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 top-of-the-range wheeled loader from Doosan
    January 31, 2013
    The new generation DL550 wheeled loader from Doosan Infracore is the top-of-the-range model in the company’s updated range of wheel loaders intended for markets in the Middle East and Africa. With a bucket capacity of 5.4m3, the DL550 wheel loader is powered by a 12.7 litre Scania DC13 turbo-charged, air-to-air intercooled diesel engine that meets Tier 2 legislation and suits use in the Middle East and Africa. The engine delivers 294kW at 2100rpm and drives through a new ZF transmission. Other features com
  • More output for less fuel from Atlas Weyhausen’s new E Series compact wheeled loaders
    January 6, 2017
    Atlas Weyhausen’s new E Series wheeled loaders will be on display at Bauma with the AR 65e, AR 75e, AR 80e and AR95e Super all on view. Using newly developed Deutz engines, the new wheeled loaders offer up to 12% more output with lower fuel consumption figures. A key design feature of the engines is that they do not contain a particle filter and therefore are easier to maintain, claims the German manufacturer. There is a new steering valve on the E Series too, allowing operators to run the machine electroni
  • More output for less fuel from Atlas Weyhausen’s new E Series compact wheeled loaders
    February 15, 2013
    Atlas Weyhausen’s new E Series wheeled loaders will be on display at Bauma with the AR 65e, AR 75e, AR 80e and AR95e Super all on view. Using newly developed Deutz engines, the new wheeled loaders offer up to 12% more output with lower fuel consumption figures. A key design feature of the engines is that they do not contain a particle filter and therefore are easier to maintain, claims the German manufacturer. There is a new steering valve on the E Series too, allowing operators to run the machine electroni
  • Caterpillar bullish despite tough trading conditions
    January 6, 2017
    Caterpillar is performing well despite difficult market conditions in Europe, according to chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman. The German market is a core operation for the firm. “This is an important market for us. Germany is a competitive market where customers have high expectations,” he said.“At the moment we’ve got a challenging market around the world for our customers and dealers. Businesses face challenges, particularly here in Europe. Emerging nations are seeing faster growth but they also have chall