For contractors working in urban environments and other tight-space areas, Caterpillar has fielded a new compact-radius excavator, the 304 CR. The new machine weighs 9,896 pounds with a cab (9,786 pounds with a canopy) and gets its muscle from a naturally aspirated, water-cooled, four-cylinder diesel engine that cranks out 36 net horsepower. The tail-swing radius and transport width both measure a slender 6 feet 6 inches and the bucket has a digging force of 8,228 foot-pounds. Armed with an optional long stick, the 304 digs to 12 feet 4 inches.
