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

  • Log on to Webtec
    January 6, 2017
    Webtec Products will be showcasing new products at Intermat - the HPM6000 hydraulic data logger with Intelligent Digital flow and pressure sensors, and the RFIK series of portable hydraulic testers. According to Webtec, its HPM6000 series is among the most powerful range of portable hydraulic data-loggers on the market. It is designed for the hydraulic service engineer who needs advanced diagnostic features that allow the user to easily measure and record many hydraulic parameters, store them, analyse them
  • Log on to Webtec
    April 13, 2012
    Webtec Products will be showcasing new products at Intermat - the HPM6000 hydraulic data logger with Intelligent Digital flow and pressure sensors, and the RFIK series of portable hydraulic testers. According to Webtec, its HPM6000 series is among the most powerful range of portable hydraulic data-loggers on the market. It is designed for the hydraulic service engineer who needs advanced diagnostic features that allow the user to easily measure and record many hydraulic parameters, store them, analyse them
  • HMK300LC dominates Hidromek’s INTERMAT stand
    January 6, 2017
    Dominating Hidromek’s stand at INTERMAT is its 30.5tonne HMK300LC excavator. In common with the other gen series excavators, the HMK300LC has Hidromek’s latest cab design, which offers more room for the operator and the “Opera” user interface designed to optimise the excavator’s force, speed and consumption.
  • HMK300LC dominates Hidromek’s INTERMAT stand
    April 20, 2012
    Dominating Hidromek’s stand at INTERMAT is its 30.5tonne HMK300LC excavator. In common with the other gen series excavators, the HMK300LC has Hidromek’s latest cab design, which offers more room for the operator and the “Opera” user interface designed to optimise the excavator’s force, speed and consumption.