade for easier
bucket loading.
■ With the blade down, lifting capacity
over the front is increased.
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Robotic welding. Precision robotic
welding helps ensure quality welds.
These welds increase rigidity, reduce
internal stresses and enhance durability
for the chassis and track roller frames.
Heavy-duty chassis design. Heavy-
duty, modified X-shaped chassis design.
Cat undercarriage components are
purposely oversized to offer heavy-duty
performance and durability.
Track links. Strutted track links are
sealed for longer life. Track rollers,
carrier rollers and idlers are also sealed
and lubricated for excellent service life.
Two-speed travel motors. Smoother
auto shifting two-speed travel motors
offer top travel speeds and plenty of
pull on slopes or turns.
Grease-lubricated Tracks. Grease
between pin and bushing, internal wear
is reduced, contributing to extended
undercarriage life.
Two undercarriage choices:*
Standard undercarriage.
Standard undercarriage is well suited
for applications that have restricted
working space, or have uneven or rocky
terrain.
Long undercarriage.
Long undercarriage (L) maximizes
stability and lifting capacity. Long and
sturdy undercarriage offers a very stable
work platform.
Elimination of the ledge.
The elimination of the ledge at carbody
and roller frame juncture reduces
material build-up and makes digging
out easier.
Idler guards. Standard idler guards
maintain track alignment. Center
section guards are standard on 312C L
for additional protection on side slopes.
* Custom product arrangements are available
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for specifics.
Structures
The 312C structural components are the backbone of the machine’s durability.

1 Carbody design 2 Main frame

Advanced carbody design stands up Rugged main frame is designed for
in the toughest applications. maximum durability and efficient
■ Modified X-shaped, box-section use of materials.
carbody provides excellent ■ Outer frame utilizes curved side

resistance to torsional bending. rails, which are die-formed,

■ Upper structure weight and for excellent uniformity and
stresses are distributed evenly strength throughout the length.
across the full length of the track ■ Box section channels improve

roller frame. upper frame rigidity under

■ Smooth transitions and long the cab.
welds reduce stresses at the ■ Inverted U-channels span the

carbody-to-roller frame junctions width of the main frame and are

for excellent durability. formed, rather than fabricated,
■ Robotic welding ensures for superior strength and
consistent, high-quality welds reduced weight.
throughout the manufacturing ■ Boom tower and main rails are

process. constructed of solid, high-tensile

strength steel plates.
Track roller frame. Robotic welded ■ Boom foot and engine mount
track roller frame pentagonal box
areas reinforced for additional
section is press-formed to deliver
strength.
exceptional strength and service life.

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Booms, Sticks, Buckets and Teeth
The 312C L has designed-in flexibility to help bring total solution for higher production and
efficiency to your jobs.
10 11 12 13
The right combination for the job.
Select the right combination for the job
with your Cat dealer and you’ll help
ensure top production from the start.
Booms and sticks. Caterpillar excavator
booms and sticks are built for
performance and long service life.
■ Large, welded, box-section structures
with thick, multi-plate fabrications in
high-stress areas.
■ Construction allows structures to flex
and dissipate stresses.
Two standard booms and three sticks.
The choice of two standard application
booms and three sticks plus a wide
selection of buckets and attachments,
means the 312C offers several
combinations of reach and digging
forces for optimum versatility.
One-piece boom. One-piece boom for
all standard applications.
Variable Angle Boom. A new variable
angle boom (VA) with a dramatically
reduced weight, for vertical wall
digging, working near obstacles or in
tight quarters. The variable geometry
boom offers superb flexibility and
versatility in the working envelop.
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1 2
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
With full extension, the working range Pin-on version and Quick Couplers.
gives both maximum dig depth and All Cat buckets are available in both
reach above ground. Equally, when the quick coupler and pin-on version.
VA boom is retracted, it can work
1 Excavation Bucket. Digs and loads
closer to its tracks, increase lifting
soft to medium materials such as clay
capacity and work in confined areas. All
and earth. Features weld on tip
hydraulic adjustments to the VA boom
adapters, hardened cutting edge and
angle can be made from the cab during
side bars.
a work cycle for true versatility.
2 Extreme Excavation Bucket. Digs and
Single Offset boom. Single Offset boom
loads compact/abrasive materials like
for application requiring excavation
earth/rock, sand/clay, sand/gravel,
work alongside the machine. It is ideal
coal, chalk and low abrasion ores.
for working under pipes, along walls
Features abrasion resistant steel for
and in other urban conditions where
all wear parts.
machine access is difficult.
3 Ditch Cleaning Bucket. Wide, light
Short stick. Short stick for mass
bucket used mainly with long reach
excavation and maximum breakout
configurations to clean waterbeds
force bucket up to 0.75 m3.
and banks.
Medium stick. Medium stick for
Tip selection
maximum versatility bucket up to 0.68 m3.
10 Penetration
Long stick. Long stick for all standard 11 Penetration Long Life
applications bucket up to 0.61 m3. 12 Short
13 Long
Linkage Bearings. New bearing
14 Heavy Duty Long
technology has extended the front
15 Heavy Duty Abrasion
linkage greasing intervals for all
16 Sharp / Corner Sharp
bearings, up to 1000 hours for the
17 Wide
boom and stick and up to 100 hours
18 Twin Sharp
for the bucket.
19 Long Sharp
20 Penetration Plus
Tool Control System, Quick Couplers and Work-Tools
User-friendly, integrated electro-hydraulics make changing tools easy and quick and
allow the operator to focus on efficient work.

Tool Control. Five hydraulic pump flow and pressure settings

can be preset on the Multipro, eliminating the need to adjust
the hydraulics each time a tool is changed. Selecting the proper
setting from the Multipro’s menu instantly provides the operator
with the correct amount of flow and pressure for the tool.
The unique Cat proportional sliding switches provide
modulation to the tool and make precision work easy.
Quick Couplers. Caterpillar Quick Couplers enable the operator
to simply release one work tool and pick up another.
Your hydraulic excavator becomes highly versatile.
To suit your business and application needs, Caterpillar offers
two different types of Quick Couplers.
CW-Series Dedicated Quick Coupler. The dedicated CW-Series
quick coupler enables a quick tool exchange while maintaining
top machine performance. It is available in a hydraulic and
spindle version.
■ The hydraulic version is available in a standard

and a narrow version and makes it very easy

for the operator to switch tools
without having to leave the cab.
■ The spindle version is a user-friendly

mechanical version that can later be

easily converted into the hydraulic version
if required. The spindle version is also
available in the narrow and standard version.
■ A lifting hook is added to the dedicated Quick Coupler

for maximum lift capacity.

Pin Grabber Plus Quick Coupler. This hydraulically controlled
Pin Grabber Plus quick coupler makes changing buckets and
other popular work tools simple and fast. The Pin Grabber Plus
coupler mounts to the end of the stick and allows buckets,
clamshells and other work tools to be used with little or no
modification.
■ Each model fully adjusts to different pin
Multi-Processor. The Caterpillar Multi-Processors can be
spreads of various tools regardless of
equipped with different jaw types depending on your need.
manufacturer – it is the only coupler
that accommodates a wide range of Multi-Grapple. The Multi-Grapple with unlimited left and
work tool makes and models. right rotation is the ideal tool for stripping, sorting, handling
■ Pin-on assembly makes coupler and loading.
installation and removal fast and easy.
Orange Peel Grapple. Specifically designed for handling scrap
■ Coupler retains the same bucket opening and closing angles.
and rock in recycling and transfer applications.
■ Buckets can be reversed for greater flexibility when working

around and under obstructions. Hammer. The Cat hammers with a wide variety of tools
■ Integrated lift eye. provide the perfect match for maximal life, efficiency and
productivity.
A factory installed Quick Coupler hydraulic circuit avoids
difficult and costly retrofitting of Quick Coupler hydraulics
and allows usage of the most frequently used Quick Coupler
systems. Ask your Cat dealer for more specific information.

13
Complete Customer Support
Cat dealer services help you operate longer with lower costs.

Services. Customer Service is critical

today in every business. That’s why so
many people buy Cat equipment. They
know they are getting quality reliability
and performance backed-up with the
best Customer Service. Your Caterpillar
dealer offers a wide range of services
that can be set up under a Customer
Support Agreement. The dealer will
help you choose a plan that can cover
the whole machine including work
tools, to help you to get the best out
of your investment.
Product Support. You will find a
solution for your parts requirements
at your dealer. Cat dealers utilize a
worldwide network to find in-stock
parts to minimize downtime. In addition
your dealer can offer alternative
solutions like Reman, Classic Parts
and quality used parts to save money
on original Caterpillar components.
Service Capability. Whether in the
dealer’s fully equipped shop or in the
field, you will get highly trained service
technicians using the latest technology
and tools.
Maintenance. More and more
equipment buyers are planning for
effective maintenance before buying
Purchase. Consider the financing
equipment. Choose from your dealer’s
options available as well as day-to-day
wide range of maintenance services at
operating costs. This is also the time
the time you purchase your machine.
to look at dealer services that can be
Repair option programs guarantee
included in the cost of the machine
the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic
to yield lower equipment and owning
programs such as S•O•SSM Fluid
and operating costs over the long run.
analysis and Technical Analysis help
you avoid unscheduled repairs. Operation. Improving operating
techniques can boost your profits.
Selection. Make detailed comparisons
Your Cat dealer has training material
of the machines you are considering
and ideas to help you increase
before you buy. How long do
productivity.
components last? What is the cost
of preventive maintenance? Your Cat Replacement. Repair, rebuild or
dealer can give you precise answers replace? Your Cat dealer can help
to these questions to make sure you you evaluate the cost involved so
operate your machines at the lowest cost. you can make the right choice.

14
Engine Sound
Caterpillar 3064 T turbocharged diesel engine.
Operator Sound
Ratings at 1950 rpm kW hp Power rating conditions ■ The operator sound level measured
■ net power advertised is the power
Gross power 70 94 according to the procedures specified
Net power available at the flywheel when the in ISO 6396 is 74 dB(A), for cab
engine is equipped with fan, air offered by Caterpillar, when properly
ISO 9249 67 90
cleaner, muffler, and alternator installed and maintained and tested
EEC 80/1269 67 90 ■ no engine derating required below
with the doors and windows closed.
Dimensions 1500 m altitude Exterior Sound
■ Meets Stage II EU Emission
■ The labeled spectator sound power
Bore 102 mm
Directive 97/68/EC. level measured according to the test
Stroke 130 mm
procedures and conditions specified
Displacement 4.2 liters
in 2000/14/EC is 103 dB(A).

Steering Swing Mechanism Cab/FOGS

Two rocker pedals with detachable hand
levers control steering and travel
functions.
Controls
■ controls are pilot-operated for
reduced efforts
■ left pedal and lever control left track;
right pedal and lever control right track
■ when idlers are in front, pushing both
pedals or levers forward moves the
excavator straight ahead
■ when the idlers are in front, rocking
Hydrostatic with independent planetary Bolt-on Falling Object Guard System
reduction. (FOGS) is available as an attachment.
Ratings Cab Certifications
Swing Torque 30.4 kNm Optional Falling Object Guard System
is designed to protect the operator from
Swing Speed 12.0 rpm
falling objects, and is certified under
Features ISO 3449-1984 specifications.
■ the swing mechanism is driven by a
pinion gear sealed in a grease bath
through a double-reduction planetary
gear set
■ swing priority and fine control are

both pedals or pulling both levers automatic

backward moves the excavator
straight back
■ moving one pedal or lever more than

the other, either forward or backward,

results in a gradual turn
■ moving one pedal or lever forward

and the other pedal or lever backward

counter-rotates the tracks for spot turns

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 15

Drive Hydraulic System Implement Controls
Drive system is fully hydrostatic. Two variable displacement, axial-piston Two joystick hand levers actuate boom,
pumps power the boom, stick, swing, stick, bucket and swing.
Ratings bucket, auxiliary and travel circuits.
Maximum drawbar pull One single-section, gear-type pump Boom/Bucket Controls (right joystick)
powers the pilot circuit. ■ move forward and backward to lower
312C 108 kN
and raise boom
312C L 126 kN
Main Implement System ■ move left and right to control bucket
Maximum travel speed curl and dump
Maximum Flow (2x) 127 l/min
312C 5.5 km/h ■ button on top is one-touch low idle
Maximum pressure
312C L 5.1 km/h
Implements 29 900 kPa Stick/Swing Controls (left joystick)
Features Travel 34 300 kPa ■ move forward and backward to move

■ each track is driven by one stick out and in

Swing 23 050 kPa
independent, automatic shifting, two- ■ move left and right to control
Pilot System
speed axial piston motor via integral direction of swing
planetary final drives Maximum flow 23.7 l/min ■ button on top controls horn

■ each drive module is well integrated Maximum pressure 4120 kPa

Other Features
into the roller frame for total Blade System ■ oblique movement of either lever
protection Maximum flow 58.5 l/min
■ heavy-duty travel drive increase
operates two functions simultaneously
Maximum pressure 20 600 kPa ■ manually applied lever on left console
drawbar pull and provide a better
Boom Cylinder cuts off pilot pressure for joysticks
turnability.
Bore 110 mm and travel controls and electrical
Stroke 1015 mm power for engine starting circuit
Stick Cylinder Attachments
■ revolutionary joysticks with
Bore 120 mm
Stroke 1197 mm modulated switches are available
with tool control option
Bucket Cylinder
Allows a modulated actuation of
Bore 100 mm medium pressure on the left joystick
Stroke 939 mm and a hammer or any other tool on
right joystick.

Brakes Undercarriage
Meets the following standard: Caterpillar designed and built track-type undercarriage.
ISO 10265:1998
312C 312C L blade 312C L
Service and parking brake features Short, Medium and Long sticks
■ wet, multiple-disc brakes are used on Track width* Ground Pressure
the final drive input shafts 500 mm triple grouser 45 kPa 47 kPa 45 kPa
■ spring-applied, hydraulically released
600 mm triple grouser 38 kPa 40 kPa 38 kPa
■ actuating a travel control
700 mm triple grouser 34 kPa 35 kPa 33 kPa
simultaneously releases the brakes
■ when the controls are released, the
770 mm triple grouser 31 kPa 32 kPa 30 kPa
brakes automatically apply * Custom product undercarriage are available.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for specifics.

16 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

Dimensions
All dimensions are approximate.

mm mm mm
A Shipping height (with bucket)* D Swing ground clearance 900 H Track gauge 1990
Short stick 2650 E Length to centers of rollers J Ground clearance 440
Medium stick 2655 312C 2780 K Cab height 2900
Long stick 2655 312C L 3040 L Overall width with
B Shipping length F Track length mirrors installed 2820
Short stick 7630 312C 3490 M Shipping width upper frame 2550
Medium stick 7595 312C L 3750
Long stick 7610 G Shipping width
C Tail swing radius 2130 shoes of 500 mm 2490
* may be limited by cab height (K)

Service Refill Capacities Machine Weights

Machine is equipped with One-piece boom and 900 mm/0.54 m3 bucket.
Liters Weights will depend on final machine configuration.
Fuel Tank 250
Short stick Medium stick Long stick
Cooling System 17.5
312C kg kg kg
Engine Oil 17.5
500 mm triple grouser 12 720 12 790 12 868
Swing Drive 3
600 mm triple grouser 12 940 13 010 13 088
Final Drive (each) 2.5
700 mm triple grouser 13 170 13 240 13 318
Hydraulic system
(including tank) 164 770 mm triple grouser 13 324 13 394 13 472
Hydraulic tank 90 312C L
500 mm triple grouser 13 658 13 728 13 806
600 mm triple grouser 13 894 13 964 14 042
700 mm triple grouser 14 140 14 210 14 288
770 mm triple grouser 14 313 14 383 14 461
2780 mm Blade 850 850 850

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 17

Working Ranges
With One-piece boom

Stick – Choice of three 2100 mm 2500 mm 3000 mm

A Maximum digging depth 5155 mm 5555 mm 6055 mm
B Maximum vertical wall digging depth 4629 mm 5012 mm 5520 mm
C Maximum digging depth at 2440 mm flat floor 4919 mm 5347 mm 5875 mm
D Maximum reach at ground level 7814 mm 8195 mm 8644 mm
E Maximum cutting height 8274 mm 8529 mm 8751 mm
F Maximum loading height 5834 mm 6083 mm 6316 mm
G Minimum loading height 2396 mm 1997 mm 1510 mm
Digging forces:
Stick 71 kN 63 kN 57 kN
Bucket 84 kN 84 kN 84 kN
Bucket Tip Radius 1.22 m 1.22 m 1.22 m

18 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

Working Ranges
With Variable Adjustable Boom (VA)

mm mm mm
Stick – Choice of three 2100 2500 3000
A Maximum digging depth 4740 5130 5620
B Maximum vertical wall digging depth 2820 3210 3640
C Maximum digging depth
at 2440 mm flat floor 4610 5000 5500
D Maximum reach at ground level 7814 8220 8680
E Maximum cutting height 9170 9520 9910
F Maximum loading height 6910 7260 7650
G Minimum loading height 3185 2830 2540

Working Ranges
312C equipped with Offset Boom, 500 mm shoes and 900 mm width bucket (0.54 m3)

mm mm mm
Stick 2100 2500 3000
A Maximum digging depth 5355 5755 6260
B Maximum vertical wall digging depth 4160 4625 4980
C Maximum digging depth
at 2440 mm flat floor 5060 5490 6010
D Maximum reach at ground level 7940 8300 8720
E Maximum cutting height 8105 8310 8440
F Maximum loading height 5795 5986 6140
G Minimum loading height 2645 2250 1740
➤

2060 mm
➤➤

2100 mm
➤

0 1500 mm 3000 mm 4500 mm 6000 mm 7500 mm

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 19

Bucket Specifications
Contact your Caterpillar dealer for special bucket requirements.

Excavation Extreme Excavation

A Bite width mm 450 1000 1000 1100 1200 600 700 450 1000
B Tip radius mm 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220
Capacity m3 0.24 0.55 0.61 0.68 0.75 0.33 0.40 0.24 0.61
Weight kg 236 332 348 371 390 264 287 236 348
Number of teeth 3 5 5 6 6 3 4 3 5

Contact your Caterpillar dealer for

Ditch Cleaning
special buckets.
A Bite width mm 1800 2000
Capacity m3 0.63 0.83
Weight kg 450 530
➤ A ➤ ➤ B ➤

Recommended Maximum Material Density

Excavation Extreme Excavation

Bite width mm 450 1000 1000 1100 1200 600 700 450 600 1000
Weight kg 236 332 348 371 390 264 287 236 291 348
Capacity m3 0.24 0.55 0.61 0.68 0.75 0.33 0.40 0.24 0.33 0.61
Short stick kg/m3 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800
Medium stick kg/m3 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800
Long stick kg/m3 1800 1800 1800 1500 1500 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800
Configuration: 312C, 500 mm shoes

Material Densities Boom, Stick and

Bucket Compatibility
*kg/m3 *kg/m3
Clay, dry 1500 Gravel, pit run 1930 One-piece boom Bucket range
Clay, wet 1660 Rock/dirt, 50% 1720 Long stick 0.235 to 0.61 m3
Earth, dry 1510 Sand, dry 1425 Medium stick 0.235 to 0.68 m3
Earth, wet 1600 Sand, wet 1700 Short stick 0.235 to 0.75 m3
Loam 1250 Sand and Clay 1600 Variable Adjustable Boom (VA)
Gravel, dry 1510 Stone, crushed 1600 Long stick 0.235 to 0.61 m3
Gravel, wet 2000 Top soil 950 Medium stick 0.235 to 0.68 m3
* Kilograms per loose cubic meter Short stick 0.235 to 0.75 m3
For densities of other materials see Caterpillar Performance Handbook

20 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

Work Tools Matching Guide
When choosing between various work tool models that can be installed onto the same machine configuration, consider work tool application,
productivity requirements, and durability. Refer to work tool specifications for application recommendations and productivity information.

312C 312C L

500 mm shoes 600 mm shoes

Without quick coupler
mm 2100 2500 3000 2100 2500 3000
H90C
Hammers H100
H115 s
360° rotatable Shears S320*
G310B-D
Multi-Grapples
G310B-R
5 tines GSH9-300
4 tines GSH9-300
5 tines GSH9-400
4 tines GSH9-400
5 tines GSH15-400 × ×
4 tines GSH15-400 ×
5 tines GSH15-500 × × ×
4 tines GSH15-500 × ×
5 tines GSH15-600 × × × ×
Orange Peel Grapples
4 tines GSH15-600 × × ×
5 tines GSH15-800 × × × × ×
4 tines GSH15-800 × × × ×
GSM22-250
GSM22-300
GSM22-400
GSM22-500
5 tines
GSM25-400 ×
GSM25-500 × ×
GSM25-600 × × ×
GSM25-800 × × × ×
GGS20
Clamshell Buckets Digging
GGS25 ×
GOS20-220
GOS20-260
GOS20-300
GOS20-400
GOS20-560
GOS20-680
Clamshell Buckets Rehandling GOS20-730
Maximum Material density
GOS25-460 3000 kg/m3
GOS25-520
GOS25-580
Maximum Material density
1800 kg/m3
GOS25-750 ×
GOS25-900 × × × Maximum Material density
GOS25-990 × × × 1200 kg/m3
GOS25-1140 × × × × × Not Compatible

With quick coupler

CW-20
Quick Coupler
CW-20s
H90C
Hammers H100
H115 s 360° Working Range

Multi-Grapples
G310B-D × × × × Over the front only
G310B-R × × × × Available

* Boom Mounted

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 21

Lift capacities with One-piece boom
All weights are in kg

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
6.0 m *3490 *3490 *1820 *1820 6.3
Bucket – 0.68 m3
4.5 m *3640 3640 *3150 2290 *1740 *1740 7.3
No Blade
3.0 m *6030 *6030 *4380 3450 3110 2240 *1750 1570 7.7
1.5 m *6990 5740 4620 3220 3020 2150 *1830 1510 7.8
Ground *6550 5490 4450 3060 2940 2080 *2000 1570 7.5
–1.5 m *5020 *5020 *7050 5480 4390 3010 2920 2060 *2330 1810 6.8
–3.0 m *6580 *6580 *7640 5590 4440 3060

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
7.5 m *1790 *1790 5.2
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *1570 *1570 6.8
No Blade
4.5 m *3300 *3300 3230 2350 *1510 *1510 7.7
3.0 m *5310 *5310 *4080 3520 3160 2280 *1510 1480 8.1
1.5 m *7940 5930 4690 3290 3050 2180 *1580 1420 8.2
Ground *7130 5580 4500 3110 2960 2100 *1730 1470 7.9
–1.5 m *4600 *4600 *7200 5510 4410 3030 2920 2060 *2010 1660 7.2
–3.0 m *6510 *6510 *8080 5580 4430 3050

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
7.5 m *1620 *1620 5.9
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *2330 *2330 *1450 *1450 7.4
No Blade
4.5 m *2930 2370 *1400 *1400 8.2
3.0 m *3600 3570 3170 2290 *1940 1590 *1410 1340 8.5
1.5 m *7050 6080 *4660 3310 3050 2180 2170 1550 *1480 1290 8.6
Ground *8010 5580 4490 3100 2940 2070 2130 1510 *1620 1330 8.4
–1.5 m *4250 *4250 *7600 5420 4360 2980 2870 2010 *1870 1470 7.7
–3.0 m *6540 *6540 *8170 5450 4340 2970 2880 2020
–4.5m *6770 5620 *4430 3080

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 2010 *2360 1860 6.0
No Blade
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 3200 2850 1970 2340 1570 6.5
1.5 m *6600 5440 4360 2960 2750 1880 2240 1490 6.6
Ground *6200 5160 4180 2790 2670 1810 2360 1570 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 5160 4120 2740 2650 1790 2840 1900 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 5300 4180 2800

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
7. 5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
No Blade
4.5 m *3000 *3000 2950 2070 *1830 1680 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 3270 2890 2010 *1840 1440 6.9
1.5 m *7610 5660 4440 3030 2790 1910 *1980 1370 7.0
Ground *6760 5270 4230 2840 2690 1830 2160 1430 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 5200 4140 2760 2650 1790 2530 1690 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 5290 4160 2780

22 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m
Long stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
No Blade
4.5 m *2610 2100 *1560 1460 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 2900 2020 *1640 1300 *1580 1260 7.3
1.5 m *6740 5830 *4350 3060 2780 1910 1890 1270 *1700 1190 7.4
Ground *7470 5300 4230 2830 2670 1800 1850 1230 1900 1240 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 5130 4090 2710 2600 1740 2180 1430 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 5160 4080 2700 2610 1750 2920 1940 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 5360 *4110 2820

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 2050 *2360 1890 6.0
No Blade
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 3250 2900 2010 *2360 1600 6.5
1.5 m *6600 *5530 4440 3010 2800 1920 2280 1520 6.6
Ground *6200 *5250 4250 2840 2720 1840 2410 1600 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 *5250 4190 2790 2700 1820 2900 1940 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 *5390 4260 2850

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
No Blade
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 2100 *1830 1710 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 3320 2940 2050 *1840 1470 6.9
1.5 m *7610 5750 4520 3080 2840 1950 *1980 1400 7.0
Ground *6760 5360 4310 2890 2750 1860 2200 1460 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 5290 4220 2810 2700 1820 2580 1720 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 5380 4240 2830

312C 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7. 5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
No Blade
4.5 m *2610 2130 *1560 1490 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 2060 *1640 1330 *1580 1290 7.3
1.5 m *6740 5920 *4350 3110 2840 1940 1930 1290 *1700 1220 7.4
Ground *7470 5390 4300 2880 2720 1840 1890 1250 1940 1270 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 5220 4170 2760 2660 1770 2220 1460 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 5250 4160 2750 2660 1780 2980 1980 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 5450 *4110 2870

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
6.0 m *3490 *3490 *1820 *1820 6.3
Bucket – 0.68 m3
4.5 m *3640 *3640 *3150 2470 *1740 *1740 7.3
No Blade
3.0 m *6030 *6030 *4380 3710 3580 2420 *1750 1700 7.7
1.5 m *6990 6200 *5300 3480 3480 2330 *1830 1640 7.8
Ground *6550 5960 5200 3330 3400 2260 *2000 1710 7.5
–1.5 m *5020 *5020 *7050 5940 5140 3270 3380 2240 *2330 1970 6.8
–3.0 m *6580 *6580 *7640 6050 5200 3320

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 23

Lift capacities with One-piece boom
All weights are in kg

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *1790 *1790 5.2
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *1570 *1570 6.8
No Blade
4.5 m *3300 *3300 *3310 2530 *1510 *1510 7.7
3.0 m *5310 *5310 *4080 3780 *3580 2460 *1510 *1510 8.1
1.5 m *7940 6400 *5070 3550 3510 2370 *1580 1550 8.2
Ground *7130 6040 5250 3370 3420 2280 *1730 1600 7.9
–1.5 m *4600 *4600 *7200 5970 5160 3290 3380 2240 *2010 1810 7.2
–3.0 m *6510 *6510 *8080 6040 5180 3310

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *1620 *1620 5.9
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *2330 *2330 *1450 *1450 7.4
No Blade
4.5 m *2930 2550 *1400 *1400 8.2
3.0 m *3600 *3600 *3260 2470 *1940 1730 *1410 *1410 8.6
1.5 m *7050 6540 *4660 3580 3510 2360 2500 1690 *1480 1410 8.6
Ground *8010 6050 5250 3360 3400 2260 *2390 1650 *1620 1450 8.4
–1.5 m *4250 *4250 *7600 5890 5120 3240 3330 2190 *1870 1610 7.7
–3.0 m *6540 *6540 *8170 5910 5100 3230 3340 2200
–4.5 m *6770 6080 *4430 3340

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 2070 *2360 1920 6.0
No Blade
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 3290 3310 2030 *2360 1630 6.5
1.5 m *6600 5590 *4990 3050 3210 1940 *2540 1540 6.6
Ground *6200 5320 4920 2880 3130 1870 2780 1630 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 5320 4860 2820 3110 1850 *3340 1960 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 5460 *4900 2880

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
No Blade
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 2130 *1830 1730 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 3360 *3260 2070 *1840 1490 6.9
1.5 m *7610 5820 *4760 3120 3240 1980 *1980 1420 7.0
Ground *6760 5430 4980 2930 3150 1890 *2280 1490 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 5360 4880 2840 3100 1850 *2930 1750 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 5450 4910 2870

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
No Blade
4.5 m *2610 2160 *1560 1510 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 2080 *1640 1350 *1580 1310 7.3
1.5 m *6740 5980 *4350 3150 3240 1970 2220 1310 *1700 1240 7.4
Ground *7470 5450 4980 2920 3130 1860 *2120 1270 *1950 1290 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 5280 4840 2800 3060 1800 *2460 1480 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 5320 4830 2790 3060 1810 3440 2010 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 5520 *4110 2900

24 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m
Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 *2870 *2360 *2360 6.0
Blade down
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 *4080 *3460 3060 *2360 *2360 6.5
1.5 m *6600 *6600 *4990 *4990 *3830 2960 *2540 2420 6.6
Ground *6200 *6200 *5590 *5590 *4100 2880 *2950 2560 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 *6820 *5640 *5640 *4000 2860 *3860 3070 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 *7300 *4900 *4900

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
Blade down
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 *2980 *1830 *1830 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 *3770 *3260 3100 *1840 *1840 6.9
1.5 m *7610 *7610 *4760 4750 *3690 3000 *1980 *1980 7.0
Ground *6760 *6760 *5500 4540 *4040 2910 *2280 *2280 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 *6880 *5710 4450 *4100 2860 *2930 2740 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 *7530 *5230 4480

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
Blade down
4.5 m *2610 *2610 *1560 *1560 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 *2940 *1640 *1640 *1580 *1580 7.3
1.5 m *6740 *6740 *4350 *4350 *3430 3000 *2350 2050 *1700 *1700 7.4
Ground *7470 *7470 *5230 4540 *3860 2880 *2120 2010 *1950 *1950 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 *7150 *5630 4410 *4070 2810 *2460 2370 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 *7590 *5420 4390 *3760 2820 *3510 3160 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 *6450 *4110 *4110

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 2200 *2360 2050 6.0
Blade up
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 3470 3310 2160 *2360 1740 6.5
1.5 m *6600 5920 *4990 3230 3210 2070 *2540 1660 6.6
Ground *6200 5650 4930 3060 3130 2000 2780 1750 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 5650 4870 3010 3110 1980 *3350 2100 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 5790 *4900 3070

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
Blade up
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 2260 *1830 *1830 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 3540 *3260 2200 *1840 1600 6.9
1.5 m *7610 6140 *4760 3300 3250 2100 *1980 1530 7.0
Ground *6760 5750 4990 3110 3150 2020 *2280 1600 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 5680 4890 3030 3110 1980 *2930 1870 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 5770 4920 3050

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 25

Lift capacities with One-piece boom
All weights are in kg

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
Blade up
4.5 m *2610 2280 *1560 *1560 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 2210 *1640 1450 *1580 1410 7.3
1.5 m *6740 6310 *4350 3330 3250 2100 2220 1410 *1700 1340 7.4
Ground *7470 5780 4990 3100 3130 1990 *2120 1370 *1950 1390 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 5610 4850 2980 3060 1930 *2460 1600 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 5650 4830 2970 3070 1940 *3440 2150 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 5840 *4110 3090

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 2110 *2360 1960 6.0
No Blade
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 3340 3370 2070 *2360 1660 6.5
1.5 m *6600 5690 *4990 3100 3270 1980 *2540 1580 6.6
Ground *6200 5410 5020 2930 3190 1900 2840 1660 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 5410 4950 2880 3170 1890 3410 2000 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 5550 *4900 2940

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
No Blade
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 2170 *1830 1770 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 3410 *3260 2110 *1840 1520 6.9
1.5 m *7610 5910 *4760 3170 3300 2010 *1980 1450 7.0
Ground *6760 5520 5070 2980 3210 1930 *2280 1520 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 5450 4980 2900 3170 1890 *2930 1780 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 5540 5000 2920

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
No Blade
4.5 m *2610 2190 *1560 1540 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 2120 *1640 1380 *1580 1340 7.3
1.5 m *6740 6080 *4350 3200 3300 2010 2260 1340 *1700 1270 7.4
Ground *7470 5540 5070 2970 3190 1900 *2120 1300 *1950 1320 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 5380 4930 2850 3120 1840 *2460 1520 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 5410 4920 2840 3130 1840 3510 2050 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 5610 *4110 2960

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 *2870 *2360 *2360 6.0
Blade down
3.0 m *5740 *5740 *4080 *4080 *3460 3110 *2360 *2360 6.5
1.5 m *6600 *6600 *4990 4760 *3830 3020 *2540 2470 6.6
Ground *6200 *6200 *5590 4570 *4100 2940 *2950 2610 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 *6820 *5640 4510 *4000 2920 *3860 3130 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 *7300 *4900 4580

26 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m
Medium stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
Blade down
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 *2980 *1830 *1830 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 *3770 *3260 3160 *1840 *1840 6.9
1.5 m *7610 *7610 *4760 *4760 *3690 3050 *1980 *1980 7.0
Ground *6760 *6760 *5500 4630 *4040 2960 *2280 *2280 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 *6880 *5710 4540 *4100 2920 *2930 2790 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 *7530 *5230 4560

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
Blade down
4.5 m *2610 *2610 *1560 *1560 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 *2940 *1640 *1640 *1580 *1580 7.3
1.5 m *6740 *6740 *4350 *4350 *3430 3050 *2350 2090 *1700 *1700 7.4
Ground *7470 *7470 *5230 4620 *3860 2940 *2120 2050 *1950 *1950 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 *7150 *5630 4490 *4070 2870 *2460 2420 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 *7590 *5420 4480 *3760 2880 *3510 3220 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 *6450 *4110 *4110

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
6.0 m *3160 *3160 *2580 *2580 5.1
Bucket – 0.75 m3
4.5 m *3330 *3330 *2870 2240 *2360 2090 6.0
Blade up
3.0 m *5740 *5740 4080 3530 3380 2200 *2360 1780 6.5
1.5 m *6600 6020 4990 3290 3280 2110 *2540 1690 6.6
Ground *6200 5750 5030 3120 3200 2040 2850 1790 6.3
–1.5 m *4730 *4730 *6820 5750 4970 3070 3180 2020 3420 2140 5.6
–3.0 m *6590 *6590 *7300 5890 *4900 3130

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
7.5 m *2510 *2510 3.9
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *1980 *1980 5.5
Blade up
4.5 m *3000 *3000 *2980 2300 *1830 *1830 6.4
3.0 m *5030 *5030 *3770 3600 *3260 2240 *1840 1640 6.9
1.5 m *7610 6250 *4760 3360 3320 2140 *1980 1560 7.0
Ground *6760 5860 5090 3170 3220 2060 *2280 1630 6.7
–1.5 m *4300 *4300 *6880 5790 4990 3090 3180 2020 *2930 1910 6.1
–3.0 m *6470 *6470 *7530 5870 5020 3110

312C L 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 700 mm
7.5 m *2000 *2000 4.7
Bucket – 0.75 m3
6.0 m *2010 *2010 *1660 *1660 6.1
Blade up
4.5 m *2610 2320 *1560 *1560 6.9
3.0 m *3300 *3300 *2940 2250 *1640 1480 *1580 1440 7.3
1.5 m *6740 6410 *4350 3390 3310 2140 2270 1440 *1700 1370 7.4
Ground *7470 5880 5090 3160 3200 2030 *2120 1400 *1950 1420 7.2
–1.5 m *3920 *3920 *7150 5710 4950 3040 3130 1970 *2460 1630 6.6
–3.0 m *6440 *6440 *7590 5750 4930 3030 3140 1980 *3510 2190 5.5
–4.5 m *6450 5950 *4110 3150

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 27

Lift capacities with Variable Adjustable boom
All weights are in kg

312C 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
7.5 m *3890 *3890 *1930 *1930 4.7
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *4210 *4210 *3890 3750 *1650 *1650 6.5
4.5 m *5020 *5020 *4880 3810 3210 2300 *1560 *1560 7.4
3.0 m *8010 6440 4930 3630 3140 2300 *1560 1510 7.8
1.5 m *6790 *6790 *8390 6070 4820 3580 3110 2200 *1610 1450 7.9
Ground *6530 *6530 *8540 6070 4790 3340 3010 2110 *1750 1510 7.6
–1.5 m *6960 *6960 *6740 *6740 9100 5780 4470 3040 2920 2020 *2000 1740 6.9
–3.0 m *8050 *8050 *6830 5590 *4460 3090

312C 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
7.5 m *3690 *3690 *1630 *1630 5.4
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *3910 3840 *1420 *1420 6.7
4.5 m *3930 *3930 *4330 3760 3270 2360 *1350 *1350 7.8
3.0 m *7500 6680 5020 3710 3270 2360 *1350 *1350 8.2
1.5 m *9010 *9010 *8630 6300 4910 3660 3150 2250 *1390 1370 8.3
Ground *5790 *5790 *6610 *6610 *8100 6220 4870 3400 3040 2140 *1510 1420 8.0
–1.5 m *6590 *6590 *6790 *6790 9180 5860 4670 3220 2970 2080 *1720 1600 7.4
–3.0 m *6550 *6550 *6730 *6730 *8850 5780 4490 3070

312C 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.6 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 500 mm
9.0 m *2140 *2140 3.1
Bucket – 0.68 m3
7. 5 m *2860 *2860 *1490 *1490 6.1
6.0 m *3360 *3360 *2580 2400 *1330 *1330 7.5
4.5 m *3530 *3530 3310 2460 *1280 *1280 8.3
3.0 m *4890 *4890 *4650 3790 3310 2390 2230 1580 *1280 *1280 8.7
1.5 m *8620 6500 *4850 *3550 3170 2260 2180 1530 *1330 1240 8.8
Ground *4490 *4490 *7280 *7280 *8800 6350 4670 3440 3030 2130 2130 1480 *1440 1280 8.5
–1.5 m *6180 *6180 *7050 *7050 *8960 5870 4670 3220 2940 2040 *1640 1420 7.9
–3.0 m *6520 *6520 *7740 *7740 9010 5700 4420 2990 2880 1990
–4.5 m *5500 *5500

312C 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *3890 *3890 *1930 *1930 4.7
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *4210 *4210 *3890 3800 *1650 *1650 6.5
4.5 m *5020 *5020 *4880 3870 3260 2330 *1560 *1560 7.4
3.0 m *8010 6530 5010 3680 3190 2340 *1560 1540 7.8
1.5 m *6790 *6790 *8390 6160 4900 3630 3160 2240 *1610 1480 7.9
Ground *6530 *6530 *8540 6160 4870 3390 3060 2140 *1750 1540 7.6
–1.5 m *6960 *6960 *6740 *6740 9250 5870 4550 3090 2970 2060 *2000 1770 6.9
–3.0 m *8050 *8050 *6830 5680 *4460 3140

312C 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *3690 *3690 *1630 *1630 5.4
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *3910 3890 *1420 *1420 7.0
4.5 m *3930 *3930 *4330 3810 3320 2390 *1350 *1350 7.8
3.0 m *7500 6770 5100 3760 3320 2390 *1350 *1350 8.2
1.5 m *9010 *9010 *8630 6390 4990 3720 3210 2280 *1390 *1390 8.3
Ground *5790 *5790 *6610 *6610 *8100 6310 4950 3450 3090 2170 *1510 1440 8.0
–1.5 m *6590 *6590 *6790 *6790 *9280 5950 4750 3270 3020 2110 *1720 1630 7.4
–3.0 m *6550 *6550 *6730 *6730 *8850 5870 4570 3120

28 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications

312C 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.6 m 6.0 m 7.5 m
Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
9.0 m *2140 *2140 3.1
Bucket – 0.68 m3
7. 5 m *2860 *2860 *1490 *1490 6.1
6.0 m *3360 *3360 *2580 2440 *1330 *1330 7.5
4.5 m *3530 *3530 3360 2500 *1280 *1280 8.3
3.0 m *4890 *4890 *4650 3840 3360 2420 2270 1610 *1280 *1280 8.7
1.5 m *8620 6590 4850 *3550 3220 2290 2220 1560 *1330 1270 8.8
Ground *4490 *4490 *7280 *7280 *8800 6440 4740 3490 3080 2160 2170 1510 *1440 1300 8.5
–1.5 m *6180 *6180 *7050 *7050 *8960 5960 4750 3270 2990 2080 *1640 1440 7.9
–3.0 m *6520 *6520 *7740 *7740 *9140 5790 4500 3040 2930 2020
–4.5 m *5500 *5500

312C L 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m

Short stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *3890 *3890 *1930 *1930 4.7
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *4210 *4210 *3890 3840 *1650 *1650 6.5
4.5 m *5020 *5020 *4880 3900 *3590 2360 *1560 *1560 7.4
3.0 m *8010 6600 *5480 3710 3610 2360 *1560 *1560 7.8
1.5 m *6790 *6790 *8390 6220 *5450 3670 3580 2260 *1610 1500 7.9
Ground *6530 *6530 *8540 6220 *5440 3420 3470 2170 *1750 1560 7.6
–1.5 m *6960 *6960 *6740 *6740 *9320 5940 5240 3130 3380 2090 *2000 1790 6.9
–3.0 m *8050 *8050 *6830 5750 *4460 3180

312C L 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m

Medium stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
7.5 m *3690 *3690 *1630 *1630 5.4
Bucket – 0.68 m3
6.0 m *3910 *3910 *1420 *1420 7.0
4.5 m *3930 *3930 *4330 3850 *3700 2420 *1350 *1350 7.8
3.0 m *7500 6840 *5250 3800 3660 2420 *1350 *1350 8.2
1.5 m *9010 *9010 *8630 6450 5500 3750 3630 2310 *1390 *1390 8.3
Ground *5790 *5790 *6610 *6610 *8100 6380 5420 3490 3510 2200 *1510 1460 8.0
–1.5 m *6590 *6590 *6790 *6790 *9280 6010 5440 3310 3380 2140 *1720 1650 7.4
–3.0 m *6550 *6550 *6730 *6730 *8850 5930 *5040 3150

312C L 0m 1.5 m 3.0 m 4.6 m 6.0 m 7.5 m

Long stick m
Shoes – 600 mm
9.0 m *2140 *2140 3.1
Bucket – 0.68 m3
7. 5 m *2860 *2860 *1490 *1490 6.1
6.0 m *3360 *3360 *2580 2460 *1330 *1330 7.5
4.5 m *3530 *3530 *3410 *2520 *1280 *1280 8.3
3.0 m *4890 *4890 *4650 3870 3680 2450 *2300 1620 *1280 *1280 8.7
1.5 m *8620 6660 5550 3580 3640 2320 2510 1580 *1330 1280 8.8
Ground *4490 *4490 *7280 *7280 *8800 6510 5440 3530 3500 2190 2460 1530 *1440 1320 8.5
–1.5 m *6180 *6180 *7050 *7050 *8960 6030 5450 3300 3400 2100 *1640 1460 7.9
–3.0 m *6520 *6520 *7740 *7740 *9140 5860 5180 3080 *2940 2050
–4.5 m *5500 *5500

Load Point Height Load Radius Over Front Load Radius Over Side Load at Maximum Reach
* Limited by hydraulic rather than tipping load.
The above loads are in compliance with hydraulic excavator lift capacity ratings standard ISO 10567, they do not exceed 87% of hydraulic lifting capacity
or 75% of tipping capacity. Weight of all lifting accessories must be deducted from the above lifting capacities.

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 29

Standard Equipment
Standard and optional equipment may vary. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for specifics.
Electrical
55-amp alternator
Light:
boom, left side
frame, right side
Warning horn
Two 100-amp batteries
Guards
Bottom guard
Track motor guard
Operator environment
Cab, sound and vibration suppressed
with floor mat and double wall
cab shell
Integrated joystick consoles, suspended
as part of seat arrangement
High contrast liquid crystal monitor
with language display, including
warning and filter change information
tool setting and diagnostic capability
Start up level check for hydraulic oil,
engine oil and engine coolant
Fully adjustable suspension seat with:
ergonomic design
adjustable armrest
four way adjustable (up-down,
front-rear) and tiltable seat
seat and console move as a single unit
weight adjustments and retractable
seatbelt
Windows:
openable front windshield upper
and lower with assistance device
sliding door window
polycarbonate skylight
right and rear window
Synchronized lower and upper
parallelogram wiper and washer
Neutral lever lock out for all controls
Travel control pedals with removable
hand levers
Platform with provision for two
attachment control pedals
30 312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications
Dial-type throttle
Highly efficient ventilation system:
heater and defroster
positive filtered ventilation
Radio mounting (DIN) with wiring,
antenna and provision for two stereo
speakers
Ashtray with light
Drink holder
Coat hook
Open storage for lunch and newspaper
holder
Interior lighting
Literature compartment
Wiring provision for electrical seat
heating and beacon light
12V/7A power supply
Front horn
Powertrain
Cat 3064 T diesel engine with:
Low Emission, Low Noise version
24 volt electric starting and flame
heater aid
Automatic engine speed control
Water separator in fuel line
Two speed travel with automatic
shift change
Straight line travel
Variable displacement, negative flow
control hydraulic system
Undercarriage
Grease-lubricated tracks with:
600 mm triple grouser shoes
on 312C L
500 mm triple grouser shoes
on 312C
Hydraulic track adjuster
Idler-end track guiding guards
Step group
Center track guiding guard
(312C L only)
Other standard equipment
Hydraulic cross sensing system
Auxiliary hydraulic valve
Boom regeneration circuit
Stick regeneration circuit
Reverse swing damping valve
Automatic boom and swing priority
Automatic swing brake
Hydraulic cylinder snubbers
Caterpillar XT hoses
O-ring face seal couplings
Hydraulic oil cooler
Electronic Power Unit Control with
internal diagnostic capabilities
Capability of stackable valves for
main valve
Separate no-oil-drip hydraulic
capsule filter avoiding spills
and contamination
Caterpillar Radial Seal Air Filter
Scheduled Oil Sampling port
Remote greasing block
(boom, swing bearing)
Extended life coolant (-36˚C)
Rearview mirrors; frame-right and
cab-left
Counterweight (2450 kg)
Machine lifting point plate on
counterweight
Door and cap locks plus Caterpillar
one-key security system
Self lubricating bearing
Oil less bearing technology has
extended the front linkage greasing
intervals for all bearings
Optional Equipment

Backhoe Operator environment Hydraulics

Boom: Air conditioner, with automatic High pressure auxiliary hydraulic
one-piece, with light, left side: 4.65 m climate control arrangements:
hydraulically adjustable (VA), Sun protective visor, windshield single function arrangement
with light, left side Rain protective visor, windshield hydraulic combined function
Single Offset Boom Radio AM/FM, Tape arrangement (inclusive of two
Stick: Optional fully adjustable suspension pump flow)
3000 mm seat with: two pump flow arrangement
2500 mm headrest electronic combined function
2100 mm higher back seat arrangement (tool control)
Boom lowering check valve tiltable integrated consoles High pressure auxiliary hydraulic lines
Stick lowering check valve Seat heater with headrest for boom and stick
VA Boom and offset boom check valves Lunch box cover Medium pressure hydraulic
Bucket linkage 12V-7A power supply arrangement
Buckets and tips Medium pressure hydraulic lines for
Undercarriage
Quick coupler boom and stick
Grease-lubricated Track with:
Quick coupler hydraulic arrangement
Electrical 500 mm triple grouser
Quick coupler hydraulic lines for
Light: 600 mm triple grouser
boom and stick
working, cab mounted (two) 700 mm triple grouser
Clamshell actuator
falling objects guard (two) 770 mm triple grouser
Bio oil filling ex-factory
boom, right side 850 mm triple grouser
Travel alarm 900 mm LGP (custom product)* Cooling package
Cab working lights 1400 mm LGP (custom product)* Swing-Out Oil Cooler
Sealed and lubricated tracks with: High ambient cooling (52˚C)
Guards
700 mm triple grouser
Swivel guard Other attachments
Special arrangement High/Wide 2080 mm
Falling objects guard (FOGS) Electric refueling pump
(custom product)*
Bottom guard, heavy duty Water fuel separator with electrical
Special arrangement LGP 2420 mm
sensor for alarm
(custom product)*
Product link (satellite transmission of
Rubber pads: 500 mm and 600 mm
machine data)
(custom product)*
High ambient cooling system
Blade:
2490 mm for 500 mm * Consult your Caterpillar dealer for custom
triple grouser shoes product arrangements.
2625 mm for 600 mm
triple grouser shoes
2780 mm for 700 and 770 mm
triple grouser shoes
Center track guiding guard
Front and rear track guiding guard
Full length track guiding guard

312C/312C L Hydraulic Excavator specifications 31

312C and 312C L Hydraulic Excavators

Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Featured machines in photos may include additional equipment. www.CAT.com
HEHH5414-1 (01/2004) hr See your Caterpillar dealer for available options. © 2003 Caterpillar