Caterpillar Finishes Rollout of Next Gen Mini Excavator Line with 304 and 305 CR

The introduction of the 304 and 305 CR compact excavators completes the full family of Next Generation mini excavators. The machines replace the 304E2, 305E2 CR and 305.5E2 CR with improved performance, lowered owning and operating costs, and technologies found on larger Cat models.

305 CR with Cat Hammer Attachment (Source: Caterpillar)

The Cat mini excavator line now runs from the 300.9 to the 310 size machines all with a similar look and feel to make training and operation a breeze. 

The 304 has moved from a compact radius (zero-tail) to a reduced-radius design with 14" of overhang for improved stability. The machine is reduced to 67-inches wide to fit in tighter places than the 304E2. Attachments are also common from the prior model.

The 305 CR is a true 5-ton machine with 9% more breakout force and more than 5-inches deeper dig depth. It has 3 undercarriage options including rubber belt, steel track, or rubber pads. The steel track adds weight to the machine for improved performance as does the optional extra counterweight which is ideal for heavy attachments, like Cat's TRS6 tiltrotator.

Cat Next Gen 304 (Source: Caterpillar)

Performance Features:

  • Tier 4 Final Cat C1.7 Turbo engine
  • Auto-idle and Auto-engine shutdown
  • Efficient load-sensing hydraulics
  • High main-relief pressures and flow rates
  • Standard auxiliary circuit with quick disconnect lines
  • Angle blade with 45-degree rotation

Comfort Features:

  • Common Next Gen Cab (1.5 to 10-ton)
  • Cruise Control and Stick Steer technologies
  • Canopy or sealed and pressurized cab with A/C available
  • Large display with advanced option for touch screen and camera monitoring
  • Exhaust routed through counterweight to reduce noise

Maintenance Features:

  • 10% lower maintenance and repair costs
  • Extended service intervals
  • Parts commonality and cost-effective pricing
  • Flat, easy-to-fix or replace panels
  • Ground-level service access
  • Exhaust now routed through

Cat also shared that its mini excavator line from 3.5 to 10-ton will be Cat Grade capable by the end of the year. The 2D, 2D Advanced, and 3D systems will be able to retrofitted via your Cat or Sitech dealer. The TRS4 tiltrotator for the 303.5 and 304 will be available during Q1 2022.

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