Used Caterpillar 303.5EExcavator

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📋 OVERVIEW

The Cat 303.5E2 CR is a compact zero-tail-swing (ZTS) mini excavator in the 3.5-ton class, designed for tight-space operations in urban construction, landscaping, utility work, and small-scale excavation. It replaces the older 303.5E model and is part of Cat's Next Generation mini excavator lineup.

"CR" = Compact Radius (short boom design optimized for confined spaces)

🔧 ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter	Detail
Engine Model	Cat® C1.1 ACERT®
Type	3-cylinder, turbocharged diesel
Rated Power	24.7 hp (18.4 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
Torque	63.9 lb-ft (86.6 Nm) @ 1,400 rpm
Emissions	EU Stage V / EPA Tier 4 Final (with DPF + SCR)
Fuel Tank	60 L (15.9 gal)
Cooling System	Water-cooled with fan

📐 DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Parameter	Metric	Imperial
Operating Weight	3,770 kg	8,311 lb
Transport Height	2,510 mm	98.8 in
Overall Width (w/ blade)	1,670 mm	65.7 in
Overall Width (w/o blade)	1,370 mm	53.9 in
Overall Length	4,760 mm	187.4 in
Ground Clearance	370 mm	14.6 in
Track Width	400 mm (triple grouser)	15.7 in
Tail Swing Radius	~0 mm (Zero Tail Swing)	—

✅ The zero-tail-swing design means the upper structure does NOT swing beyond the track width — ideal for working near walls, fences, and buildings.

&KING RANGE & PERFORMANCE

Parameter	Metric	Imperial
Max Dig Depth	4,220 mm	13.8 ft
Max Reach at Ground Level	5,560 mm	18.2 ft
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	3,280 mm	10.8 ft
Max Cutting Height	5,290 mm	17.4 ft
Max Dump Height	3,740 mm	12.3 ft
Swing Speed	9.5 rpm	—
Travel Speed	4.6 km/h (2.9 mph)	—
Gradeability	70% (35°)	—

🪣 BUCKET & HYDRAULICS

Parameter	Detail
Standard Bucket Capacity	0.11 m³ (0.14 yd³)
Hydraulic Pump	Variable displacement piston pump
Total Flow	51.8 L/min (13.7 gal/min)
Operating Pressure	210 bar (3,046 psi)
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow	25.2 L/min (6.7 gal/min)
Aux. Hydraulic Pressure	210 bar (3,046 psi)
Number of Aux Lines	2 (expandable to 3)

🎛️ OPERATING MODES (Cat Smart)

The 303.5E2 CR features 3 selectable modes to match job requirements:

Mode	Description	Best For
🟢 Power Mode	Full engine power & hydraulic flow	Heavy digging, tough ground
🔵 Smart Mode	Auto-adjusts power to match demand	General purpose (default)
🟡 Eco Mode	Reduced fuel consumption	Light work, finishing tasks

💰 Fuel savings of up to 20% in Eco mode compared to Power mode.

🖥️ CAB & OPERATOR COMFORT

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	Enclosed ROPS/FOPS certified
Air Conditioning	Standard
Seat	Suspension seat with armrests
Controls	Joystick with proportional control
Display	7-inch (178 mm) LCD monitor with rear-view camera
Radio/USB	Standard audio with Bluetooth
Heater	Standard
Noise Level (inside cab)	68 dB(A)

🔩 KEY FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY

Feature	Benefit
✅ Zero Tail Swing	Works flush against walls & obstacles
✅ Compact Radius Boom	Shorter boom = better in tight spaces
✅ Adjustable Track Width	980–1,370 mm (38.6–53.9 in) for transport
✅ Quick Coupler Ready	Fast attachment change (optional)
✅ Blade Included	600 mm (24 in) dozer blade standard
✅ Cat Product Link™	Remote machine monitoring & diagnostics
✅ Cat Payload (optional)	Real-time payload weighing
✅ Grade Assist (optional)	GPS-guided grading
✅ LED Work Lights	Standard front & rear

🔄 ATTACHMENT OPTIONS

Attachment	Use Case
🪣 Various buckets (100mm–600mm)	Digging, grading
🔨 Hydraulic breaker	Demolition, concrete
🪤 Hydraulic thumb	Pipe, log, scrap handling
🔄 Tilt rotator	Precise positioning
🌲 Grapple	Brush, tree work
🔩 Auger	Fence post, sign post holes
🧹 Sweeper	Street cleaning
🔩 Compactor plate	Soil compaction

📊 COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS

Spec	Cat 303.5E2 CR	Kubota KX040-4	John Deere 35G
Weight	3,770 kg	4,080 kg	3,690 kg
Power	24.7 hp	24.3 hp	24.8 hp
Max Dig Depth	4.22 m	3.95 m	4.14 m
Tail Swing	Zero	Zero	Zero
Operating Modes	3 (Power/Smart/Eco)	2	3
Product Link	✅ Yes	❌	✅ JDLink

💰 APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024)

Region	Price Range (USD)
🇺🇸 North America	$45,000 – $58,000
🇪🇺 Europe	€42,000 – €55,000
🌏 Asia-Pacific	$40,000 – $52,000

Prices vary by configuration, attachments, and dealer.

✅ SUMMARY — WHO IS IT FOR?

✅ Ideal For	❌ Not Ideal For
Urban construction & renovation	Large-scale earthmoving
Landscaping & gardening	Deep excavation (>4.2m)
Utility/pipe work	Heavy demolition
Work in tight spaces	High-production mining
Rental companies
Small contractors

🏅 BOTTOM LINE

The Cat 303.5E2 CR is one of the best-in-class 3.5-ton mini excavators, offering excellent fuel efficiency, operator comfort, smart technology, and zero-tail-swing versatility. With Cat's legendary durability, dealer network, and resale value, it's a top choice for contractors working in confined urban environments.

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