by Kyle Molyneux | Fri 18 Jun 2021
Cat’s new 8-tonne 308 CR Fixed Boom digger
The new Cat 308 CR Fixed Boom hydraulic mini-excavator is ideal for confined spaces, reckons its maker. When compared to a swing boom design, the fixed boom delivers increased vertical wall digging depth and dump height and improves lifting performance when working at a close radius to the machine. Increasing stick length from 1670 to 2210mm, the long-stick option extends dig depth from 4150 to 4690mm and maximum reach from 6390 to 6900mm.
Part of Cat’s Next Generation line, the new machine is powered by the 51.8kW Cat C3.3B engine meeting EU Stage 5 emissions standards. Enhancements to the hydraulic system combine with standard auto idle and auto engine shutdown features to improve machine efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase machine affordability.
Providing a 20% increase in vertical wall digging depth compared to the 308 CR Swing Boom, the 308 CR Fixed Boom requires less repositioning in a trenching application, further improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Featuring a familiar control layout as other Cat mini excavators to simplify training, the machine’s new LCD monitor offers intuitive control, provides easy to understand information and features a jog dial for easy screen navigation. Its standard control-pattern changer allows operators to quickly adapt the excavator to their preferred joystick movement.
Efficient load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement pump provides oil flow reaching 167L/min. The machine’s electrohydraulic control system allows for adjustments to operator settings based on preference or application, both for the machine linkage and the operator’s choice of work tools. Complete with quick-disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one-way, two-way or continuous flow.
The new 308 CR Fixed Boom model features standard front-shovel operation to deliver increased digging precision when working around utilities. For increased versatility, contractors can equip the machine with the TiltRotate System, Cat TRS8 coupling that allows work tools to rotate 360 degrees and tilt 40 degrees side-to-side. This allows the excavator to efficiently reach more areas from a single position, while manoeuvring tools over, under and around obstructions when completing work.
For grading and backfilling tasks, the machine comes standard with a 2300mm-wide blade or a 2450mm-wide blade option. It features a float function for simple operation and 370 and 407mm blade height and depth respectively.
The sealed and pressurised Next Generation cab, meanwhile, boasts sound levels of 72dB(A), operating consoles with adjustable wristrests and a suspension seat. The 308 CR Fixed Boom features Cat Stick Steer System for simple machine control. At the touch of a button, the operator can switch from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to low-effort joystick operation. This next generation hydraulic mini-excavator offers two travel ranges with maximum speed reaching 4.9km/h and cruise control is standard.
Caterpillar has also launched a new range of 2.7- to 3.5-ton mini-excavators and you can read more about those capable machines here.
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