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

  • Height safety system from GKD
    August 20, 2021
    GKD Technologies is seeing strong industry demand for its 1HLI height restrictor system, which is designed for use on a range of construction machinery
  • Productive dozing
    May 13, 2024
    Caterpillar's improved dozer offers key benefits.
  • Caterpillar’s new excavators for emergent markets
    January 24, 2019
    Caterpillar is now offering two new variants of its 36tonne class excavator for the emergent market. The Next Generation models are said to offer increased efficiency and lower operating costs in the 36tonne size class. The 336 and 336GC variants are aimed at customers in South America, Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Eurasia, China, South East Asia and India. According to Caterpillar, the 336 and 336 GC offer increased operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improved operator comfort comp
  • Improved excavator models available
    September 7, 2021
    Improved excavator models are now being made available for customers wanting higher performance