Digger returns to Desford

Thu 18 May 2017

Digger returns to Desford

I have spent time on the 305E 2 CR previously and I recall that my first impression when climbing into the cab was of a fairly basic, but comfortable place to spend a shift. There is no air-conditioning system in this particular plant hire market machine, but I believe that it can be specified if required. For those of us that enjoy the fresh air, the front screen is split into two pieces, with the lower portion sliding upwards to be retained within the top half, which in turn can all be raised and stored up in the roof, offering unrivaled visibility and air flow. For the winter months the machine does have a good heater/fan on board, which can also be set to blow cold air. There was no fitted radio either, but the machine is actually radio ready with all the necessary wiring and speakers already in place in the roof of the cab.

Operation wise the machine is all we have come to expect from Caterpillar, with smooth and precise hydraulics and plenty of power in the dig, having said that it did feel that the dipper speed didn’t quite match the boom speed but it is something you would get used too. For the type of work applications that these machines are generally designed for, for example in the back gardens of a housing development, this size machine is excellent and the Cat’s compact radius design gives you peace of mind as an operator when working in tight quarters.

To the front right of the cab you find the COMPASS control panel, which stands for yet another Cat acronym, Complete Operation Maintenance Performance and Security System. The operator can check and adjust a multitude of functions via this easy to use display screen, including setting an anti-theft passcode.

There are some neat features in the cab, including the off-set arm function being controlled by a roller thumb button on the left hand joystick, and the float function on the blade control which is something of a unique feature on many models in Caterpillars mini excavator range.

The floor of the cab is clear of any pedals except the tracking pedals, which are connected to the levers. If I had to find one fault in this area, it is that these pedals are tiny making them difficult to use effectively. I am only a size 7 boot, but my footwear was way bigger than the actual pedal.

Overall impressions were that although this is not a new machine by any stretch of the imagination if the price is right it will be a great asset to any company’s fleet and the brand name is, as we know worth its weight in gold when it comes to the time to trade it in.

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