Cat unveils next-gen mini excavator series

After taking back production of its mini excavators from Wacker Neuson, Cat has come up with a brand new line-up of compact diggers, largely modelled on its larger excavators.

The next-gen mini excavators had its global unveiling at the National Construction Equipment Convention in Sydney late last year, where a series of demonstrations were held to show off the range of innovations that Cat has installed in the excavators.

The new line-up consists of five new models, namely the 301.5, 301.6, 301.7 CR, 301.8 and 302 CR ranging from 1.5 tonnes to two tonnes.

Fully engineered and manufactured by Caterpillar, the new machines have been designed with ease of use and maintenance in mind.

“For the last five years, we've worked with customers all over the world to try and understand what they need and want in a mini excavator,” said Caterpillar product application specialist, Mark Perkes.

“In so many ways, this machine is inspired by our customers.”

Caterpillar has installed some industry-first standard features in the new mini excavators, such as joystick steering (or stick steer), a tilt-up canopy and cab, automatic two-speed travel, cruise control, air conditioning, expandable undercarriages and Bluetooth enabled push-to-start.

Standard dig depths on the series are 2340mm to 2370 mm depending on the model and rubber track undercarriages are standard, with steel tracks available for all models.

All new models are powered by a three-cylinder diesel Cat C1.1 engine, rated at 19.2 net horsepower (14.3 kW), and 21.6 gross horsepower (16.1 kW) meeting Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions regulations.

According to Caterpillar, the Cat C1.1 provides a significant increase in engine power and performance over previous models. Fuel efficiency is enhanced with engine idle control and automatic shutdown systems.

Perhaps some of the most outstanding features of the new range are inside the cab, designed to make operators’ lives easier.

“On a nice day in Australia, it can get pretty toasty, so we're offering the first sealed and pressurised cab with air conditioning. No one else in this size class has air conditioning and it works really well,” Perkes said.

A colour LCD monitor in the cab brings a level of luxury usually seen only in larger equipment into the compact class.

“Operators can manage their operation via the monitor using shortcut keys across the bottom, or with a jog dial similar to what you'd have in a car,” Perkes said.

“We've got Bluetooth radio, so you can sync up your phone through the monitor and answer phone calls through the monitor.

“Those are all industry firsts in this size class.”

Another innovative feature is the stick steer control which allows operators to control the excavator using a joystick like they would in a skid steer loader, instead of using the travel levers in conventional excavators.

“I can just push a button on the joystick and the travel controls will switch over, and I’ll then be able to travel with the machine with my left joystick.

“It adds a level of comfort that's never been seen on a mini excavator.”

The travel levers in Caterpillar’s next-gen mini excavators can be removed to give the operator more leg room.

Caterpillar has also enabled cruise control in its new mini digger range for further ease of operation.

“So just like your car, when you're going at the speed that you would like, you click a trigger, and you can let go of the joystick and the machine will continue to travel across the job site at the set speed,” Perkes said.

“It just makes things so much easier and comfortable for the operator.”

Starting the excavator is a matter of pushing a button like most new cars on the market, via a Bluetooth enabled fob for automatic key recognition. Otherwise, operators can start it up the traditional way, with key and operator passcode. Either way, only authorised personnel are able to start up and use the machine.

The front window slides upward and stores overhead, and large glass areas on the sides and rear of the cab, plus a skylight, provides all round visibility.

The operating consoles feature adjustable wrist rests to suit different operator needs.

Another key feature is the ease of maintenance on the machines, with access to routine maintenance and check points placed at ground level.

For major maintenance and servicing purposes, the cab of the machines can be tilted up like skid steer cabs where major servicing points can be accessed easily by servicing technicians.

According to Cat, these features will decrease the time needed to service and repair the machines and in turn reduce owning and operating costs by 15 per cent.

All models feature sturdy protective structures such as ROPS, TOPS, and Top Guard to protect operators against hazards.

All controls are protected via a hydraulic lock out, and boom lights help illuminate the work area.

Optional LED lights, front and rear, help further enhance visibility. The excavators also feature tie-down points on the track frames to facilitate securing the machine on trailers, for example, for ease of transport.

The Next Generation mini excavators use an efficient, fuel saving, load-sensing hydraulic system with an electronically controlled variable displacement piston pump capable of oil flows to 66l/min.

This provides the units with enough hydraulic capacity to dig or lift more, as well as manage powered attachments.

For added versatility, the standard auxiliary hydraulic system (complete with quick disconnect lines) provides one way, two way and continuous flow.

All new models can be fitted with a Cat manufactured manual coupler together with a wide selection of Cat manufactured buckets including general duty digging, mud and tilting ditch cleaning.

In addition, all models are equipped with factory-installed brackets to allow for easy thumb installation and come with a certified lifting eye. The Cat coupler design also allows operators to reverse attachments for front shovel operation, a feature that lends an extra measure of precision when digging around utilities.

The undercarriage on all models can be expanded and narrowed to allow the units to travel through tight spaces. Undercarriages for the 301.5, 301.6, 301.7 CR and 301.8 models expand from 990mm to 1300mm. The 302 CR expands from 1090mm to 1400mm.

Each model features a dozer blade that, when combined with the stick-steer function, allows the machine to handle backfilling and grading tasks with ease. The blade features ample travel, above and below ground level, has a float function and is designed to allow "dig-to-blade" operation for more efficient handling of loose materials.

The Caterpillar next-gen mini excavators are available now in Australia. Go to cat.com.au for more information.