Skip to main content

Working systems from Cat

Caterpillar is introducing two new technologies for its mini excavator range, Ease of Use Indicate and E-Fence. These are offered for the Cat 306 CR, 308 CR and 309 CR next generation mini hydraulic excavators.
April 21, 2023 Read time: 2 mins
Caterpillar is offering new technology for use with its mini excavators

The E-Fence tool limits machine motion to within preset boundaries, while the Ease of Use Indicate system helps operators to reach grade faster. These technologies are suited to a wide range of applications, allowing operators of all experience levels to work efficiently and consistently.

The Ease of Use E-Fence system automatically constrains machine motion to operator preset boundaries. Operators can use these to avoid structures overhead, underground, in front, or to the left or right of the machine.

Once the E-Fence range limits are established using the machine’s touchscreen monitor, no part of the boom, stick or bucket will pass the limits. Setting height limits using E-Fence Ceiling helps operators avoid obstacles such as powerlines or underground utilities. Structures in front of the machine are protected by E-Fence Wall, and the system is of benefit when the machine is working next to live traffic or walkways or loading trucks.

E-Fence is ideal for new operators and helps minimise job costs from repairs and downtime due to equipment damage and fines. For experienced operators, E-Fence allows efficient working with fewer ground personnel required around the work area.

An entry-level grade system, the Ease of Use Indicate system provides visual and audible indications to bucket position compared to target grade. With Indicate, the operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system, and the monitor provides real-time work-in-progress and distance-to-grade feedback.

Both the Ease of Use E-Fence and Indicate are packaged with Swing Assist and Bucket Assist features. Swing Assist automatically stops machine swing at one or two set points, suiting truck loading and trenching applications. It helps operators, reducing fuel use and improving cycle times. Bucket Assist maintains last known bucket angle and keeps the cut accurate in sloping, levelling, fine grading and trenching applications.

Current production Cat 306 CR, 308 CR and 309 CR Next Gen Mini Hydraulic Excavators are shipped from the factory Ease-of-Use-ready to reduce installation time in the field. Ease of Use Indicate and E-Fence can be ordered bundled together or as separate feature packages, installed at the factory or through Cat dealers as an upgrade kit.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Grade control system improves machine guidance
    April 5, 2012
    A new Caterpillar grade control system can be installed at the factory to certain Tier 4 Interim/ Stage IIIB emission compliant dozers, graders, scrapers and excavators. The technology improves operator efficiency and equipment performance while reducing the overall cost of a machine guidance system on site.
  • Grade control system improves machine guidance
    February 29, 2012
    A new Caterpillar grade control system can be installed at the factory to certain Tier 4 Interim/ Stage IIIB emission compliant dozers, graders, scrapers and excavators. The technology improves operator efficiency and equipment performance while reducing the overall cost of a machine guidance system on site.
  • Caterpillar’s excavators for emergent markets
    May 20, 2019
    Caterpillar says that its Next Generation 30tonne class excavators, the 330 and 330 GC, meet the needs of customers in emergent markets. These machines offer gains in operating efficiency, as well as lower fuel and maintenance costs and improved operator comfort. The new excavators offer features designed to match productivity and cost targets. Delivering high-production performance, the new Cat 330 features standard integrated Cat Connect technology and the most power and lift capacity of the two model
  • In control, with advanced technology
    August 15, 2019
    Machine control technology continues to advance, with new systems offering contractors major gains in working efficiency The latest developments in machine control technology once again push the bar in terms of advancements. The latest systems allow contractors to work even more effectively and efficiently than before. Doosan has unveiled one of the first uses globally of 5G technology to remotely control construction and quarrying machines. The firm has coined the term ‘TeleOperation’ to describe the