Cat welcomes mini excavators to Next Generation

Steve Ducker Desk Editor, Off Highway Research

17 June 2021

Caterpillar has introduced four mini excavators including the 308 CR Fixed Boom for demolition applications and the 303 CR aimed at the rental sector.

The 308 CR Fixed Boom weighs 8 t, with the other three models ranging from 2.7 to 3.5 t. All are built on Cat’s Next Generation platform of machines from 1 to 10 t, and the first of them will be available in Europe from September.

Cat believes the 308 CR Fixed Boom mini excavator and its range of tools will work well in demolition applications

The machines were unveiled in a virtual launch from Cat’s facility in Leicester, United Kingdom. The 302.7 CR replaces the 302.7 D, with the 303 CR and 303.5 CR and taking the place of the 303 E CR and 303.5 E2 CR. The CR branding denotes compact radius machines.

Cat said all three of these products offer a 10% improvement in performance together with up to 5% lower total cost of ownership, while “industry first” features include the Cat Stick Steer System to simplify machine control, a choice between canopy or cab enclosure, and interchangeable counterweight packages.

Described as providing 20% more vertical wall digging depth compared to the 308 CR Swing Boom, the Fixed Boom product is being introduced to Europe after successful operation in Japan.

Available in Europe from September, the 303 CR includes design features that make it suitable for the rental sector

Cat’s mini excavator product application specialist Alex Macdonald and marketing manager Nate Tranmer, who hosted the event, commented: “It offers maximum performance and power for a range of applications and the cab is identical to other models in the 306 CR to 310 range.

“With its portfolio of tools, it is a good foot in the door for demolition.

“For the 303 CR, rental is a big point. We have designed a lot of parts commonality to make things easier for rental companies. The flat steel panels on the product make repairs a lot easier and we can simplify the display so they only have to set it once.”

The 302.7 CR and 303 CR models feature the Cat C1.1 Turbo engine, with the larger models powered by the Cat C1.7. Both engines meet EU Stage V emissions standards.