Cat 320 vs Komatsu PC210LCi — Specs and Pricing Head-to-Head
| Specification | Caterpillar 320 | Komatsu PC210LCi |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 48,900–53,700 lbs | 49,600–54,900 lbs |
| Net HP (SAE) | 158 HP | 162 HP |
| New Price | $258K–$305K | $265K–$330K |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.76–1.47 yd³ | 0.76–1.44 yd³ |
| Max Digging Depth | 22 ft 2 in | 21 ft 10 in |
| Reach at Ground Level | 32 ft 2 in | 31 ft 10 in |
| 3D Grade Control | Add-on: $25K–$45K (Cat Grade) | Standard iMC (factory-integrated) |
| Telematics | Cat Product Link (included) | KOMTRAX (free lifetime) |
| US Manufacturing | Yes — Victoria, TX | No (Oyama, Japan) |
| 3-Year Resale | 58–65% of new | 55–63% of new |
| Dealer Network (US) | Larger (Cat — broadest US network) | Good (Komatsu — strong coverage) |
| Fuel Consumption | ~4.0 gal/hr average | ~3.8 gal/hr average (KOMTRAX data) |
| OEM Financing | Captive program (one of the largest equipment lenders) | Captive program |
| Winner | Best for: resale, service, first-time buyer | Best for: grade work, iMC-heavy jobs |
The iMC Advantage — When the Komatsu PC210LCi Wins on Total Cost
The Komatsu PC210LCi's intelligent Machine Control (iMC) grade control system is the key differentiator. Unlike aftermarket GPS systems that are bolted onto machines post-delivery, Komatsu's iMC is factory-integrated into the hydraulic system. When the bucket approaches the design grade surface, the hydraulics automatically prevent digging below grade — without the operator needing to intervene.
The financial math on iMC:
- Grade checker labor: $28–$45/hr. Eliminating one grade checker for an 8-hour day = $224–$360/day saved.
- On a 200-working-day project year, that's $44,800–$72,000 per year in labor savings from one machine
- Over-excavation avoidance: A 20-ton excavator that consistently digs 2 inches too deep on a grading project wastes significant material. iMC eliminates this.
- The $30,000–$45,000 premium over an equivalent Cat 320 without grade control can be recovered in 6–12 months on grade-intensive work
When Cat 320 wins on total cost:
- Work is demolition, foundation digging, or lifting — where grade control provides minimal value
- The buyer needs maximum resale flexibility in 3–5 years — Cat's resale premium is real
- Service location matters: the nearest Cat dealer is significantly closer than the nearest Komatsu dealer
- The operator fleet is trained on Cat equipment — retraining costs are real
10-Year Total Cost of Ownership — Cat 320 vs Komatsu PC210LCi
| Cost Factor | Cat 320 | Komatsu PC210LCi | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $280,000 (mid) | $298,000 (mid) | PC210LCi includes iMC |
| Financing Cost (7%, 60mo) | $52,200 | $55,650 | 10% down, 7% rate |
| Fuel (10 yr, 2,000 hr/yr) | $344,000 | $327,200 | $4.30/gal avg, KOMTRAX savings |
| Maintenance (10 yr) | $85,000 | $82,000 | Similar intervals, similar parts cost |
| Resale at Year 10 | -$56,000 | -$53,600 | Cat holds slightly more |
| Grade Control Add-On | $35,000 (if needed) | $0 (included) | Only applicable to grade work |
| 10-Year TCO (grade work) | $740,200 | $708,250 | PC210LCi wins if grade control used |
| 10-Year TCO (no grade work) | $705,200 | $708,250 | Essentially equal without iMC |
Captive OEM Financing — Cat 320 vs Komatsu PC210LCi
| Factor | Caterpillar captive program | Komatsu captive program |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Size | One of the largest equipment lenders | Substantial, focused |
| Promotional Rates | Frequent 0%/1.9%/2.9% offers | Competitive, iMC-specific promos |
| Term Range | 24–84 months | 36–72 months |
| Balloon Options | Yes — flexible structures | Available on request |
| Used Equipment Financing | Broader certified used program | Certified used available |
| First-Time Buyer Programs | Apprentice-style programs available | Standard credit review |
| Independent Financing | Axiant Partners matches you with competitive lenders across both brands | |
Who Should Buy the Cat 320?
The Caterpillar 320 is the right choice for:
- First-time excavator buyers who need the broadest parts and service network as a safety net
- Contractors doing demolition, foundation work, or truck-loading where 3D grade control adds limited value
- Buyers who will sell in 3–5 years and want maximum resale value — Cat's brand premium in the used market is real and documented
- Operators and businesses with Cat fleets — training, telematics, and service familiarity create operational continuity
- Buyers who want the manufacturer's flexible financing structures — including promotional rates and balloon options
Who Should Buy the Komatsu PC210LCi?
The Komatsu PC210LCi is the right choice for:
- Grading and site development contractors where iMC grade control is used daily — ROI can be under 12 months
- Companies hiring less-experienced operators — iMC raises floor quality and reduces rework
- Contractors buying for the first time who want grade technology included rather than priced separately
- Long-term owners (7–10 year hold) where fuel efficiency advantages compound significantly
- Buyers near a strong Komatsu dealer who can match Cat's service quality locally
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Get Financing Quote → 📞 (919) 907-2611Frequently Asked Questions — Cat 320 vs Komatsu PC210 Financing
How much does the Cat 320 cost vs the Komatsu PC210?
The Caterpillar 320 costs $258,000–$305,000 new. The Komatsu PC210LCi (with iMC grade control standard) costs $265,000–$330,000 new. The PC210LCi is priced higher because it includes grade control that costs $25,000–$45,000 as an aftermarket add-on for the Cat 320. Comparing equivalent feature sets, the machines are within 3–8% of each other.
Which has better resale value — Cat 320 or Komatsu PC210?
The Caterpillar 320 generally holds slightly better resale value in the US market at 3 years — 58–65% of new price versus 55–63% for the Komatsu PC210LCi. Cat's larger dealer network and broader buyer pool support this premium. The spread narrows at 5–7 years, where both typically hold 40–50% of new value.
Is captive OEM financing better for the Cat 320 or the Komatsu PC210?
Both manufacturers offer excellent captive financing programs. Caterpillar's finance arm is one of the world's largest equipment lenders, with more flexible structures, broader promotional rate availability, and a stronger digital application process. Komatsu's finance arm is competitive and specifically structures programs around the PC210LCi's iMC value. For independent financing across both brands, Axiant Partners matches you with competitive lenders.
What is the Komatsu PC210LCi intelligent Machine Control?
Komatsu iMC (intelligent Machine Control) on the PC210LCi is a factory-integrated 3D grade control system where GNSS receivers, IMU sensors, and hydraulic control prevent the bucket from digging below design grade automatically. Unlike aftermarket GPS systems, iMC is integrated at the factory — not bolted on. On grade-intensive projects, eliminating grade checkers and over-excavation can recover the PC210LCi's premium cost within 6–12 months.
Which is better for a first-time buyer — Cat 320 or Komatsu PC210?
For a first-time excavator buyer without specific grade control needs, the Caterpillar 320 is generally the safer choice: largest US dealer network, broadest operator familiarity, and stronger resale value. The Komatsu PC210LCi makes more sense if your work involves daily grade control — the included iMC system provides immediate, measurable value that offsets the slight price premium.
What are the monthly payments on a Cat 320 or Komatsu PC210?
At $280,000 purchase price with 10% down ($28,000), financed at 7% over 60 months, the monthly payment is approximately $5,010/month. At 72 months, approximately $4,285/month. Both manufacturers' captive finance programs offer 60–72 month terms for qualified buyers, and independent lenders through Axiant Partners are often competitive across both brands. Promotional 0% or low-rate programs from both OEMs can significantly reduce total financing cost when available.