In the late 2000s, Caterpillar restructured their naming scheme for excavators, adapting it to machines that had become slowly heavier over time. While the 330B had around 34 tonnes (75,000 lb), the 330D weighed in at 35–37 tonnes (77,000–82,000 lb). Therefore, it was sold under the name “336D” for while until it followed by its successor 336E in 2011.

The Caterpillar 336D like the 330D is powered by a CAT diesel engine with 270 hp power output.