Bond’s first great stunt in Skyfall is performed with a digger. The Caterpillar 320D L excavator he drives along the roof of a train is a working machine, not a prop invented for the film, and it is the nearest thing in this opening sequence to something you could actually own. This page is about the Caterpillar 320D L hydraulic excavator and what is, and is not, possible with a machine of this kind.
In the film
Daniel Craig’s Bond operates a Caterpillar 320D L in the opening sequence of Skyfall (2012), and jumps from it onto the wrecked train. The catalogue notes that the film machine was modified with the cab on the opposite side. Caterpillar says two 320D L excavators were produced at its plant in Akashi, Japan, for the film, and its dealers Finning UK and Borusan Makina were involved. One report places the stunt on a train in Turkey. See our Skyfall page for more of the sequence.
The details of the Caterpillar 320D L
A medium excavator. Caterpillar’s own sheet lists operating weights of about 20,350kg for the standard undercarriage and 21,550kg for the long undercarriage, both with a reach boom and a 9ft 6in stick.
The engine. It is powered by the Cat C6.4 with ACERT technology, which Caterpillar describes as improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.
Reach and arm. Three boom lengths and five stick lengths are available, so the machine can be set up for different kinds of work. Caterpillar also lists a range of attachments, from buckets to hammers and grapples.
The cab. Caterpillar says the cab gives more space and wider visibility, with a full-colour monitor for machine information.
Owning it now
The 320D L is a former Caterpillar model, and we did not find a current dealer page for a new one. Our button runs an eBay search for the model, where machines and scale models are listed; a full-size machine is a purchase to inspect and transport properly, and it will not be the modified film machine. Used machines are widely advertised: one marketplace shows 41 listings of 320DL excavators from about US$19,313 to US$147,900, depending on age and hours. If you are buying one, expect to inspect it properly and to arrange transport.
A smaller way in. Caterpillar’s own shop sells a 1:87 scale diecast 320D L, made by Diecast Masters, measuring 4.625 by 1.75 by 1.875in. For most readers that is the sensible way to own the machine from the film.
Specifications
| Model | Caterpillar 320D L hydraulic excavator |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | About 20,350kg (standard undercarriage); about 21,550kg (long undercarriage), with reach boom and 9ft 6in stick |
| Engine | Cat C6.4 with ACERT technology |
| Options | Three boom lengths, five sticks, range of work tools |
| Film units | Two machines built at Akashi, Japan, for the film |
| Price | No new price; used machines listed from about US$19,313 (at the time of writing, October 2026) |
Caterpillar’s technical details are in its 320D and 320D L specification sheet.
Questions
What excavator does Bond drive in Skyfall?
A Caterpillar 320D L hydraulic excavator, in the opening train sequence. Caterpillar says two were built for the film.
Can you buy the Skyfall excavator?
You can buy a used 320D L from marketplaces, but we found no new machine. The film machines were modified, so a standard one is not identical.
Is there a model of it?
Yes. Caterpillar’s shop lists a 1:87 scale diecast 320D L.
See our vehicles category for the other machines.
