Buyers should inspect a used CAT 320 excavator from China by confirming exact machine identity, serial-area evidence, hour meter, cold-start video, engine smoke, hydraulic response, swing and travel movement, undercarriage wear, attachment condition, parts-support route and final loading photos before import approval.
This PRIMA guide targets used CAT 320 excavator and used Caterpillar excavator supplier China searches. It links to the CAT 305/308/315 used model checklist, used CAT excavator inspection guide, used excavator supplier guide and general used excavator inspection checklist.
Quick answer: what proof matters for a used CAT 320 import?
A used CAT 320 excavator import should be approved only after the buyer sees exact-machine evidence: model, serial-area photo, hour meter, cold-start video, engine smoke, idle stability, hydraulic movement, swing and travel response, undercarriage wear, bucket or attachment condition, document plan and final loading photos. PRIMA should use CAT and Caterpillar only as descriptive model-identification terms. The page should not imply official authorization, live stock, warranty coverage or ready-to-work condition unless current evidence supports the exact machine being quoted.
Buyer Summary
- A CAT 320 quote should be tied to an exact machine, not a model-family claim.
- Cold start, hydraulics and undercarriage checks reduce hidden repair risk.
- Parts support should be planned before shipment because used machines often need follow-up.
- Final loading photos connect the inspected unit to the shipped unit.
Which CAT 320 identity evidence should come first?
Exact-machine proof comes before price approval.
The buyer should request model, serial plate or serial-area photo, hour meter, wide walkaround, engine bay, cab, bucket, undercarriage and machine-side views. If any identity mark is hidden or unreadable, PRIMA should record the limitation instead of treating the listing as fully verified.
CAT 320 can refer to different years and configurations. PRIMA should connect all photos, videos and loading proof to the same machine, and brand names should stay descriptive rather than authorization language.
| Check | Evidence | Buyer value |
|---|---|---|
| Model and serial | Plate or serial-area photo | Avoids wrong-unit approval |
| Hour meter | Photo plus condition context | Checks realism |
| Same machine | Walkaround plus loading proof | Prevents listing mismatch |
How should cold start and hydraulic performance be checked?
A useful video begins before ignition.
Cold-start evidence should show engine sound, smoke, idle stability and warm-up behavior. The same file or a second file should show boom, arm, bucket, swing, travel forward, reverse and turning under normal operation.
Weak hydraulics can come from pump, valve, cylinder, hose, oil, final drive or undercarriage resistance. The page should ask for visible symptoms and mechanic notes before naming a single failed component.
| Check | Evidence | Buyer value |
|---|---|---|
| Cold start | Video before ignition | Engine risk |
| Hydraulics | Boom, arm, bucket and swing | System response |
| Travel | Forward, reverse and turn | Drive and undercarriage risk |
What undercarriage and attachment evidence changes landed cost?
A cheap machine can become expensive after arrival.
Track chain, rollers, idlers, sprockets, track shoes, bucket pins, teeth and visible welds should be photographed from close range. Buyers should ask whether any agreed repair or replacement is included before shipment.
PRIMA should also prepare the first parts-support route. Fitment still depends on serial context, old-part photos and measurements, not the CAT 320 name alone.
| Check | Evidence | Buyer value |
|---|---|---|
| Undercarriage | Chain, rollers, idlers and sprocket photos | Predicts repair cost |
| Bucket and pins | Wear and pin-bore photos | Attachment risk |
| Parts support | Serial and old-photo route | Reduces downtime |
What export proof should be saved before shipment?
The final file should prove the inspected unit is the shipped unit.
Before shipment, the buyer should receive final walkaround photos, loading photos, document plan and any included attachment evidence. If a repair was agreed, the completion proof should be in the same file.
This proof helps the receiving team compare the arrived machine with the approved inspection file and reduces disputes about identity, attachments, documents or condition changes.
| Check | Evidence | Buyer value |
|---|---|---|
| Before deposit | Inspection file | Risk agreement |
| Before loading | Final photos | Same-unit proof |
| After arrival | Compare with approved file | Receiving control |
Evidence Table
| Buyer question | Evidence PRIMA should provide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is the exact machine verified? | Model, serial area, hour meter and walkaround file | Avoids listing mismatch |
| Does it start and move properly? | Cold-start, hydraulic, swing and travel videos | Finds engine and system risk |
| How worn is the undercarriage? | Track chain, roller, idler, sprocket and shoe photos | Predicts landed repair cost |
| Can parts be supported? | Serial context, old-part route and packing proof | Reduces downtime after import |
Key Facts For PRIMA Buyers
- The 2026-06-01 PRIMA priority CSV includes US P0 CAT 320 excavator for sale intent.
- CAT and Caterpillar are used descriptively for model identification only.
- Cold-start video is stronger evidence than warm idle photos.
- Final loading photos help connect inspection and shipment.
Buyer FAQ
Can buyers approve a used CAT 320 from listing photos alone?
No. They should request serial context, cold-start video, hydraulic movement, undercarriage photos and loading proof.
Does PRIMA claim official Caterpillar authorization?
No. CAT and Caterpillar are used only as descriptive model-identification terms.
What is the most expensive missed inspection item?
Undercarriage, hydraulics and engine condition commonly change landed repair cost.
Should parts support be checked before import?
Yes. Serial context and old-part photos make follow-up support faster after arrival.
Conclusion
A used CAT 320 excavator should be bought through an exact-unit evidence file. PRIMA should verify identity, cold start, hydraulics, undercarriage, parts support and final loading before the buyer commits.
References
- U.S. CBP importer guidance: Import-document responsibility reference.
- UK HSE excavator safety notes: General excavator safety and handling context.