News

Caterpillar announce new mini excavators

Three new Cat mini excavators have been announced by the brand today, the 301 CR, 302.4 CR and the 302.6. Each new machine features marked improvements over either their direct predecessors or closest comparrisons within the Caterpillar range.

301 CR

The new one tonne machine from Caterpillar delivers advanced machine performance for indoor, demolition, agricultural and landscaping applications through simple, easy-to-use operating systems. The 301 CR is a direct replacement for the Cat 300.9D. 

Zack White, Commercial Director for Caterpillar Industry Solutions said: 

"Customers asked for a machine in the one-ton class that is simple and comfortable to operate, while offering stability for lifting heavy weights. Our new 301 CR excavator delivers. To enhance stability, the 301 CR is 26% wider than the 300.9D, with a fully expanded undercarriage. We also increased lift capacity by more than 80% from the 300.9D to elevate machine performance and flexibility in the field."

The new machine can fit through 30- by 78-in (762- by 1981-mm) doorways while its compact radius design minimises machine overhang to work in tight spaces. Its expandable undercarriage delivers improved stability and increases lift capacity compared to its predecessor.

The 301 CR is also compatible with a host of Cat attachments and features a Pin Puller Coupler design which enables fast and easy attachment changes.

302.4 CR and 302.6

Key improvements for the new Cat 302.4 CR and 302.6 mini excavators come in the form of a tilt-up cab, increased uphill swing torque and lifting performance, an improved hydraulic system and a new fixed undercarriage design. In numbers, the 302.4 CR and 302.6 have a top speed of 3 mph (4.8 km/h), 3030 kg operating weight and a 40% higher lift capacity for the 302.6 compared to the 302.7 CR.

Zack White said of these machines: 

"We focused on four key areas to help deliver customer value with these units – cost-effective transportability, stability when lifting heavy loads, high ground clearance for working on trails with the fixed undercarriage and an easy to operate, smoother, more efficient hydraulic system. Customers will be able to use a wide range of work tools like hammers and demolition attachments, given the high auxiliary hydraulic flow. A wide fixed undercarriage for both the 302.4 CR (compared to the 302 CR) and 302.6 mini excavators results in higher lift capacities, with the 302.6 offering more than 1,000 lb. (453 kg) higher lift capacity than the 302.7 CR."

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