Caterpillar’s three new compact excavators boost lifting capacity and productivity while maintaining jobsite versatility and easy transport
Caterpillar has introduced two new mini excavators and a micro-class excavator.
For the mini-class machines, the new Cat 302.4 Compact Radius (CR) and 302.6 mini excavators complement the Cat 302.
The 2.4-ton and 2.6-ton machines are designed to meet most towing requirements for easy transport. As well, their next-generation design excels in productivity, travel and lifting, outperforming previous Cat mini excavators in digging and trenching applications.
“We focused on four key areas to help deliver customer value with these units – cost-effective transportability, stability when lifting heavy loads, high ground clearance for working on trails with the fixed undercarriage and an easy to operate, smoother, more efficient hydraulic system,” said Zach Waite, Commercial Director for Caterpillar Industry Solutions.
“Customers will be able to use a wide range of work tools like hammers and demolition attachments, given the high auxiliary hydraulic flow.”
Cat carried over several benefits from the previous 302.7 CR, including common components with other next-gen mini excavators, a tilt-up cab, extended service intervals and increased swing torque and lifting performance.
The new mini excavators feature an optional sealed and pressurized cab to reduce noise and dust ingress.
Performance enhancements
The 302.4 CR has a wider, 1.5-metre track width and offers a higher lift capacity of 980 kg. The machine has a top travel speed of 4.8 km per hour.
The 302.6 has a lower operating weight of 3,030 kg than the 302.7 CR, allowing for transport without a commercial driver’s licence (CDL).
The 302.6 offers 40 per cent greater lifting capacity compared to the 302.7 CR fixed undercarriage.
Cat 301 CR
Contractors sometimes require machines that fit through narrow passageways while delivering high performance. The new Cat 301 Compact Radius (CR) micro hydraulic excavator is designed to do just that.
The Cat 301 CR delivers advanced machine performance for indoor, demolition, agricultural and landscaping applications through easy-to-use operating systems.
The machine can fit through doorways measuring 76 cm wide by 1.9 metres high, while its compact radius design minimizes machine overhang when working in tight spaces. Its expandable undercarriage delivers improved stability and increases lift capacity compared to its predecessor, the Cat 300.9D.
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“Customers asked for a machine in the one-ton class that is simple and comfortable to operate, while offering stability for lifting heavy weights. Our new 301 CR excavator delivers,” Waite said. “To enhance stability, the 301 CR is 26 per cent wider than the 300.9D, with a fully expanded undercarriage. We also increased lift capacity by more than 80 per cent from the 300.9D to elevate machine performance and flexibility in the field.”
The 301 CR features a maximum lift capacity of 394 kg at a height of 91 cm.
With a maximum operating weight of 1,230 kg and a folded ROPS height of less than 1.8 metres, the 301 CR offers simple transport.
To quickly move around jobsites, the 301 CR offers a top travel speed of 3.6 km per hour, double the travel speed of the 300.9D.
For improved stability, the micro excavator’s track width extends from 73 cm to 1.1 metres, while its 9.6-kN bucket force helps improve productivity in tough digging conditions.
The closed-loop swing system delivers fast cycle times, improves energy efficiency and generates less heat than the 300.9D, while a second auxiliary hydraulics option is available for operating mechanical work tools.
A simplified gauge cluster makes it easier for operators to view key machine information, while side-mounted joystick controls are engineered to support easy operation. Its tilt-up seat provides easy access to the engine bay and key ser
