In addition to its updated 303.5 mini excavator, Caterpillar revealed another batch of updates for its 5- to 10-metric-ton compact excavators at October’s Utility Expo, where Equipment World got a walkaround tour as seen in the above video.
The biggest updates come for the 308 CR, 309 CR and 310 models, which get new engines and standard rearview cameras. ("CR" stands for "compact radius.")
The 305 CR will now be available for software that prevents the excavator from hitting nearby obstacles by establishing an "E-Fence" and entry-level grade Indicate software that provides real-time bucket position in relation to target depth and slope.
For the 308 CR, 309 CR and 310, Caterpillar has rolled out the new Cat C2.8 engine with the same ratings and performance as the previous Cat 3.3B.
The big difference is the new C2.8 engine has "fit for life" no-maintenance diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter, the company says.
All three models now come standard with a rearview camera. The 310 will also get a standard side-view camera, which will be an option for the 308 CR and 309 CR.
The next-generation 308 CR will offer an angle-blade option to help with backfilling material. With Stick Steer and blade control on the right joystick, operators can control the excavator like a small dozer. The option comes with dozer float to help with grading and a three-piece bolt-on cutting edge that can be inverted and reversed to extend wear life.
The three excavators can also now be outfitted with an optional third auxiliary hydraulic line for complex, high-power attachments.
On the 303.5, Caterpillar enabled a software update for a faster transient speed than the previous next-generation models, which helps reposition the excavator faster and limit the time it is not working,
Cat 303.5 CR Mini Excavator Specs
- Engine: Cat C1.7
- Horsepower: 23.6
- Operating weight: 9,239 pounds
- Dig depth (standard stick): 110.7 inches
- Max reach (standard stick): 207.5 inches
Caterpillar 305 CR Mini Excavators Specs
- Engine: Cat C1.7 Turbo
- Horsepower: 45
- Operating weight: 12,688 pounds
- Dig depth (standard stick): 134.6 inches
- Max reach (standard stick): 226.6 inches
Caterpillar 308 CR Mini Excavators Specs
- Engine: Cat C2.8
- Horsepower: 69.5
- Operating weight: 18,493 pounds
- Dig depth (standard stick): 161.7 inches
- Max reach (standard stick): 281.1 inches
00:00:00:01 - 00:00:17:06
Greg Worley
The next gen, many hydraulic excavators. A lot of people say, hey, what made next gen and next gen? Well, we sort of broke the mold before we introduced the next gen. We spent two years before we designed anything. Talking to customers. What do you need this machine to do? How much does it need to lift? How much does it need to push?
00:00:17:08 - 00:00:22:27
Greg Worley
We listened to the customers and then we brought these machines out.
00:00:22:29 - 00:00:36:08
Greg Worley
Greg Worley, mock up professional for global mini hydraulic excavators, won the ten ton here at the Utility Show, Louisville, Kentucky. Looking at what many hydraulic excavators we have on display or in use. Starting off with, we have the three O 2.7, which is just behind this there. Now this 32.7 is the fixed undercarriage standard stick. It's the most affordable three ton machine cap machine that you can get in the marketplace.
00:01:05:07 - 00:01:31:25
Greg Worley
It's ideal for the utility type customer that's only at this trade show from the 2.7. We do have A303, but then we have the 303.5 operating here. The three A 3.5 has been reimagined since we put it in first production. It's been working the way it should do and how it's supposed to. With the three and a half ton machine, we get 35% more productivity, and we get that because we got 25% more transient speed.
00:01:31:26 - 00:01:56:12
Greg Worley
It's not a top speed, it's how we get from 0 to 60. So the quicker you can reposition, the more productivity you can get. Behind me, we got one of our Centennial 305 machines. This is operating the new G 306 sorting grapple. So we can sort scrap material logs lots of different uses on it. That's a new work tool attachment available on the many hydraulic excavators.
00:01:56:19 - 00:02:21:13
Greg Worley
And then over to my left we got the latest next gen 308. Now a previous next gen 308 was the oh seven version of the machine. Now we have the oh eight version. Basically what we own from F series. The G series. Same thing. So in A08308 version, we have a new power plant on the machine. So same power, performance and efficiency as before.
00:02:21:13 - 00:02:44:10
Greg Worley
We are offering the angle blade for the first time on an eight time machine. And then we got a couple of additional optional features on it. We can get a third ARX capability on the machine for those more complex work tools. And we're also offering a side camera. The rear camera is standard, but for enhanced safety we have a side camera option on our eight, nine and ten some machines.
