CAT 336 vs Komatsu PC360: Which Used Excavator Should You Buy?

Many overseas buyers compare CAT 336 vs Komatsu PC360 when they want a used 36-ton class excavator for earthmoving, quarry work, resale or contractor projects.

Some buyers search this topic as Komatsu 360 vs CAT 336, and some compare specific used versions such as CAT 336D2 vs Komatsu PC360-7.

The simple answer is this:

Choose CAT 336 if your work involves more heavy-duty jobs, rock digging, quarry work, or if your local market has very strong trust in Caterpillar machines and CAT excavators can resell quickly.

Choose Komatsu PC360 if your work is mainly earthmoving, loose soil, general contractor work, and your local market accepts Komatsu well with stable repair and parts support.

But for used excavators, brand name is not enough. A clean Komatsu PC360-7 can be a better purchase than a tired CAT 336D2 if both brands are accepted in your market and the PC360 has better condition, clearer videos and lower repair risk.

Quick Answer: CAT 336 or Komatsu PC360?

Choose CAT 336 when:

• the local market trusts Caterpillar strongly
• resale speed for CAT machines is high
• the machine will do more heavy work
• the job includes rock, quarry or harder digging
• the buyer has good CAT repair and parts support
• the buyer is selling into a CAT-preferred market

Choose Komatsu PC360 when:

• the job is mainly earthmoving or loose soil
• the buyer wants a practical 36-ton class excavator
• local buyers already accept Komatsu
• repair and parts support for Komatsu is stable
• the buyer cares about easier maintenance pressure
• the market accepts PC360 well, especially in some Southeast Asian buyer groups

If the same budget can buy a rough CAT 336 or a cleaner Komatsu PC360, and both brands can resell in your market, the cleaner PC360 may be the safer business decision.

CAT 336 vs Komatsu PC360 Summary Guide

Choose CAT 336 if your market trusts Caterpillar strongly, resale speed is fast, and the machine will do more heavy work, rock digging or quarry-related jobs.

Choose Komatsu PC360 if the work is mainly earthmoving, loose soil or general contractor work, and your local market accepts Komatsu with stable parts and repair support.

If both brands can resell well in your market, do not choose by brand only. Under the same budget, a cleaner Komatsu PC360 can be safer than a tired CAT 336.

There is no absolute winner. Dealers should choose by local customer preference, resale speed, parts support and actual machine condition.

Important Note About Used Machine Versions

CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 are not single fixed machines.

In the used market, CAT 336 may include versions such as 336D, 336D2, 336GC and Next Gen 336. Komatsu PC360 may include PC360-7, PC360-8 and other market versions.

This guide mainly compares CAT 336D2 and Komatsu PC360-7, because these are common used-market choices many overseas dealers compare.

Exact specifications can vary by version, year, configuration, track type, arm length, bucket setup and machine history. For used machines, buyers should confirm the machine plate, current videos, photos, undercarriage and actual working condition before making a decision.

Page Navigation

• Why buyers compare CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360
• Current stock and version note
• Regional buyer preference
• Buyer fit guide
• Same budget decision
• Price difference logic
• Inspection points
• Final checklist
• FAQ

Why Buyers Compare CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360

Buyers compare CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 because both machines sit in a similar 36-ton class working range.

Both can be used for large earthmoving, road projects, quarry-related work, truck loading and contractor jobs. Both are also common enough in the used excavator market to be considered by overseas dealers and brokers.

But the buying logic is different.

CAT 336 is often chosen for brand confidence, stronger resale demand in CAT-friendly markets, heavy-duty reputation and buyer trust. For many dealers, CAT is easier to explain to customers who already believe in Caterpillar.

Komatsu PC360 is often chosen for practical use, earthmoving work, repair familiarity in Komatsu markets, and good acceptance where customers understand Komatsu machines well.

Most buyers for these two models are not only end users. Many are overseas used machinery dealers and large equipment brokers. For them, the best machine is not only the one with stronger power. It must also be easy to resell, easy to explain, easy to support and suitable for local customer demand.

Current Stock and Version Note

In our normal used machine flow, CAT 336 usually receives more inquiries and sales than Komatsu PC360.

For CAT 336, we may have options such as 336D, 336D2, 336GC and Next Gen 336. CAT 336D2 is often the main version we compare and recommend, depending on current condition and buyer requirements.

As a normal flowing-stock reference, we may have around:

• CAT 336D: around 1 unit
• CAT 336D2: around 3-4 units
• CAT 336GC: around 1-2 units
• Next Gen CAT 336: around 1 unit

For Komatsu PC360, PC360-7 is usually the main available version in our stock flow, with around 5 flowing units. PC360-8 may also be available, usually around 1-2 units, depending on current supply.

This is not a fixed guarantee. Used machine stock changes with sold units, sourcing, machine condition and current buyer demand. Buyers should always confirm the latest photos, videos, year, hours, paint condition and configuration before choosing.

Regional Buyer Preference

Regional demand can change the decision.

Based on our inquiry and sales experience, CAT 336 is often easier to promote in many Latin American buyer conversations because many customers there trust Caterpillar for resale confidence and brand recognition.

Based on our buyer conversations, Komatsu PC360 can be easier to recommend in Southeast Asia when local customers already accept Komatsu and parts support is stable.

In the Middle East, both CAT and Komatsu have demand. The final decision often depends on current condition, price, machine version, parts support and the buyer’s own customer base.

In Africa, demand for CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 can vary a lot by country and customer group. Dealers should not choose only by brand name. They should check local repair ability, parts supply and what their own buyers actually ask for.

CAT 336 vs Komatsu PC360 Buyer Fit Guide

CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 are both used in the 36-ton class, but they are often chosen for different business reasons.

CAT 336 is more often connected with heavy-duty confidence, stronger brand trust and better resale in CAT-preferred markets.

Komatsu PC360 is more often connected with practical earthmoving, repair-friendly use and stronger acceptance in markets where Komatsu has a good local base.

Choose CAT 336 when:

• the local market trusts Caterpillar strongly
• resale speed for CAT machines is high
• the job includes more rock, quarry or harder digging
• the buyer wants stronger brand confidence
• the buyer can handle CAT repair and parts cost
• the machine will work in heavier conditions
• a clean CAT 336D2 is available

Choose Komatsu PC360 when:

• the work is mainly earthmoving
• soil is loose or medium-duty
• local customers accept Komatsu well
• repair and parts support for Komatsu is stable
• the buyer wants easier service pressure
• the same budget can buy a cleaner PC360
• PC360-7 stock is available with clear videos

This guide is only a first filter. The final choice should be made by local market demand, machine condition, inspection videos and resale logic.

When CAT 336 Is a Better Choice

CAT 336 can be a stronger direction when the buyer’s project includes more heavy work, the machine condition is good, and local CAT repair support is available.

If the machine will often dig rock, work in quarry-related conditions, load hard material or stay in a heavy-duty jobsite for a long time, CAT 336D2 can be more attractive.

CAT 336 is also a stronger choice when the buyer’s country has very high trust in Caterpillar. In some markets, customers ask for CAT first. For dealers and brokers, this means the machine may be easier to explain, easier to sell and easier to move quickly.

This is especially true in many Latin American buyer conversations, where CAT 336 is often preferred by customers.

But CAT 336 should not be chosen only for the brand name. The buyer still needs to confirm undercarriage condition, structure, engine smoke, hydraulic response and local repair support before payment.

When Komatsu PC360 Makes More Sense

Komatsu PC360 makes more sense when the job is mainly earthmoving, loose soil, general contractor work or mixed projects without extreme heavy-duty pressure.

PC360-7 can be a practical choice for buyers who want a 36-ton class excavator but do not want too much repair pressure. In markets where Komatsu parts and mechanics are available, PC360 can be a very good business option.

For Southeast Asian buyers, Komatsu PC360 is often easier to recommend when the local market accepts Komatsu and parts support is stable.

PC360 is also worth considering when the buyer has the same budget for both brands, but the Komatsu machine is cleaner. If local customers accept both CAT and Komatsu, a better-condition PC360 can be safer than paying more for a CAT 336 with unclear videos, heavier undercarriage wear or more repair risk.

Same Budget: Better CAT 336 or Cleaner Komatsu PC360?

This is one of the most important used-machine questions.

If the buyer has the same budget, and the local market accepts both CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360, the final decision should not be made by brand only.

A CAT 336 may receive more inquiries and may be easier to resell in some markets. But if the available CAT 336 has heavy undercarriage wear, engine smoke, unclear hydraulic videos or possible structure damage, the brand advantage may not be enough.

A cleaner Komatsu PC360 with better hydraulic response, better engine condition, acceptable undercarriage and clear videos may become the safer purchase.

For dealers, this depends on their local customer preference and resale speed. There is no absolute good or bad. CAT and Komatsu have different advantages in different regions.

The key rule is simple:

Do not let the brand name cover machine condition.

Why Price Difference Can Be Large

The price difference between CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 is not decided by brand only.

For used machines, price can change because of version, year, working hours, undercarriage condition, engine performance, hydraulic response, paint condition, bucket setup, market demand, current videos and whether the buyer needs one unit or several units.

In some markets, CAT 336 may carry stronger resale value because local buyers trust Caterpillar more. In other markets, a clean PC360 can be more attractive because repair pressure and parts support are easier to manage.

That is why buyers should compare real machine condition before comparing only brand or model name.

Who Should Avoid CAT 336?

Avoid CAT 336 if the buyer only wants the CAT name but cannot support the machine after arrival.

CAT 336 may not be the best choice when local CAT parts are expensive, repair support is weak, fuel quality is unstable, or customers mainly do light earthmoving where the extra brand and heavy-duty value cannot bring enough return.

Also avoid CAT 336 if the current machine has unclear videos, continuous heavy black smoke, serious undercarriage wear, possible structural cracks or hydraulic problems.

CAT 336 can be a strong machine, but if it has done a lot of heavy work, the undercarriage and structure must be checked carefully. A cheap CAT 336 with hidden repair cost can become more expensive than expected.

Who Should Avoid Komatsu PC360?

Avoid Komatsu PC360 if the local market does not accept Komatsu well.

In some countries, the local population of Komatsu PC360 machines may be small. If parts are not easy to find, or local mechanics are not familiar with the model, the buyer should be careful before choosing PC360.

PC360 may also not be the best choice if the project is long-term heavy quarry work, hard rock work or mining-style work every day. In that situation, the buyer may need to compare CAT 336, CAT 340, CAT 349 or larger Komatsu models such as PC400 or PC450.

Avoid PC360 if hydraulic videos are unclear, engine blow-by is not checked, or the machine cannot provide enough current working evidence before payment.

Used Machine Inspection Points

For both CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360, the basic inspection is similar: engine, hydraulics, undercarriage, structure, swing, walking, bucket pins, machine plate and current working videos.

But the focus is slightly different.

For CAT 336D2, pay more attention to:

• structural cracks
• boom and arm condition
• undercarriage wear
• engine black smoke
• fuel injector and fuel pump condition
• warning codes
• hydraulic leaks
• whether local CAT repair support is strong enough

CAT 336 machines often work in heavier jobs, so undercarriage wear can be more serious. Undercarriage parts can also be more expensive. If the machine shows continuous black smoke, especially under load, buyers should be careful with the fuel system and engine condition.

For Komatsu PC360-7, pay more attention to:

• hydraulic system videos
• hydraulic response under load
• pump and valve area
• engine blow-by video
• engine smoke
• walking performance
• undercarriage condition
• local parts availability

For PC360, hydraulic performance and engine blow-by videos are very important. Buyers should not judge only by hour meter or paint condition.

Before comparing the final quote, confirm whether the price includes machine preparation, loading support, export documents and current same-machine videos.

When CAT 336 or Komatsu PC360 May Not Be the Right Choice

Sometimes neither CAT 336 nor Komatsu PC360 is the best answer.

If the buyer prefers Caterpillar but CAT 336D2 still feels not strong enough for long-term heavy quarry or mining work, CAT 340 or CAT 349 should be compared separately.

If the buyer prefers Komatsu but PC360 is not enough for the job, Komatsu PC400 or PC450 may be a better direction.

If the project is not heavy and transport cost is important, the buyer may not need a 36-ton class excavator at all. A smaller model such as CAT 330, Komatsu PC300 or another 30-ton class machine may be more practical.

The right machine is not always the bigger machine. It is the machine that matches the job, local market, repair support, resale demand and actual condition.

Final Decision Checklist

Choose CAT 336 if:

• your local market trusts Caterpillar strongly
• resale speed for CAT is high
• the machine will do more heavy work
• quarry, rock or harder digging is common
• your customer asks for CAT machines
• local CAT repair and parts support is strong
• a clean CAT 336D2 is available
• you are selling mainly to a CAT-preferred market

Choose Komatsu PC360 if:

• the job is mainly earthmoving
• soil is loose or medium-duty
• local buyers accept Komatsu well
• repair and parts support for Komatsu is stable
• you want easier service pressure
• your market is Southeast Asia or another Komatsu-friendly region
• the same budget can buy a cleaner PC360
• a clean PC360-7 is available with clear videos

Compare carefully if:

• CAT 336 has heavy undercarriage wear
• CAT 336 shows continuous black smoke
• PC360 parts are hard to find locally
• PC360 hydraulic videos are unclear
• your buyer only follows brand name
• the job may need CAT 340, CAT 349, PC400 or PC450
• both brands are accepted and condition is the real deciding factor

Compare CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 Options

You can send your target market, jobsite, budget, preferred version, quantity and destination port. We can help compare suitable CAT 336 and Komatsu PC360 options based on current stock, working videos, undercarriage condition, hydraulic response and actual machine availability.

Our CAT 336 product page mainly focuses on CAT 336D2, while our Komatsu PC360 product page mainly focuses on Komatsu PC360-7.

For buyers who need several CAT 336 or Komatsu PC360 units, advance booking or batch sourcing may help us prepare more suitable machines and offer better price flexibility, depending on current supply and machine condition.

To compare current options, please send:

• target model
• destination country and port
• jobsite type
• buyer market preference
• budget range
• required quantity
• preferred version
• whether you need repainting, attachments or current working videos

[View Used CAT 336 Excavator Options]

[View Used Komatsu PC360 Excavator Options]

[Ask for Current CAT 336 and PC360 Videos]

Machine availability, year, hours, paint condition, configuration and final price should be confirmed by current photos, videos and machine details.

FAQ

Is CAT 336 better than Komatsu PC360?

Not always. CAT 336 may be better for heavy work, CAT-preferred markets and faster resale in some regions. Komatsu PC360 may be better for earthmoving, easier repair pressure and markets where Komatsu is strongly accepted.

Should I choose CAT 336D2 or Komatsu PC360-7?

Choose CAT 336D2 if your buyer wants Caterpillar brand confidence, heavier work ability and strong resale demand. Choose PC360-7 if your work is mainly earthmoving and your local market accepts Komatsu with good repair support.

Which one is better for used machinery dealers?

It depends on local customer preference and resale speed. CAT 336 usually receives more inquiries and sales in our flow, especially for CAT-friendly markets. But in Southeast Asia, PC360 can be a strong dealer option.

Which one is better for Latin America or Southeast Asia?

Based on our buyer conversations, CAT 336 is often easier to promote in many Latin American markets because Caterpillar has strong brand recognition. In Southeast Asia, Komatsu PC360 can be a practical choice when local buyers accept Komatsu and parts support is stable.

What should I check before buying a used CAT 336?

Check structural cracks, boom and arm condition, undercarriage wear, engine black smoke, fuel injector and fuel pump condition, warning codes, hydraulic leaks and current working videos.

What should I check before buying a used Komatsu PC360?

Check hydraulic response, pump and valve area, engine blow-by video, engine smoke, walking performance, undercarriage, local parts availability and current working videos.