Machine models

Cat M312, M315, and M318 specifications

Entries in this reference
Listing-entry count
3

Short answer

Cat M312, M315, and M318: excavators.

Selected configuration figures
Configuration	Documented field and quantity
M312	Gross Power 117 hp Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity 71.4 gpm
M315	Gross Power 121.9 hp Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity 79.3 gpm
M318	Gross Power 140 hp Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity 98.3 gpm

M312, M315, and M318 specification matrix — Listing labels reported by the source
Publisher name	Source guide	Listing-entry count	Labels named by the source
Cat	M312, M315, and M318	3	M312, M315, and M318

Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Max Cutting Height	25.86 ft	26.84 ft	27.99 ft
Max Loading Height	18.51 ft	19.49 ft	19.95 ft
Max Reach Along Ground	25 ft	26.09 ft	27.86 ft
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	7.85 ft	8.24 ft	9.62 ft
Max Digging Depth	14.51 ft	15.26 ft	16.7 ft
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1	boom w/ stick 1600mm	boom w/ stick 1700mm	boom w/ stick 1800mm

Dimensions and weight
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Wheelbase	8.21 ft	8.21 ft	9.03 ft
Overall Width	8.21 in	8.21 in	9.68 in
Ground Clearance	1.24 ft	1.24 ft	1.24 ft
Overall Width - Outriggers Down	12.59 ft	12.59 ft	12.59 ft
Height To Top Of Cab	10.08 ft	10.11 ft	10.18 ft
Upper Structure Clearance	4.15 ft	4.15 ft	4.2 ft

Fuel Tank
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Fuel Tank Capacity	60.8 gal	63.4 gal	85 gal

Engine
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Engine Model	3054TA	3054TA	3116T
Gross Power	117 hp	121.9 hp	140 hp
Displacement	243.5 cu in	243.5 cu in	402.8 cu in
Flywheel Power	113 hp	114 hp	131 hp

Operational
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Fuel Capacity	60.8 gal	63.5 gal	97.8 gal
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	47.6 gal	55.5 gal	79.3 gal
Hydraulic System Relief Valve Pressure	4,785 psi	4,785 psi	4,785 psi
Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity	71.4 gpm	79.3 gpm	98.3 gpm
Tire Size	dual 10-20 16PR	dual 10-20 16PR	dual 10-20 16PR

Transmission and speeds
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Max Travel Speed	21 mph	21.2 mph	21.2 mph
Creeper Speed - 2nd Gear	10 mph	10 mph	10 mph
Maximum Travel Speed	21.1 mph	21.1 mph	21 mph
Maximum Gradeability	61	65	57

Swing Mechanism
Specification	M312	M315
Maximum Flow	21.13 gpm	21.13 gpm

Hydraulic System
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Travel Circuit	4,566 psi	4,566 psi	4,694 psi
Normal	4,566 psi	4,566 psi	4,779 psi
Implement/Travel Circuit	50.19 gpm	58.12 gpm	68.68 gpm

Operating Specifications
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Travel Speed	21.1 mph	21.1 mph	21 mph
Maximum Reach - Ground Level	29.2 ft	29.8 ft	30.8 ft
Maximum Bucket Capacity	0.7 yd3	1 yd3	1.4 yd3
Bucket Digging Force - One Piece Boom	17,980 lb	22,260 lb	25,650 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - One Piece Boom	17.9 ft	18.2 ft	20 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, One Piece Boom	28.2 ft	28.9 ft	30.8 ft
Stick Digging Force - One Piece Boom	10,790 lb	13,040 lb	16,875 lb
Bucket Digging Force - Va Boom	17,980 lb	22,260 lb	25,650 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - Va Boom	18.5 ft	19 ft	20.3 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, Va Boom	29.2 ft	29.8 ft	30.7 ft
Stick Digging Force - Va Boom	10,790 lb	13,040 lb	16,875 lb

Service Refill Capacities
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Fuel Tank	60.8 gal	63.4 gal	84.6 gal
Hydraulic Tank	25.1 gal	30.4 gal	35.7 gal
Hydraulic System - Including Tank	47.6 gal	55.5 gal	58.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.4 gal	2.3 gal	5.6 gal
Powershift Transmission	0.8 gal	0.8 gal	0.8 gal
Front Steering Axle - Differential	1.9 gal	2.3 gal	2.3 gal
Rear Axle - Housing (Differential)	3 gal	3 gal	3 gal
Cooling	9.3 gal	8 gal	9.3 gal

Variants — Source comparison annotation
Source guide	Differing-field count reported
M312, M315, and M318	42

Ratios
Figure	M312	M315	M318
Fuel tank per engine horsepower	0.52 gal	0.52 gal	0.70 gal
Hydraulic power from the listed pump flow and relief pressure	199.3 hp	221.4 hp	274.4 hp

Cat M312, M315, and M318: excavator

M312, M315, and M318: owner reports

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar M315 wheeled excavators (M315, M315D); heavyequipmentforums.com.

Cat: Injectors, engine noise and diagnostic tools.

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar M318 wheeled excavators (M318C, M318D); heavyequipmentforums.com.

Cat: Speed, engine rpm and a cab that will not raise.

M312, M315, and M318: forum references — Forum-title search
Forum index	Equipment class queried	Names in the search	Matching titles
Heavy Equipment Forums	excavator	Cat and the M312, M315, M318	14

Topics named by those titles
Title topic	Titles
hydraulics	2
brakes and steering	2

Topic in the title	Threads	Share of matching threads
hydraulics	2	14%
brakes and steering	2	14%

CAT M318 8alu03227 Coomands And RPM Problem (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-03-06)
CAT M315 2002 Creeper Speed (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2024-08-24)
CAT M315 Low Gear (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2024-08-08)
CAT M318 Brake Engaged (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2024-07-03)

Used market for the M312, M315, and M318 — Dated first-page listing snapshot
Observation date	Listing source	Equipment search	Listings
2026-09-24	MachineryTrader	Cat excavator	127

Model	Listed	Model years	Lowest asking	Highest asking	Median asking	Median hours
M312	3	1997 to 2000	$24,936	$24,936	$24,936	None shown
M315	70	1997 to 2026	$21,065	$261,889	$84,387	661
M318	54	1999 to 2024	$24,000	$213,620	$85,115	6,336

M312, M315, and M318: recall reference — Dated CPSC search
Search date	Database	Names queried	Search result
2026-09-24	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission	Cat together with the excavator M312, M315, M318	No matching recall in this search

Sources for this page
Evidence class	Document, classification and recorded date
Reference site	Reference site: Cat M312 — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat M315 — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Reference site	Reference site: Cat M318 — RitchieSpecs. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads	Forum threads: Heavy Equipment Forums thread index for Cat M312, M315, and M318 — Heavy Equipment Forums. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads	Forum threads: Forum threads read for the Caterpillar M315 wheeled excavators (M315, M315D) — Heavyequipmentforums. Observed 2026-09-24.
Used-market listings	Used-market listings: MachineryTrader listings for Cat M312 — MachineryTrader. Observed 2026-09-24.
Federal agency data	Federal agency data: Recall database search for Cat — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Observed 2026-09-24.

Cat M312, M315, and M318: Configuration records

M312

Specification	Source figure
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1	boom w/ stick 1600mm
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	7.85 ft
Dimensions and weight
Height To Top Of Cab	10.08 ft
Wheelbase	8.21 ft
Engine
Engine Model	3054TA
Gross Power	117 hp
Flywheel Power	113 hp
Operational
Fuel Capacity	60.8 gal
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	47.6 gal
Hydraulic System Relief Valve Pressure	4,785 psi
Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity	71.4 gpm
Tire Size	dual 10-20 16PR
Swing Mechanism
Maximum Flow	21.13 gpm
Transmission and speeds
Creeper Speed - 2nd Gear	10 mph
Maximum Travel Speed	21.1 mph
Maximum Gradeability	61
Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank	60.8 gal
Hydraulic Tank	25.1 gal
Hydraulic System - Including Tank	47.6 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.4 gal
Powershift Transmission	0.8 gal
Front Steering Axle - Differential	1.9 gal
Rear Axle - Housing (Differential)	3 gal
Cooling	9.3 gal
Hydraulic System
Travel Circuit	4,566 psi
Normal	4,566 psi
Implement/Travel Circuit	50.19 gpm
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity	60.8 gal
Operating Specifications
Travel Speed	21.1 mph
Bucket Digging Force - One Piece Boom	17,980 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - One Piece Boom	17.9 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, One Piece Boom	28.2 ft
Stick Digging Force - One Piece Boom	10,790 lb
Bucket Digging Force - Va Boom	17,980 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - Va Boom	18.5 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, Va Boom	29.2 ft
Stick Digging Force - Va Boom	10,790 lb
Additional specifications
Ground Clearance	1.24 ft
Overall Width - Outriggers Down	12.59 ft
Upper Structure Clearance	4.15 ft
Displacement	243.5 cu in
Max Cutting Height	25.86 ft
Max Loading Height	18.51 ft
Max Reach Along Ground	25 ft
Max Digging Depth	14.51 ft
Max Travel Speed	21 mph
Maximum Reach - Ground Level	29.2 ft
Maximum Bucket Capacity	0.7 yd3

Source

M315

Specification	Source figure
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1	boom w/ stick 1700mm
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	8.24 ft
Dimensions and weight
Height To Top Of Cab	10.11 ft
Wheelbase	8.21 ft
Engine
Engine Model	3054TA
Gross Power	121.9 hp
Flywheel Power	114 hp
Operational
Fuel Capacity	63.5 gal
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	55.5 gal
Hydraulic System Relief Valve Pressure	4,785 psi
Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity	79.3 gpm
Tire Size	dual 10-20 16PR
Swing Mechanism
Maximum Flow	21.13 gpm
Transmission and speeds
Creeper Speed - 2nd Gear	10 mph
Maximum Travel Speed	21.1 mph
Maximum Gradeability	65
Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank	63.4 gal
Hydraulic Tank	30.4 gal
Hydraulic System - Including Tank	55.5 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.3 gal
Powershift Transmission	0.8 gal
Front Steering Axle - Differential	2.3 gal
Rear Axle - Housing (Differential)	3 gal
Cooling	8 gal
Hydraulic System
Travel Circuit	4,566 psi
Normal	4,566 psi
Implement/Travel Circuit	58.12 gpm
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity	63.4 gal
Operating Specifications
Travel Speed	21.1 mph
Bucket Digging Force - One Piece Boom	22,260 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - One Piece Boom	18.2 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, One Piece Boom	28.9 ft
Stick Digging Force - One Piece Boom	13,040 lb
Bucket Digging Force - Va Boom	22,260 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - Va Boom	19 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, Va Boom	29.8 ft
Stick Digging Force - Va Boom	13,040 lb
Additional specifications
Ground Clearance	1.24 ft
Overall Width - Outriggers Down	12.59 ft
Upper Structure Clearance	4.15 ft
Displacement	243.5 cu in
Max Cutting Height	26.84 ft
Max Loading Height	19.49 ft
Max Reach Along Ground	26.09 ft
Max Digging Depth	15.26 ft
Max Travel Speed	21.2 mph
Maximum Reach - Ground Level	29.8 ft
Maximum Bucket Capacity	1 yd3

Source

M318

Specification	Source figure
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1	boom w/ stick 1800mm
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	9.62 ft
Dimensions and weight
Height To Top Of Cab	10.18 ft
Wheelbase	9.03 ft
Engine
Engine Model	3116T
Gross Power	140 hp
Flywheel Power	131 hp
Operational
Fuel Capacity	97.8 gal
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	79.3 gal
Hydraulic System Relief Valve Pressure	4,785 psi
Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity	98.3 gpm
Tire Size	dual 10-20 16PR
Transmission and speeds
Creeper Speed - 2nd Gear	10 mph
Maximum Travel Speed	21 mph
Maximum Gradeability	57
Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank	84.6 gal
Hydraulic Tank	35.7 gal
Hydraulic System - Including Tank	58.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	5.6 gal
Powershift Transmission	0.8 gal
Front Steering Axle - Differential	2.3 gal
Rear Axle - Housing (Differential)	3 gal
Cooling	9.3 gal
Hydraulic System
Travel Circuit	4,694 psi
Normal	4,779 psi
Implement/Travel Circuit	68.68 gpm
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity	85 gal
Operating Specifications
Travel Speed	21 mph
Bucket Digging Force - One Piece Boom	25,650 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - One Piece Boom	20 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, One Piece Boom	30.8 ft
Stick Digging Force - One Piece Boom	16,875 lb
Bucket Digging Force - Va Boom	25,650 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - Va Boom	20.3 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, Va Boom	30.7 ft
Stick Digging Force - Va Boom	16,875 lb
Additional specifications
Ground Clearance	1.24 ft
Overall Width - Outriggers Down	12.59 ft
Upper Structure Clearance	4.2 ft
Displacement	402.8 cu in
Max Cutting Height	27.99 ft
Max Loading Height	19.95 ft
Max Reach Along Ground	27.86 ft
Max Digging Depth	16.7 ft
Max Travel Speed	21.2 mph
Maximum Reach - Ground Level	30.8 ft
Maximum Bucket Capacity	1.4 yd3

Source

Compare Cat M312, M315, M318

Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Max Cutting Height	25.86 ft	26.84 ft	27.99 ft
Max Loading Height	18.51 ft	19.49 ft	19.95 ft
Max Reach Along Ground	25 ft	26.09 ft	27.86 ft
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	7.85 ft	8.24 ft	9.62 ft
Max Digging Depth	14.51 ft	15.26 ft	16.7 ft
Boom/Stick Option (Mex) 1	boom w/ stick 1600mm	boom w/ stick 1700mm	boom w/ stick 1800mm

Dimensions and weight
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Wheelbase	8.21 ft	8.21 ft	9.03 ft
Ground Clearance	1.24 ft	1.24 ft	1.24 ft
Overall Width - Outriggers Down	12.59 ft	12.59 ft	12.59 ft
Height To Top Of Cab	10.08 ft	10.11 ft	10.18 ft
Upper Structure Clearance	4.15 ft	4.15 ft	4.2 ft

Fuel Tank
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Fuel Tank Capacity	60.8 gal	63.4 gal	85 gal

Engine
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Engine Model	3054TA	3054TA	3116T
Gross Power	117 hp	121.9 hp	140 hp
Displacement	243.5 cu in	243.5 cu in	402.8 cu in
Flywheel Power	113 hp	114 hp	131 hp

Operational
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Fuel Capacity	60.8 gal	63.5 gal	97.8 gal
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	47.6 gal	55.5 gal	79.3 gal
Hydraulic System Relief Valve Pressure	4,785 psi	4,785 psi	4,785 psi
Hydraulic Pump Flow Capacity	71.4 gpm	79.3 gpm	98.3 gpm
Tire Size	dual 10-20 16PR	dual 10-20 16PR	dual 10-20 16PR

Transmission and speeds
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Max Travel Speed	21 mph	21.2 mph	21.2 mph
Creeper Speed - 2nd Gear	10 mph	10 mph	10 mph
Maximum Travel Speed	21.1 mph	21.1 mph	21 mph
Maximum Gradeability	61	65	57

Hydraulic System
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Travel Circuit	4,566 psi	4,566 psi	4,694 psi
Normal	4,566 psi	4,566 psi	4,779 psi
Implement/Travel Circuit	50.19 gpm	58.12 gpm	68.68 gpm

Operating Specifications
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Travel Speed	21.1 mph	21.1 mph	21 mph
Maximum Reach - Ground Level	29.2 ft	29.8 ft	30.8 ft
Maximum Bucket Capacity	0.7 yd3	1 yd3	1.4 yd3
Bucket Digging Force - One Piece Boom	17,980 lb	22,260 lb	25,650 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - One Piece Boom	17.9 ft	18.2 ft	20 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, One Piece Boom	28.2 ft	28.9 ft	30.8 ft
Stick Digging Force - One Piece Boom	10,790 lb	13,040 lb	16,875 lb
Bucket Digging Force - Va Boom	17,980 lb	22,260 lb	25,650 lb
Maximum Digging Depth - Va Boom	18.5 ft	19 ft	20.3 ft
Maximum Reach - Ground Level, Va Boom	29.2 ft	29.8 ft	30.7 ft
Stick Digging Force - Va Boom	10,790 lb	13,040 lb	16,875 lb

Service Refill Capacities
Specification	M312	M315	M318
Fuel Tank	60.8 gal	63.4 gal	84.6 gal
Hydraulic Tank	25.1 gal	30.4 gal	35.7 gal
Hydraulic System - Including Tank	47.6 gal	55.5 gal	58.2 gal
Engine Crankcase	2.4 gal	2.3 gal	5.6 gal
Powershift Transmission	0.8 gal	0.8 gal	0.8 gal
Front Steering Axle - Differential	1.9 gal	2.3 gal	2.3 gal
Rear Axle - Housing (Differential)	3 gal	3 gal	3 gal
Cooling	9.3 gal	8 gal	9.3 gal

Cat M312, M315, and M318 specifications

Cat M312, M315, and M318: excavator

M312, M315, and M318: owner reports

Sources for this page

Cat M312, M315, and M318: Configuration records