 Caterpillar Inc.
Products
In 1999, Caterpillar introduced its first four steely yellow and black compact excavators to the worldwide market (the 301.5, 302.5, 303.5 and 304.5). Fast-forward to the dealer lots today and you’ll find the company sells three standard tail swing designs (the 301.6C, 301.8C and 302.5C) and four zero radius excavator designs (the 303C CR, 303.5C CR, 304C CR and 305C CR).
The newer and smaller-sized C-Series CR mini excavators feature plenty of standard technologies — two-way auxiliary hydraulics, floating dozer blades and new larger cabs (with optional air conditioning).
The 301.8C unit has an expandable undercarriage that allows the overall width of the machine to be reduced to 39 in. for traveling through doorways and gates and expanded to 53 in. for greater stability while digging. The expansion and contraction of the undercarriage is performed by raising the machine off the ground by means of the dozer blade and bucket.
Cab sizes are similar to what’s found on Cat’s larger excavators. On the 302.5C through the 305C CR, the swing boom, auxiliary hydraulic and two-speed travel function have all been relocated from the floor to the joysticks and dozer lever, resulting in a clean cab floor. Air conditioning is available on the 302.5C, 303C CR, 303.5C CR, 304C CR and 305C CR. Caterpillar uses Mitsubishi engines in all its mini excavators.
The 303C CR through the 305C CR have an automatic-downshifting two-speed travel that automatically shifts down to low speed when more torque is required.
Interesting options include hydraulic-angled dozer blades, long sticks, factory installed thumb brackets, factory installed radios and CD players (301.6C through 305C CR), in-cab fans, rear window shades, air conditioning (302.5C through 305C CR) and steel or rubber tracks.
What’s Unique and Interesting?
The C-Series CR mini excavators feature some of the highest digging forces in the industry. “Check the specs; we are clearly one of the highest when it comes to apple-to-apple comparisons,” says Darren Wilson, North American mini hydraulic excavator industry manager.
The 303C CR through 305C CR use load-sensing hydraulics, which provides the correct flow to each hydraulic cylinder while maintaining fuel economy. Caterpillar’s smooth and controllable hydraulics also allow precise bucket control; center hydraulics are pressure regulated to be powerful, yet responsive. This precise control is especially important in tight areas where the bucket could come in contact with surrounding structures or personnel. End-dampening in the stick cylinder, in addition to the end-dampening in the boom cylinder, prevent the cylinders from “banging” at the end of the stroke. The result is fewer jolts reaching the operator and good feather-ability.
Considering maintenance, Caterpillar has extended the service intervals for the majority of its maintenance items, such as 500-hour greasing on many joints and a 500-hour engine oil change interval.
Insights and Advice
“Choosing the right mini hydraulic excavator involves taking a careful look at every aspect of the intended future applications,” says Wilson. “A contractor needs to know a lot more than just the dig depth. A contractor should ask what kind of work tools will be used? Are there any width restrictions for the machine? How about weight restrictions? What kind of trailer is already owned? And will the machine be in an application that may require steel tracks? Answering these questions up front can save a lot of heartache down the road.”
Contact Info
Caterpillar Inc.
100 N.E. Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61629
Ph: 888-OWN-A-CAT
www.cat.com
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