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Caterpillar 420E vs Caterpillar 438C
Verdict: Caterpillar 420E vs Caterpillar 438C
The Caterpillar 420E and the Caterpillar 438C are both backhoe loaders — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar 420E leads on rated power with 93 hp against 89 hp. Caterpillar 438C is the lighter machine (7,561 kg vs 15,201 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar 420E is the newer design (2006 vs 1996). In short: choose the Caterpillar 420E for outright pulling power, or the Caterpillar 438C if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.
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Fit & specs
Caterpillar
85
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Caterpillar
62
Fit score
Clear
Rated power
93 hp
89 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
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Overview
Manufacturer
CaterpillarReference
CaterpillarReference
With 19.5x24 rear tires.Reference
liquid-cooledReference
Drive
4x4 MFWD 4WD optionalReference
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Steering
hydrostatic powerReference
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Variants
420E IT
Integrated Toolcarrier loaderReference
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Engine
Engine (gross)
69.0 kWReference
66.4 kWReference
Engine
66.4 kWReference
63.4 kWReference
Displacement
4.4 LReference
4.4 LReference
Bore/Stroke
105 x 127 mmReference
105 x 127 mmReference
Power
66.4 kWReference
63.4 kWReference
Power (gross)
69.0 kWReference
66.4 kWReference
Air cleaner
dryReference
—
Rated RPM
1800Reference
2200Reference
Torque
408.2 NmReference
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Torque RPM
1400Reference
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Starter
electricReference
electricReference
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Oil capacity
18.9 LReference
15.4 LReference
Coolant capacity
20.4 LReference
18.5 LReference
Transmission
Transmission
Auto-ShiftReference
Power ShuttleReference
Gears
5 forward and 3 reverseReference
4 forward and reverseReference
Capacities
Fuel
170.3 LReference
127.9 LReference
Front axle
9.5 LReference
6.4 LReference
Rear axle
14.2 LReference
20.6 LReference
Max capacity
11000 kgReference
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PTO & Hydraulics
Hydraulic system
95.0 LReference
79.1 LReference
Type
closed center load sensingReference
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Capacity
95.0 LReference
79.1 LReference
Pressure
228.0 barReference
206.8 barReference
Total flow
162.8 lpmReference
162.0 lpmReference
Dimensions
Wheelbase
220 cmReference
210 cmReference
Weight
15201 to 15490 poundsReference
7561 kgReference
Front tire
12.5/80-18Reference
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Rear tire
19.5L-24Reference
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Industrial front
340/80RReference
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Industrial rear
19.5L-R24Reference
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Length
759 cmReference
574 cmReference
Width
243 cmReference
239 cmReference
Ground clearance
33 cmReference
33 cmReference
Shipping
6895 kgReference
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Operating
7026 kgReference
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Height
—
376 cmReference
Height (cab)
—
290 cmReference
Operating weight
—
7561 kgReference
Backhoe & Loader
Dig depth
172 to 215 inchesReference
191.9 to 233.2 inchesReference
Dump angle
114 cmReference
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Attachment overview
Caterpillar Backhoe
Backhoe type
Caterpillar BackhoeReference
Caterpillar BackhoeReference
Digging depth
436 cmReference
487 cmReference
Digging depth (retracted stick)
439 cmReference
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Digging depth (extended stick)
546 cmReference
592 cmReference
2-Foot flat digging depth
431 cmReference
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2-Foot flat digging depth (retracted stick)
436 cmReference
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2-Foot flat digging depth (extended stick)
541 cmReference
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8-Foot flat digging depth
431 cmReference
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8-Foot flat digging depth (retracted stick)
436 cmReference
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8-Foot flat digging depth (extended stick)
541 cmReference
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Reach from pivot
673 cmReference
570 cmReference
Reach from pivot (retracted stick)
675 cmReference
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Reach from pivot (extended stick)
777 cmReference
675 cmReference
Loading height
363 cmReference
368 cmReference
Loading height (retracted stick)
358 cmReference
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Loading height (extended stick)
414 cmReference
434 cmReference
Bucket force
6293 kgReference
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Bucket force (retracted stick)
6288 kgReference
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Bucket force (extended stick)
6288 kgReference
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Dipperstick force
4382 kgReference
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Dipperstick force (retracted stick)
4361 kgReference
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Dipperstick force (extended stick)
3185 kgReference
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Caterpillar 420E Height
Cab
281 cmReference
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Exhaust
274 cmReference
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Speeds
Electrical
Charging system
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alternatorReference
Charging amps
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52Reference
Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.