Wheeled excavator landmark for Caterpillar

Caterpillar has announced the production of its 50,000th wheeled excavator, specifically the Cat M318 Next Gen model.

According to the OEM, 25,000 of these units have been produced in just 11 years. Caterpillar says that, initially, its wheeled excavators gained traction in Europe and South Korea.

Caterpillar celebrates the 50,000th wheeled excavator (Photo: Caterpillar)

However, due to its speed, power, versatility, and compatibility with a wide range of hydraulic tools, it gained popularity in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North America, and other global markets.

The Cat wheeled excavator line has expanded to include seven models (Cat M314 to M322) for markets with stricter emissions regulations, one model (M315 GC) designed for China, three models (M315 to M320D2) catering to lower emissions standards, the M323F model for railroad-specific applications, and four materials handlers (MH3022 to MH3040).

Brian Abbott, Vice President of Product Management for the Excavation division, said, “The wheeled excavator revolutionized the way contractors work in congested areas and markets with mature infrastructure.

“Its ability to move quickly between job sites without causing damage, along with the unique hydraulic design enabling a wide range of hydraulic work tools, has been a game changer.”