Cat 311 CU vs 312 CL

sweitzerworks · 2025-10-02T20:51:08.000Z

Hey everyone, just joined up and looking for some input here. I'm trying to decide between two excavators—a 311 CU with 4k hours and a 312 CL with 6k hours. Both have blades and look to be in really good shape. Has anyone here worked with either of these machines? Would appreciate hearing what you know about them. Thanks, Jackson

Started by sweitzerworksOct 2, 20254 replies

sweitzerworksJunior MemberOct 2, 2025#1
Hey everyone, just joined up and looking for some input here. I'm trying to decide between two excavators—a 311 CU with 4k hours and a 312 CL with 6k hours. Both have blades and look to be in really good shape. Has anyone here worked with either of these machines? Would appreciate hearing what you know about them.

Thanks, Jackson
materthegreaterSuper UserSep 10, 2026#2
Did you ever end up picking one of those two?
sweitzerworksJunior MemberSep 10, 2026#3
I went with the 311 because it had a hydraulic thumb. No complaints so far.
materthegreaterSuper UserSep 10, 2026#4
Around here, a thumb is pretty much essential equipment!
CM1995ExpertSep 10, 2026#5
Which 311 model?

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