Manufactured at Caterpillar’s Athens factory in Georgia, US, the latest generation Cat 305.5E2 compact radius (CR) mini excavator, with a high-definition hydraulics system, was launched onto the Southern African market in July.

The Cat 305.5E2 CR is ideally suited to diverse, high-performance applications across the building, construction and allied industrial segments, including the refractory and mining sectors.

A multitask workhorse suited for anything from trenching to tunnel-wall scaling when fitted with a hammer, the mini excavator has an operating weight of about 5 335 kg, with a cab and standard gearshift, as well as a length (with boom) of 5 330 mm, making it well suited to towing or truck-loaded transport, as well as rapid deployment. The shoe width is 400 mm, with the rubber-tracked undercarriage fitted as a standard feature.

Like all E2 series models, the Cat 305.5E2 CR comes equipped with an innovative cab design, as well as a high-definition hydraulics system. The pin-back door on the cab offers a wider entry into an operator environment, with industry-leading comfort, ergonomically designed, 100% pilot controls, adjustable arm rests, updated air and heat controls, as well as excellent visibility for superior productivity and safety.

Other key features include 200° bucket rotation, dozer blade floats, its compact radius design that enables the upper body to stay within the width of the undercarriage during rotation, and two-way hydraulic lines that make the machine work-tool ready.

The Cat 305.5E2 is compatible with all 5 t Cat E series work tools, including couplers, thumbs, buckets, hammers, augers, shears and rippers. An optional hydraulic quick coupler further extends its versatility, enabling rapid tool changeovers for diverse on-site tasks.

“The 200° bucket rotation allows for deeper flatback trenches without having to reposition the machine, and more material retention is achieved at the top of the lift cycle while truck loading,” explains Southern Africa Cat dealer Barloworld Equipment product marketing manager Desigen Naicker.

Power is provided by the ISO 9249-certified Cat 2.4 model engine generating a rated net power output of 32.9 kW. Excelling in mass excavation roles, the maximum bucket breakout force is 50.9 kN, with a maximum dig depth and height of 3 470 mm and 5 330 mm respectively.

On the ground, precision is delivered by the high-definition hydraulic system. This load- sensing and flow-sharing setup provides improved efficiency, controllability and reduced operating costs.

Additional savings are achieved by the Cat 305.5E2 CR’s new ‘Power on Demand’ feature, which replaces the previous-generation Eco mode. The new feature ensures improved fuel burn by automatically selecting the appropriate engine-rating to match each task.