Caterpillar updates Cat CR mini hydraulic excavators

Caterpillar, an Irving, Texas-based equipment manufacturer, has added enhancements to its Cat 305 CR, 308 CR, 309 CR and 310 mini hydraulic excavator models.

The compact-radius Cat 305 CR now offers ease-of-use (EOU) E-fence and Indicate upgrades for software-enabled attachment versions, joining the 6- to 10-metric-ton class models with the same capabilities. The model ships from the factory EOU ready for cab and premium canopy designs or can be ordered from the factory with the EOU already installed.  

The E-fence technology is designed to automatically constrain machine motion within preset boundaries, allowing operators to avoid surrounding structures, Caterpillar says.

Key features include:

• ceiling limits to help operators avoid overhead obstacles, such as powerlines, ceilings or tree limbs;
• defined depth limits to protect underground fiberoptic cables and utilities;
• swing limits to help users avoid swinging into live traffic areas or walkways and to help with truck loading; and
• operating limits protecting structures in front of the excavator.

EOU Indicate, the new entry-level grade system for the 305 CR, provides operators with visual and audible cues to bucket position, assisting with meeting exact specifications. The operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system, and the monitor provides real-time feedback.

For all next-generation Cat EOU models in the 5- to 10-metric-ton class, a laser catcher option is available and can be ordered from the factory or installed via an aftermarket kit and retrofitted to first-production EOU machines. The catcher works with a laser transmitter to aid customers working on large jobsites requiring multiple excavator repositionings.

In addition, compact-radius Cat 308 CR/309 CR and the 310 mini hydraulic excavators are powered by the Cat C2.8 engine, which features a “fit for life” diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter intended to reduce service requirements and costs. According to Caterpillar, the engine offers the same rating and performance as the previous Cat C3.3B power unit and meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 Final and Stage 5 emissions standards.

Next-generation excavators also feature a standard rearview camera to improve operator visibility and safety while reversing. The 310 mini hydraulic excavator includes a side-view camera as standard, and a side-view camera can be added to 308 CR and 309 CR models.

The next-generation 308 CR model offers an angle blade option to help with backfilling material. The option comes with dozer float to assist with grading and a three-piece bolt-on cutting edge that can be inverted and reversed to extend wear life. A third auxiliary hydraulic option also is available to support customers using complex hydromechanical attachments.