Identifying Refurbished vs. Original Condition on a Second Hand Cat 320D

Mastering the Market: How to Distinguish Between Refurbished and Original Used Excavators

In the world of heavy construction machinery, few models command as much respect and demand as the Caterpillar 320D. Known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and hydraulic precision, this 20-ton excavator is a staple on job sites across the globe. For many contractors, purchasing a brand-new machine is not always the most economically viable option, leading them to the thriving secondary market. However, navigating this market requires a keen eye. One of the most critical challenges buyers face is distinguishing between a machine that is in its honest, original state and one that has been refurbished to hide its flaws.

When you are looking to purchase a Second Hand Cat 320D, understanding the nuance between “refurbished” and “original” is the difference between making a profitable investment and inheriting a money pit. A shiny coat of paint can mask thousands of hours of wear, structural cracks, or leaking hydraulics. This guide is designed to equip you with the technical knowledge required to inspect these machines like a pro, ensuring you get exactly what you pay for.

The Definition: Refurbished vs. Original

Before diving into the inspection points, it is essential to clarify what these terms mean in the heavy machinery industry.

An excavator in original condition is essentially a machine sold “as-is,” barring minor cleaning. It retains its factory paint (mostly), its original parts, and its wear patterns are visible. While it might look used, its history is transparent. You can see the scratches, the dents, and the dirt, which ironically often tells a more honest story about the machine’s life.

Conversely, a refurbished machine has undergone restoration. This can range from a high-quality “rebuild” where engines and pumps are overhauled by certified professionals, to a cosmetic “cover-up” where the machine is simply pressure washed, sanded, and repainted to look new. The danger lies in the latter. Without proper refurbished excavator identification skills, a buyer might pay a premium for a machine that looks new on the outside but is falling apart on the inside.

Visual Inspection: The Tale of the Paint

The most obvious sign of a refurbished machine is the paintwork. Caterpillar uses a very specific, high-quality industrial coating that is heat and scratch-resistant.

Overspray Indicators

When a machine is repainted in a non-factory setting, it is difficult to mask off every component perfectly. Look closely at the rubber hoses, hydraulic lines, and wire harnesses inside the engine compartment and along the boom. Factory paint is applied before these flexible hoses are installed or is masked with robotic precision. If you see yellow or black paint mist on rubber hoses, wire casings, or the serial number plates, the machine has been repainted.

The Bolt Head Test

Inspect the bolts on the counterweight and the engine mounts. In an original machine, the paint on the bolt heads will usually be chipped or worn from tools if maintenance was performed, or it will be consistent with the surrounding metal. On a refurbished machine, these bolts are often painted over, sealing the gap between the bolt head and the washer with a layer of fresh paint.

Decal Placement

Replica stickers are cheap and easy to apply. However, third-party refurbishers often place them slightly off-center or use decals that do not perfectly match the font or color shade of the original Caterpillar branding. If the decals look brand new while the seat inside the cab is torn, be suspicious.

Mechanical Integrity: Engine and Hydraulics

The heart of the Cat 320D is its engine and hydraulic system. This is where original condition machinery holds its value best, as the wear is visible and measurable.

The “Too Clean” Engine

If you open the engine cover of a machine with 5,000 hours on the meter and the engine block is spotless, gleaming with fresh paint, and free of any oil residue, you should be cautious. A working diesel engine will naturally accumulate some dust and grime. A freshly painted engine block often indicates that the seller is trying to hide oil leaks or gasket failures. Look for signs of paint peeling on the exhaust manifold; high-temperature factory paint holds up well, but cheap cosmetic paint will flake off quickly due to engine heat.

Hydraulic Pump Inspection

The hydraulic pump is the most expensive component to replace aside from the engine. On an original machine, the pump might be dusty, but you can check the bolts for signs of tampering. If the pump has been painted red or black recently, ask for documentation. Was it rebuilt? If there is no paperwork for a rebuild, the paint is likely there to hide rust or leaks.

The Undercarriage and Chassis

The undercarriage accounts for a significant portion of repair costs. Unscrupulous sellers often paint the tracks and rollers black to make them look new.

Link and Sprocket Wear

Do not be fooled by shiny black paint. Feel the bushings on the track links. If the external bushing surface is flat rather than round, the chain is worn, regardless of how new the paint looks. Check the sprocket teeth; if they are sharp and pointed rather than flat-topped, the undercarriage is near the end of its life. A “refurbished” machine might have a painted undercarriage, but the metal wear does not lie.

Chassis Welds

Inspect the X-frame and the boom for cracks. In an original condition machine, cracks or welds are usually visible. In a refurbished unit, sellers may grind down a weld and paint over it to hide structural fatigue. run your hand along high-stress areas like the boom foot and the stick cylinder mount. Uneven surfaces under the paint can indicate a covered-up repair.

The Operator’s Station: Confirming Usage

The cab offers the best clues regarding the true operating hours of the machine, which helps verify if the condition matches the odometer.

Pedal and Joystick Wear

Compare the hour meter reading with the physical wear in the cab. A machine claiming 3,000 hours should not have the rubber on the travel pedals worn down to the metal. Similarly, the joysticks should still have texture. If the cab interior looks brand new—new seat, new floor mat, new pedal covers—but the machine is older, it may have been refurbished to hide high operating hours.

Glass and Weather Stripping

Check the date codes on the safety glass. They should generally match the manufacturing year of the excavator. If the glass has been replaced and the weather stripping has paint overspray on it, the cab has been resprayed.

Documentation and Serial Numbers

Finally, the most reliable way to identify the machine’s history is through its data.

Check the Product Identification Number (PIN) plate. It should be riveted securely. If the rivets look new or loose, the plate might have been swapped. Cross-reference the engine serial number and the chassis serial number with a Caterpillar dealer. They can tell you the original configuration of the machine. If the engine serial number belongs to a much older unit, you are looking at a “Frankenstein” machine—assembled from parts of various broken excavators and refurbished to look like one cohesive unit.

Conclusion

Investing in a Second Hand Cat 320D is a smart business move, provided you know exactly what you are buying. There is nothing inherently wrong with a refurbished machine if the refurbishment involves genuine mechanical repairs and is disclosed by the seller. The risk arises when a cosmetic refurbishment is sold as a low-hour, original condition machine.

By focusing on the details—overspray on hoses, the consistency of wear in the cab, the texture of the undercarriage, and the integrity of the engine paint—you can see past the surface. Whether you are looking for a pristine original unit or a mechanically sound refurbished workhorse, taking the time to inspect these elements will ensure that your capital is spent on a machine that is ready to work, not one that is ready to retire. Always prioritize transparency and, when in doubt, consult with professional heavy machinery suppliers who value long-term reputation over short-term sales.