2021 Caterpillar 326 Diesel

2021 Caterpillar 326 Excavator – 2,365 Hours

This 2021 Caterpillar 326 Excavator presents a rare blend of modern model year, work-ready hours, and proven Caterpillar build quality. Showing 2,365 hours and powered by a diesel engine on a crawler undercarriage, it features an enclosed operator environment with a heated & air conditioned cab and 30" tracks. NLEQ# 147883. Price: $189,750.00.

Overview

Serious buyers seeking a dependable, late-model excavator for production work will appreciate the balance of capability, comfort, and reliability found in this Caterpillar 326. As a 2021 unit, this machine benefits from the refinements Caterpillar has brought to its 300-series excavators, while the 2,365-hour meter reading reflects real-world use with substantial service life remaining when maintained properly. The diesel-powered 326 is built for high-torque digging, consistent performance in varied soil conditions, and steady operation across long shifts. Its crawler (tracks) configuration provides the stability and traction that heavy excavation demands, while the enclosed heated & air conditioned cab supports operator focus and efficiency in all seasons. The 30" track shoes strike a practical balance between flotation and transport width for many jobsite types.

Specifications

• Year: 2021
• Make: Caterpillar
• Model: 326
• Category: Excavator
• Hours: 2,365
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Drive: Crawler (Tracks)
• Cab: Heated & Air Conditioned
• Tracks: 30"
• NLEQ#: 147883
• Price: $189,750.00

Condition

Every machine we offer is carefully tested and inspected before sale, and this Caterpillar 326 is no exception. Buyers can expect accurate, honest, and reliable information about its current operating state. The hours and specifications listed here are drawn directly from the machine and related documentation. As with any used excavator, prospective buyers are encouraged to evaluate wear components and maintenance records according to their own standards and application needs; our team can discuss the results of our inspection so you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Advantages

• Diesel power for real-world digging torque: The Caterpillar 326’s diesel engine is engineered to deliver steady torque at low to mid RPMs, which is essential for efficient trenching, lifting, and breakout work. In practice, this means the machine pushes through dense material with less stalling and more controlled cycle times, supporting productivity and fuel efficiency across the job day.
• Crawler undercarriage stability: A crawler (tracks) platform spreads the machine’s operating weight over a larger footprint than wheeled machines, providing superior traction and lower ground pressure. On mixed soils, slopes, and uneven terrain, this translates to better stability when swinging a full bucket, improved confidence near edges or trenches, and more predictable tracking performance.
• 30" track shoes for versatile footing: The 30" tracks provide a useful balance—wide enough to offer flotation and reduce ground disturbance relative to narrower shoes, yet compact enough to navigate tighter access points compared with wider pads. For many general contractors and utility crews, this width supports both site mobility and day-to-day production needs without overspecializing the undercarriage.
• Heated & air conditioned cab enhances productivity: Comfort is directly tied to output. The enclosed heated & air conditioned cab helps operators stay focused through temperature swings, dust, and noise. In colder months, cab heat reduces warm-up downtime, while air conditioning in hot conditions helps maintain alertness and control, contributing to safer, steadier operation throughout long shifts.
• Caterpillar reliability and support ecosystem: The 326 is part of a line known for durability, parts availability, and dealer support. That translates to shorter maintenance windows, accessible components for service, and a strong global supply chain when parts or consumables are needed, all of which help reduce total cost of ownership.
• 2021 model year advantage: A 2021 machine typically benefits from more recent design improvements versus older generations. Buyers gain the value of a modern-era excavator with contemporary controls and systems, while avoiding the steep initial depreciation of new equipment.
• Practical hour range for active fleets: With 2,365 hours, this unit has meaningful work history yet remains in a range that many fleet managers consider attractive for integration into ongoing projects—especially when matched with a solid inspection and maintenance plan.

Applications

The Caterpillar 326 Excavator is a versatile performer across commercial, industrial, and municipal projects. Its diesel torque, crawler undercarriage, and enclosed HVAC cab support dependable productivity in:

• General excavation and site preparation: Efficient trenching, overburden removal, and cut/fill operations where stability and breakout force are critical.
• Underground utilities and drainage: Precise trenching and backfilling for water, sewer, electrical, and conduit installation, with steady swing control for pipe placement.
• Roadwork and infrastructure: Ditching, culvert work, subgrade prep, and handling road base where traction and stability make a difference alongside active traffic and work zones.
• Aggregates and material handling: Loading trucks, stockpile management, and on-site material sorting with the stability needed for repetitive cycles.
• Landscaping and site finishing at scale: Grading, shaping, and site contouring where a combination of reach, control, and machine balance improves the finish.
• Light to moderate demolition: Handling concrete, masonry, and structural elements within the machine’s capability, with reliable undercarriage footing on varied debris surfaces.

If your projects require specialized setups—such as long reach configurations, long arm options, or ditch cleaning buckets—our team can discuss compatible attachment solutions to match your application. This listing reflects the machine as specified; attachments and specialized configurations are available separately if needed.

Ownership Value

Investing in a used 2021 Caterpillar 326 Excavator can deliver strong value on multiple fronts. You benefit from a modern, proven platform without paying new-equipment premiums, and you gain access to Caterpillar’s extensive service ecosystem. The diesel powerplant, paired with an efficient hydraulic system, is built for durability and manageable operating costs. The crawler undercarriage is designed to handle production workloads with predictable wear patterns, and the 30" track shoes help balance ground contact and maneuverability. The enclosed heated & air conditioned cab supports operator retention and productivity—key metrics that translate directly to project ROI.

Resale value is another consideration. Caterpillar 300-series excavators are widely recognized in the secondary market, which can help preserve value when it’s time to rotate the fleet. Meanwhile, parts availability and broad technician familiarity can minimize downtime over the life of the machine. When paired with disciplined maintenance, this 326 represents a practical, dependable asset for contractors needing a capable excavator in the 30-ton class.

Why This 326

• 2021 build with practical hours: A modern machine year with 2,365 hours provides a desirable blend for buyers who want up-to-date equipment ready to go to work.
• Essential specs that matter: Diesel engine, crawler (tracks) drive, 30" track shoes, and an enclosed heated & air conditioned cab—these core features deliver the performance, footing, and comfort that crews count on day after day.
• Caterpillar engineering: The 326 is engineered for durability and serviceability, with a reputation for consistent performance across digging, lifting, and loading tasks.
• Inspected and represented accurately: Offered by NLEQ, where machines are carefully tested and inspected before sale so buyers can make an informed, confident decision.
• Compelling price point: Listed at $189,750.00, this unit offers a strong value proposition versus new, while maintaining the capabilities contractors expect from a late-model CAT excavator.

Why Buy from NLEQ

NLEQ has built a reputation as a trusted leader in used heavy construction equipment. Every listing is carefully tested and inspected before it is offered for sale, and we prioritize accuracy and transparency so you know exactly what you are evaluating. Our team understands the needs of professional buyers—performance, uptime, and total cost of ownership—and we tailor our guidance to help you choose the right machine for your work. With deep experience across excavators and other heavy equipment, we provide the reliable information you need to purchase with confidence.

Next Steps

Ready to put this 2021 Caterpillar 326 Excavator to work? Reference NLEQ# 147883 and contact our team to discuss the inspection results, request additional photos or video, and review any questions about fit for your application. Units like this move quickly—especially late-model excavators with practical hours and the right core features—so reach out today to secure this machine at $189,750.00. If your job requires specific tooling, such as a ditch cleaning bucket or a long reach/long arm configuration, ask about compatible attachment options available separately. We’re here to help you select the right solution so your crew can get to work with confidence.