The five compact radius Cat E2 Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators—303.5E2, 304E2, 305E2, 305.5E2 and 308E2—will all be produced at Caterpillar’s new 850,000 square foot facility in Athens, GA, and will also use the new High Definition Hydraulic system (HDH).
Caterpillar says that the E2 models are designed to carry on the solid performance of its E Series predecessor, while adding even greater value for the customer. The new HDH system in the E2 machines provides a load sensing and flow sharing capability, which Caterpillar says leads to operational precision, efficient performance and greater controllability. The simple valve architecture reduces heat, which leads to a reduction in hydraulic instability and improved overall efficiency.
The 305.5E2, 305E2, 304E2 and 303.5E2 all include a redesigned operator station, along with these other features:
- Wider opening, a high quality suspension seat, easy to adjust arm rests and an overall improved ergonomic layout
- New interlocking front window system, updated operator interface controls and 100% pilot controls
- Equipped with the digital control panel specially designed for Cat Mini Excavators—COMPASS—Complete Operation, Maintenance, Performance, and Security System
- Built into the COMPASS monitor are an anti-theft system, which requires a five-digit alphanumeric password to start the machine, an automatic engine-idle selection, which drops engine rpm to idle after 4 seconds of inactivity and an adjustable auxiliary-flow control for work tools
- Both main-line and optional secondary auxiliary-hydraulic systems can be adjusted on a scale of 1-15 through the monitor for added control
- Automatic two-speed, 100% pilot controls, bucket rotation, blade float and safety
- Dig depths—303.5E2: 113 inches 304E2: 123 inches 305E2: 129 inches 305.5E2: 137 inches 308E2: 185 inches
- Maximum reach- 303.5E2: 205 inches 304E2: 211 inches 305E2: 220 inches 305.5E2: 228 inches 308E2: 275 inches
- Stick digging force- 303.5E2: 3,799 pounds 304E2: 4,384 pounds 305E2: 4,788 pounds 305.5E2: 5,575 pounds 308E2: 7,891 pounds
