325

The first Caterpillar 325 Hydraulic Excavator was introduced in 1991 as a replacement for the Caterpillar 225D. From the early 1990’s, Caterpillar gradually progressed to the 3 Series Model Numbering for its full range of Hydraulic Excavators. The 325 had a Caterpillar 3116 turbocharged, diesel engine producing 168.0 flywheel horsepower (FWHP) and a bucket capacity of 2.5 cu. yd.

Subsequently Caterpillar developed since then the 325B, 325C, 325D and in 2009 the 325D was replaced and renumbered into the Caterpillar 329D. In 2015 the 325F was introduced and since 2020 is the 325 “Next Gen” the latest member in the 325 series, although they are actually Compact Radius Excavators.

At present, the Caterpillar 325 is the flagship of the 325 family. Introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 and powered by a Caterpillar C4.4 ACERT™ Engine good for 172.0 hp which meets American EPA Tier 4 and EU Stage IIIB emissions standards and a bucket capacity of 1.56 yd3 a serious piece of machinery in the class of Medium Excavators made by Caterpillar.

Of the 325 Caterpillar are in die cast 1:50th scale model versions of the 325, 325B and 325C made by NZG and Shinsei released the 325B, 325C and 325D REGA. I am also lucky to own a very rare, custom-built, Caterpillar 325C Coal Shovel version in 1:50th scale. Fingers crossed that Diecast Masters will surprise us with a Caterpillar 325 “Next Gen” in the near future…..