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

  • New Holland Construction showcases new low profile cab on F Series graders
    January 6, 2017
    New Holland Construction (NHC) is unveiling at bauma the new low profile cab and FleetForce telematics system in its F Series graders which, the Italian company claims, are the best-selling graders in Europe. The new cab reduces the grader’s maximum height by 180mm, taking it down to just 3.06m. This is said to remove all transport limitations for both F106.7 and F156.7 models, whether they are fitted with 50.8cm or 63.5cm tyres.
  • New Holland Construction showcases new low profile cab on F Series graders
    February 11, 2013
    New Holland Construction (NHC) is unveiling at bauma the new low profile cab and FleetForce telematics system in its F Series graders which, the Italian company claims, are the best-selling graders in Europe. The new cab reduces the grader’s maximum height by 180mm, taking it down to just 3.06m. This is said to remove all transport limitations for both F106.7 and F156.7 models, whether they are fitted with 50.8cm or 63.5cm tyres.
  • Doosan to launch improved 6tonne midi
    January 6, 2017
    Doosan Construction Equipment has shown a prototype of its 6tonne DX62R-3, a replacement for the DX60R. Due to be launched in the second half of the year, the machine delivers a 33% increase in hydraulic flow from a new load sensing system. Digging forces are said to be greatly improved, with bucket force now up to 4,400kg, and increase of 7%, while dipper arm force is up to 2.9tonnes. This improved performance has been combined with a longer arm for a larger working range. The machine uses the same cab tha
  • Doosan to launch improved 6tonne midi
    April 16, 2013
    Doosan Construction Equipment has shown a prototype of its 6tonne DX62R-3, a replacement for the DX60R. Due to be launched in the second half of the year, the machine delivers a 33% increase in hydraulic flow from a new load sensing system. Digging forces are said to be greatly improved, with bucket force now up to 4,400kg, and increase of 7%, while dipper arm force is up to 2.9tonnes. This improved performance has been combined with a longer arm for a larger working range. The machine uses the same cab tha