Caterpillar enters the 6-ton class market with the new Cat 306 CR mini hydraulic excavator. It comes equipped with standard features like stick steer and new LCD monitor.
The new mini excavator features heavy-duty main structures, a fuel-efficient engine, load-sensing hydraulics, spacious cab and exclusive Cat Stick Steer system. It shares a similar controls layout and common components with the full line of Cat next generation mini excavators.
The 306 CR delivers a maximum dig depth of 162 inches and 15,821-pound maximum operating weight when equipped with the sealed and pressurized cab. A canopy alternative to the pressurized cab will be available in 2020.
Built with a swing boom, the Cat 306 CR’s compact radius design provides a low, 58-inch tail swing with counterweight. It delivers lift performance of up to 7,839 pounds at a 9.8-foot radius and enhanced uphill swing torque and increased cycle times.
The machine’s fuel-saving, load-sensing hydraulic system with an electronically controlled variable-displacement piston pump generates 46 gal/min hydraulic oil flow and a high flow rate of 24 gal/min to the auxiliary circuit.
A Cat C2.4 turbo diesel engine rated at 55.9 net hp powers the new 306 CR mini excavator and meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/Stage V emission standards. Automatic engine idle and shutdown features help to save on fuel consumption.
The 306 CR’s sealed and pressurized cabin lowers in-cab operating noise levels to 72 dB(A) and is heated and air-conditioned. The cab’s rollover protective structure (ROPS), tip-over protective structure (TOPS) and top guard combine to promote a safe working environment for the operator.
The LCD monitor also offers Bluetooth capability standard as well as operating details such as fuel, coolant temperature, hour meter, performance and machine adjustments, and maintenance and machine monitoring.
With the touch of a button, the operator can switch from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to the standard Cat exclusive Stick Steer system. The intuitive pattern changer allows operators select their preferred joystick movement for controlling the 306 CR mini excavator.
Straight blade, angled blade and extra tool carrier (XTC) configurations expand the flexibility of the 306 CR mini excavator. Featuring ample travel, above and below grade operation, float function, and “dig-to-blade” operation, the machine’s blade efficiently handles loose material in backfilling and grading applications. Delivering the extra precision required when digging around utilities, front shovel operation can be accomplished with both pin-on and coupler-mounted buckets.
The full release can be viewed here.
