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Caterpillar 432E vs Caterpillar 438C
Verdict: Caterpillar 432E vs Caterpillar 438C
The Caterpillar 432E and the Caterpillar 438C are both backhoe loaders — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar 432E leads on rated power with 94 hp against 89 hp. Caterpillar 432E is the newer design (2006 vs 1996). In short: choose the Caterpillar 432E 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
94 hp
89 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
—
—
Overview
Manufacturer
CaterpillarReference
CaterpillarReference
liquid-cooledReference
liquid-cooledReference
Engine
Engine (gross)
70.1 kWReference
66.4 kWReference
Engine
67.1 kWReference
63.4 kWReference
Displacement
4.4 LReference
4.4 LReference
Bore/Stroke
105 x 127 mmReference
105 x 127 mmReference
Power
67.1 kWReference
63.4 kWReference
Power (gross)
70.1 kWReference
66.4 kWReference
Starter type
electricReference
—
Oil capacity
9.5 LReference
15.4 LReference
Coolant capacity
16.4 LReference
18.5 LReference
Rated RPM
—
2200Reference
Starter
—
electricReference
Starter volts
—
12Reference
Transmission
Transmission
Caterpillar Power-Shuttle or optional Autoshift transmissionReference
Power ShuttleReference
Gears
5 forward and reverseReference
4 forward and reverseReference
Capacities
Fuel
145.0 LReference
127.9 LReference
Front axle
13.7 LReference
6.4 LReference
Rear axle
—
20.6 LReference
PTO & Hydraulics
Hydraulic system
37.9 LReference
79.1 LReference
Type
Variable-Flow, Axial-PistonReference
—
Capacity
37.9 LReference
79.1 LReference
Total flow
155.2 lpmReference
162.0 lpmReference
Pressure
—
206.8 barReference
Dimensions
Wheelbase
219 cmReference
210 cmReference
Length
580 cmReference
574 cmReference
Width
235 cmReference
239 cmReference
Height
371 cmReference
376 cmReference
Height (cab)
286 cmReference
290 cmReference
Max weight
10702 kgReference
—
Weight
—
7561 kgReference
Operating weight
—
7561 kgReference
Ground clearance
—
33 cmReference
Backhoe & Loader
Dig depth
193.9 to 234.4 inchesReference
191.9 to 233.2 inchesReference
Attachment overview
Caterpillar Backhoe
Backhoe type
Caterpillar BackhoeReference
Caterpillar BackhoeReference
Digging depth
492 cmReference
487 cmReference
Digging depth (extended stick)
595 cmReference
592 cmReference
Loading height
374 cmReference
368 cmReference
Loading height (extended stick)
425 cmReference
434 cmReference
Reach from pivot
—
570 cmReference
Reach from pivot (extended stick)
—
675 cmReference
Electrical
Charging system
—
alternatorReference
Charging amps
—
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.