CAT MINI EXCAVATORS
powers the ve largest
machines, while the smaller
307.5 has a 41.7kW Cat
C2.4 turbo diesel engine.
All provide the same dozer
blade functions as the 1-2-
ton range and utilize the
same load-sensing hydraulics,
with 167l/min oil ows in 307.5
and 308 models and 233l/min ows
in the 309s and 310. Auxiliary
hydraulics provide one-way, twoway
or continuous ow for versatility
with attachments while the 309 ‘high
ow’ models feature an additional
pump for dedicated ow to the
auxiliary circuit for more demanding
hydromechanical implements –
another rst for Caterpillar.
A sealed and pressurized cab is
standard on all 7-10-ton models for
reduced noise and dust intrusion,
with Caterpillar reporting a 40%
ABOVE: The Cat 310
is the largest of the
Next Generation range and
is powered by a 52.4kWrated
diesel engine
58 iVTInternational.com September 2019
noise reduction on prior models.
Redesigned heating, ventilation
and air-conditioning provides allweather
climate control. An airconditioned
cab is standard on
the 301.6 and available instead of
a canopy on the 301.8 and 302CR.
“We’re the rst manufacturer to
bring air-conditioning into small
machines, down to 1.5 tons,” says
Mottram. An LCD monitor displays
easy-to-read machine info, a jog-dial
supports ease of navigation and a
standard control-pattern changer
allows operators to adapt to their
favored joystick style. “You can work
with Bluetooth from your phone and
take calls or run Spotify,” Mottram
adds. e cab has ROPS, TOPS and
Top Guard protective structures,
excellent all-round visibility and
a suspension seat, adjustable wrist
rests and wide, retractable seatbelt
for operator comfort.
Keep the customer satisfi ed
Mottram regards cab improvements
and innovations like stick steer as
important to operator retention.
“Around the world, we hear how
hard it is to nd and train labor
while hanging on to older operators,”
he says. “We want to enhance the
experience but still retain the ability
for someone with 30 years’
experience to use the machine.”
Greater commonality will enable
operators to jump from a 1.5-ton to
a 3-ton machine and nd the same
operating environment while also
reducing the cost of parts. “We bring
commonality to the design of panels
and doors for the 7-10-ton machines,
reducing component costs by
leveraging volume across the range.”
Next Generation mini-excavators
are now available across all key
territories worldwide. Cat anticipate
high uptake in the rental sector,
where overall cost of ownership is
crucial to success. “Purchase price,
running costs and resale value are
the three drivers for our rental
customers,” says Mottram. “We’ve
achieved a 15% saving on total
ownership costs versus the previous
1-2-ton machines and a 10% saving
for the 7-10-ton range.” e smaller
machines costs 56% less to maintain
with a basket of 65 parts costing
20% less overall, while 7-10-ton
machines o er fuel savings of 11%
on the previous series.
“In 1998 we developed our rst
mini-excavator in Japan and brought
it to Europe,” Mottram continues.
“We’ve built our own, we’ve had an
alliance and now we’re coming back
in-house. We’re redeveloping our
entire range over time and started by
asking our customer base what they
needed. Technology gave us the
capability to experiment with new
features, but we’ve validated that by
showing them to customers to see
which ones resonated best.” iVT
On the Web
Watch Caterpillar’s new excavators in action at
www.iVTinternational.com/catng
40%
The reduction in
noise levels in the
new 7-10 ton mini
excavators, thanks
to a sealed and
pressurized
cab
Cat C3.3 Stage V
“PRESS A YELLOW JOYSTICK
BUTTON, STANDARD TO EVERY
MACHINE, AND DRIVE CONTROL
SWITCHES FROM THE PEDALS ON
THE FLOOR TO THE LEFT JOYSTICK”
Sam Mottram, commercial manager for mini excavators, Caterpillar
/iVTInternational.com
/catng
