Cat’s 6-tonner strikes a pose at Desford

Cat’s 306CR Next Gen mini excavator was introduced towards the tail end of 2019 and was shown on static display on the Cat stand at Conexpo-ConAgg 2020.

During a recent visit to Caterpillar’s customer centre at Desford, Leicestershire, where we were involved in an exclusive launch event for the new Cat Backhoe Loader, I noticed that a 306CR had joined the extensive demonstration fleet, there was not really time to get hands on with the machine, but its one I would like to try out soon.

The 306CR was the last machine to join the Next Gen range of mini excavators and Caterpillar’s very first genuine 6-tonne offering. As we would expect, the machine shares all the features that were rolled out on the other Next Gen models including the unique ‘Stick Steer” system.

Power is supplied by Cat’s C2.4 turbodiesel engine rated at 55.9hp which meets EU Stage V emission standards. Meanwhile, automatic engine idle and shutdown features help save fuel.

With an operating weight of 7,175kg, the 306CR offers a maximum dig depth of 4,110mm, when fitted with its long stick option. For those that wish to fit a tiltrotator the standard stick option is recommended.

In this new video filmed at the Desford facility, our friend, Caterpillar’s Product Demonstrator Simon Hill, talks about the benefits of having a Cat tiltrotator system fitted to the excavator, as well a host of other tips about the machine and the in-cab monitor.