Skip to main content

Cat’s mini marvels

The five new compact-radius Caterpillar E Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators are equipped with a new digital COMPASS—Complete Operation, Maintenance, Performance, and Security System – control panel. Built into the COMPASS monitor are an anti-theft system, requiring a five-digit alphanumeric password to start the machine, and an Economy Mode feature (3.5 to 5.5tonne machines) which, Cat says, can potentially lower fuel use up to 20% by adjusting engine speed.
January 6, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The five new compact-radius Cat E-Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators all use new engines meeting Stage IIIB emissions regulations and incorporate new features such as COMPASS control panel.
The five new compact-radius 178 Caterpillar E Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators are equipped with a new digital COMPASS—Complete Operation, Maintenance, Performance, and Security System – control panel.

Built into the COMPASS monitor are an anti-theft system, requiring a five-digit alphanumeric password to start the machine, and an Economy Mode feature (3.5 to 5.5tonne machines) which, Cat says, can potentially lower fuel use up to 20% by adjusting engine speed. An automatic engine-idle system drops engine rpm to idle after four seconds of inactivity.

Also available through the COMPASS panel is a continuous-flow feature for auxiliary hydraulics, which maintains selected flow without operator intervention.  An adjustable auxiliary-flow control for work tools is also new. The auxiliary hydraulic system can be adjusted on a scale of 1-15 via the monitor for added control when handling, for example, a tilting bucket/coupler. Also, a number of different work-tools come preset into the control panel for the operator to choose.

The new model E Series — the 303.5E CR, 304E CR, 305E CR, 305.5E CR and 308E CR SB— all use new engines that meet Stage IIIB emissions regulations. The new machines are said to be designed to carry on the solid performance of their D Series predecessor, while adding even greater value for customers.

An end-damping system in both the boom and stick cylinders to reduce shock loads and to reduce material spillage is another feature of the E Series machines.

The 308E CR SB is only being made available in a Swing Boom configuration. The new model is said by Cat to be designed with enhanced stability, compared with its predecessor, and, optional counterweights are available for use in extreme situations when added stability is required. The 308E CR SB also gets a 17% boost in engine horsepower, which translates into faster hydraulics for improved travel speed, manoeuvrability and grade climbing.

In addition, the 308E CR SB is fitted with a larger cab than its D Series predecessor, and is available only as a cab model, with standard air conditioning, heated air suspension seat, and radio. Other E Series models can be configured as a four-post ROPS canopy or with a cab.

%$Linker: External 0 0 0 oLinkExternal www.cat.com Caterpillar false http://www.cat.com/ false false%>

%$Linker: 2 Internal 2 4824 0 oLinkInternal <span class="oLinkInternal"><span class="oLinkInternal">View more videos</span></span> Video false /event-news/intermat-2012/video/ true false%>

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Hidromek launches HMK300 LC LR long reach excavator
    February 2, 2012
    Hidromek’s new HMK300LC LR long reach excavator can be used for demolition work. It is part of the company’s Gen Series Excavator Range, which has secured numerous design awards in countries including the United States, Germany and the firm’s native Turkey. Along with all Gen Series machines, the 300LC has a spacious cabin for maximum operator comfort, and a hi-tech yet easy-to-handle control panel. It also comes with a six-cylinder Isuzu engine producing up to 150.6kW of power. Offering a standard model bu
  • Cat's new mini excavators
    February 7, 2012
    The new Caterpillar D Series mini hydraulic excavators, (303.5D CR, 304D CR, 305D CR and 305.5D CR) are said to be powerful, versatile, compact-radius machines that work comfortably in confined spaces and build on the quality design and reliability of their C Series predecessors (303C CR, 303.5C CR, 304C CR and 305C CR). With model designations closely reflecting their operating weights (3.5-5.5tonnes), the new machines feature enhanced stability for greater productivity, a redesigned work-tool coupler, loa
  • The new Doosan large excavators offer increased performance
    January 28, 2013
    Weighing in at 42-43.3tonnes depending on specification, the new Doosan DX420LC-3 excavator is Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim compliant and offers significant benefits over the model it replaces. Improvements include an increase in power, boosting overall productivity and the machine can be used in heavy-duty applications such as earthmoving, demolition and quarrying.
  • Terex updates compact loader
    January 6, 2017
    The latest wheeled loader from Terex – the TL120 – not only features a 16% more powerful 74.4kW Stage IIIB-compliant Deutz engine, but uses the Terex Smart Control operating system to increase fuel efficiency. The 7.1tonne machine uses a menu system similar to that found on a smartphone to configure the machine for specific applications.