Caterpillar attacks Mecalac with new compact excavator - 308 CR relies on fixed boom

Caterpillar Sets New Standards in the Compact Excavator Segment

The US construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has introduced the 308 CR Fixed Boom, a new mini excavator with fixed boom that replaces the predecessor model 307.5 Fixed Boom. With this product launch, the corporation is increasingly penetrating a market segment that has so far been significantly shaped by French specialist Mecalac.

The new 308 CR positions itself in the 8-ton class and combines more power with improved hydraulic efficiency. The machine is supposed to offer significant performance increases, especially for the use of hydromechanical attachments.

Compact Design with Increased Stability

The central feature of the 308 CR is its Compact Radius design, which reduces machine overhang by up to 67 percent compared to the predecessor model. This improvement is achieved through the 550-pound counterweight package. Optionally, a 1,100-pound counterweight is available, which still enables an overhang reduction of 61 percent.

Caterpillar has also enlarged the undercarriage to increase operational stability. Customers can choose between various track options: rubber tracks, steel tracks, or steel tracks with rubber pads. The wider track gauge and longer undercarriage design provide more safety during lateral lifting operations.

Improved Work Performance

With the long stick configuration, the 308 CR achieves a digging depth of 185 inches and a maximum reach of 272 inches. The lifting capacities have been increased for both frontal work with lowered blade and lateral applications.

Powerful Drive and Efficient Hydraulics

The new Cat C2.8 Turbo engine delivers 69.0 HP net and meets EU Stage V and US EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. To reduce operating costs, the machine features functions such as automatic idle, automatic engine shutdown, and efficient hydraulics with variable displacement pump.

The hydraulic system works with Load Sensing technology and a variable piston pump that provides an oil flow of 44 gpm. For attachments, a primary auxiliary circuit with 35 gpm and a secondary with maximum 9 gpm are available.

Digital Assistance Systems for Precise Work

Caterpillar offers two software packages for the 308 CR: Indicate and E-Fence. Indicate functions as an entry-level grading system and shows the operator visually and acoustically the position of the bucket relative to the target level. The system is particularly suitable for foundation, slope, and septic system work.

E-Fence defines various work boundaries to increase work safety. The E-Ceiling function warns of obstacles such as power lines or branches, while E-Floor sets digging depth limitations to protect underground utilities. E-Wall defines operating boundaries to protect structures.

Extended Grading Solutions

For more complex applications, the manufacturer offers the retrofit systems Cat Grade Advanced 2D and Cat Grade 3D. The latter uses GNSS receivers and RTK positioning for precise work on complex contours and curves.

Proven Comfort Features Adopted

The 308 CR adopts successful design elements from the predecessor model, including the sealed and air-conditioned cab with suspension seat, the intuitive new generation monitor system, and the standard Cat Stick Steer function for optional lever or joystick control.

Safety is ensured by standard rear-view camera, side camera, work lights, and a fluorescent safety belt with optional reminder system. Maintenance points remain accessible at ground level, and the attachment pin sizes are compatible with the predecessor model, so existing attachments can continue to be used.