Cat updates Mini Excavators

Caterpillar is announcing updates to the 303.5 CR Mini Excavator and the 5- to 10-ton Mini Excavators.

303.5 CR Mini Excavator 

The next generation compact radius Cat 303.5 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator features a significant software update designed to improve transient speeds up to 25% compared to previous 303.5 CR next gen models. The 303.5 CR’s more dynamic design with quick transient speeds helps to reposition the excavator in a shorter period, limiting the time the machine is not working. 

The update is compatible with all next generation builds dating back to the first production models in 2021. The current software version is available on the excavator’s operating monitor, and customers can get the latest update from their Cat dealer.

Key features

• Heavy lifting and performance
• Capable of lifting, swinging and carrying a standard 2,450 lb (1111 kg) street plate.
• Trenching productivity and controllability of the angle blade in Stick Steer mode.
• Comfort and industry-first features
• Sealed and pressurized operating cab with adjustable operator settings.
• Exclusive Cat Stick Steer joystick control to enhance machine travel and cruise control.
• Simplified service
• Easily accessible checkpoints from ground level and a unique tilt-up cab/canopy to reach additional service areas.
• Compact radius swing
• Reduces overhang when working to the side, allowing machines to deliver high performance in confined spaces.

5- to 10-ton Mini Excavators 

Caterpillar is announcing multiple enhancements to its Cat 305 CR, 308 CR, 309 CR and 310 Mini Hydraulic Excavator models. The compact radius Cat 305 CR now joins the 6- to 10-ton class models to offer mini hydraulic excavator (MHE) ease-of-use (EOU) E-Fence and Indicate features for software-enabled attachment versions. The 305 CR now ships from the factory EOU ready for cab and premium canopy designs or can be ordered from the factory already installed.  

Automatically constraining machine motion within preset boundaries, E-Fence is designed to allow operators the ability to work confidently and efficiently by avoiding structures overhead, underground, in front, or to the left or right of the excavator.

E-Fence features include:

• Ceiling – helps operators avoid overhead obstacles such as powerlines, ceilings or tree limbs.
• Floor – defined depth limits help protect underground fiberoptic cables and utilities.
• Wall – operating limits protects structures in front of the excavator.
• Swing – ideal for avoiding swinging into live traffic areas or walkways and to help with truck loading.

An entry-level grade system now available for the 305 CR, Indicate, gives operators visual and audible indications to bucket position, relative to target grade, to assist with meeting exact specifications the first time. The operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system, and the monitor provides real-time feedback.

Taking the EOU Indicate to the next level, a Laser Catcher option is available for all next generation Cat EOU models in the 5- to 10-ton class. Working with a laser transmitter, Laser Catcher may provide customers with greater peace of mind when working on large jobsites that require multiple excavator repositions. It can be ordered from the factory or installed via an aftermarket kit and retrofitted to first-production EOU machines.

Also: Today’s compact radius Cat 308 CR and 309 CR plus the 310 mini hydraulic excavators are now powered by the new Cat C2.8 engine, offering the same ratings and performance as the previous Cat C3.3B power unit. Meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and Stage V emissions standards, the C2.8 features a “fit for life” diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) that requires no maintenance, reducing service requirements and costs.

A third auxiliary hydraulic option is available to support customers using complex hydromechanical attachments. These next gen excavators also feature a standard rearview camera to help improve operator visibility and safety while reversing the excavator. Additionally, the 310 now includes a side-view camera as standard, while the side-view camera can be optionally added to 308 CR and 309 CR machines.