JACK ROPER & TOM STONE, IVT INTERNATIONAL
Swmoanldl ers
MINIEXCAVATORS MAY BE AMONG THE SMALLEST CONSTRUCTION
VEHICLES ON THE MARKET, BUT THEY ALSO REPRESENT THE
HIGHEST VOLUME OF GLOBAL SALES AND, AS CATERPILLAR IS
PROVING, ARE ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OEMS TO ROLL OUT NEW,
GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY
ABOVE: The compactradius
Cat 308 CR is
in the upper, 7-10 ton
range, of Caterpillar’s
Next Generation miniexcavator
line-up
OPPOSITE: The smaller
301.7 CR is in the 1-2 ton
range, but still features
smart technology such
as the industry-fi rst Stick
Steer control system
Caterpillar launched its Next
Generation mini-excavator
range across global markets in 2019,
o ering improved performance,
lower ownership costs and several
industry- rst features. Following the
dissolution of its alliance with
Wacker Neuson in 2016, Caterpillar
took mini-excavator production
back in-house to progressively
redevelop its range, initially
releasing ve 1-2-ton and six 7-10-
ton machines. ese come in a range
of boom and radius con gurations
to suit varying applications in a
sector now enjoying worldwide
growth, with mini-excavators
accounting for 23% of construction
unit sales in 2018. ese state-ofthe
54 iVTInternational.com September 2019
art models re ect a customercentred
design approach and
embody some new innovations that
are made possible by electrohydraulic
controls.
e 301.5, 301.6 and 301.8
standard-tailswing models and 301.7
CR and 302 CR compact-radius
models comprise Cat’s 1-2-ton
o ering. Operating weights range
from 1,575kg to 2,045kg and dig
depths from 1760mm to 2200mm,
extendable to 2540mm or 2570mm
with optional long-stick. All
feature a high power-density Cat
C1.1 3-cylinder, 14.3kW-rated
diesel engine, compliant with EU
Stage V emissions standards in
applicable zones.
Expandable undercarriages
narrow to 990mm for restricted site
access then widen to 1300mm to
provide a stable working platform,
except the 302CR, which retracts
from 1400mm to 1090mm. Grading
and back lling credentials are
enhanced by a dozer-blade with
oat function and dig-to-blade
operation for handling loose
materials. Load-sensing hydraulics
create cost-saving e ciencies and an
electronically-controlled variable
piston-pump delivers 66l/min oil
ows for high digging and li ing
capacities.
World-fi rst features
“ ere are some brand new,
industry- rst features,” says
Caterpillar’s global commercial
manager for mini excavators, Sam
Mottram. For example, Stick Steer
allows the excavator to be driven
using the le joystick.
“Press a yellow joystick button,
standard to every machine, and
/iVTInternational.com
