Cat Completes its Next Gen Mini Excavator Line-Up

Caterpillar launched its new Next Gen range of mini excavators back in 2019, and have been adding to that initial line up ever since. The final pieces of the jigsaw were added at the tail end of last year with the introduction of the 4-tonne class 304 and the 5-tonne 305 CR models.

We first got “Hands On” with the new Next Gen Cat mini excavators in 2019 at the Malaga Demonstration and Learning Centre in Spain, where amongst others, we sampled the delights of the 1.5-tonne 301.5, 302 CR, 308 CR and the range topping 10-tonne offering the 310.

Cat have been drip feeding other size models into the range in recent years, and now with these two new machines the line up is complete.

According to Cat these excavators offer a 20% increase in performance capabilities and a 10% decrease in owner and operator costs.

With the addition of these two models, it now means that all Cat mini hydraulic excavators from 1.5 to 10-tonnes, offer common features and consistent control layout. This is something that Cat believes will simplify training and operator adaptation.

Focusing on the 305 CR (Compact Radius) Cat suggests that the new engine that has been fitted delivers 9% greater power than previous models. In addition, improvements to the hydraulic system means higher breakout forces, are achievable which equates to -49.2kN (11,061 lbf) at the bucket, 28.3kN (6,362 lbf) with the standard stick and 25.2kN (5,665 lbf) with the UK preferred long dipper arm—to improve digging efficiency in hard digging applications.

Additionally, it offers 140 mm (5.6 in) deeper digging depth than the 305 E2, which CAT sees leading to an increase in application flexibility. The engineering of its compact radius swing attempts to reduce overhang. Moreover, its 1980-mm (78-in) track width and counterweight option look to offer stability optimization and  improved lift performance in confined spaces.

These machines are already out on sites here in the UK and in the video below from our friends at Cat Landscaping and Construction, who have been out to visit their customers Ohab Ltd and B&T and to speak to operator Victor Cook who gave his thoughts on the machine.