Used Caterpillar 306.5Excavator

Reading: 13

📌 1. OVERVIEW

Parameter	Details
Manufacturer	Caterpillar Inc.
Class	Mini / Compact Excavator (Next Generation)
Series	Cat 0.5 – 6 Tonne Range
Replaced	Cat 306 / 306E2
Emission Standard	Tier 4 Final / Stage V
Production	~2018 – Present

The CAT 306.5 is a 6-tonne class compact hydraulic excavator designed for versatility in tight spaces. It's one of the most popular models in Cat's next-gen mini excavator lineup, ideal for landscaping, utility work, small construction, agriculture, and demolition.

🔧 2. ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Spec	Detail
Engine Model	Cat C2.2 ACERT
Type	4-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Displacement	2.2 L (134 cu in)
Rated Power	47 hp (35 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
Torque	~184 Nm (136 lb-ft) @ 1,400 rpm
Emissions	Tier 4 Final (US) / Stage V (EU) — No DEF required (uses DOC + DPF)
Fuel Tank	~80 L (21.1 gal)
Cooling System	Pressurized with thermostat

✅ The ACERT engine delivers excellent fuel efficiency and low noise levels, making it suitable for urban and residential work.

⚖️ 3. OPERATING WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

Parameter	Value
Operating Weight	~6,020 kg (13,270 lb)
Transport Weight	~5,950 kg (13,120 lb)
Length (w/o bucket)	~5,990 mm (19'8")
Width (tracks)	~1,800 mm (5'11")
Height (to cab top)	~2,590 mm (8'6")
Ground Clearance	~380 mm (15")
Track Gauge	~1,670 mm (5'6")
Tail Swing	Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) — compact radius design

✅ The Zero Tail Swing design allows the machine to work very close to walls, fences, and buildings without the rear swinging out.

🏗️ 4. DIGGING PERFORMANCE

Parameter	Value
Max Digging Depth	3,910 mm (12'10")
Max Digging Height	5,860 mm (19'3")
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,860 mm (19'3")
Max Reach (High)	~5,600 mm (18'4")
Max Dump Height	~4,150 mm (13'7")
Bucket Capacity	0.16 – 0.28 m³ (0.21 – 0.37 cu yd)
Bucket Digging Force	~37 kN (8,318 lbf)
Arm Digging Force	~27 kN (6,070 lbf)

Stick Length Options
Standard Stick	1,600 mm (5'3")
Long Stick	2,200 mm (7'3")

💧 5. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Parameter	Value
Pump Type	Variable Displacement Axial Piston
Max Flow	~108 L/min (28.5 gpm)
Working Pressure	210 bar (3,045 psi)
Auxiliary Flow (High)	~52 L/min (13.7 gpm)
Auxiliary Flow (Low)	~32 L/min (8.5 gpm)
Auxiliary Lines	2 (with quick couplers)

✅ The hydraulic system supports a wide range of attachments: hydraulic breakers, augers, grapples, thumbs, rakes, pallet forks, etc.

🛞 6. UNDERCARRIAGE

Option	Details
Rubber Tracks (Standard)	300 mm (11.8") wide — Low ground pressure (~31 kPa) — Road-friendly, non-marking
Steel Tracks (Optional)	300 mm or 400 mm — More durable for rocky/abrasive terrain
Track Speed	0 – 4.8 km/h (0 – 3.0 mph)
Ground Pressure	~31 kPa (4.5 psi) w/ rubber tracks

🖥️ 7. CAB & OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	Enclosed ROPS/FOPS certified cab
Seat	Suspended, adjustable, high-back
Climate Control	Heater + Air Conditioner (standard)
Display	7" (178 mm) color touchscreen monitor
Controls	Joystick with pattern changer + auxiliary toggle switches
Bluetooth	✅ Cat Product Link compatible
Camera	Rear-view camera (standard on most markets)
Lighting	LED work lights (front + rear)
Noise Level (inside cab)	~67 dB(A) — Very quiet
Windows	Large glass area for excellent visibility

✅ The touchscreen monitor shows real-time data: engine info, hydraulic flow, fuel consumption, service intervals, camera feed, and attachment settings.

🔌 8. SMART TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY

Technology	Description
Cat Product Link™	Remote machine monitoring — location, hours, fuel usage, diagnostics, alerts
Cat Payload	Optional — Weighs material in real-time for accurate loading
Cat Grade with 2D	Optional — Bucket positioning guidance for grading (no laser needed)
Cat Grade with 3D	Optional — GPS-based 3D grading system
Bluetooth	Connect phone for diagnostics & settings
USB Port	For software updates & data transfer

🛠️ 9. MAINTENANCE

Feature	Benefit
Ground-level service points	Easy daily checks (engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, fuel filter)
500-hour service interval	Long intervals reduce downtime
1,000-hour major service	Extended service life
No DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)	Simpler operation vs. Tier 4 Final machines requiring DEF
LED lighting	Long life, no replacement needed
Auto-idle	Engine auto-shuts off after 5 min of inactivity — saves fuel

📊 10. KEY COMPETITORS

Machine	Weight Class	Power	Dig Depth
CAT 306.5	6.0 t	47 hp	3.91 m
Kubota KX060-4	6.0 t	46 hp	3.75 m
Komatsu PC60-8	6.0 t	44 hp	3.77 m
John Deere 60G	6.2 t	47 hp	3.96 m
Doosan DX62R-5	6.2 t	48 hp	3.85 m
Volvo ECR60D	6.0 t	47 hp	3.85 m

✅ 11. KEY ADVANTAGES (Why Choose CAT 306.5?)

Advantage	Detail
✅ Zero Tail Swing	Work in confined spaces
✅ Fuel Efficient	Auto-idle + ACERT engine
✅ Low Noise	~67 dB(A) in cab — ideal for residential areas
✅ Easy Maintenance	Ground-level service, long intervals
✅ Smart Tech	Product Link, optional Cat Grade/Payload
✅ Dealer Network	World's largest construction equipment support network
✅ Resale Value	Caterpillar holds value exceptionally well
✅ No DEF Required	Simpler than many Tier 4 Final competitors
✅ Versatile	20+ attachment-ready via auxiliary lines

💰 12. APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024 Estimates)

Region	Price Range (USD)
North America	$55,000 – $75,000
Europe	€50,000 – €70,000
Asia-Pacific	$50,000 – $65,000
Used (2019-2021)	$35,000 – $50,000

Prices vary by configuration, attachments, and market.

🎯 13. COMMON APPLICATIONS

Application	Attachments Used
🏗️ Residential Construction	Bucket, thumb
🌿 Landscaping & Gardening	Bucket, rake, auger
🔌 Utility / Trenching	Bucket, narrow bucket
🪵 Demolition	Hydraulic breaker, grapple
🌾 Agriculture	Pallet forks, bucket, auger
🏚️ Site Cleanup	Grapple, bucket, breaker
🕳️ Pipe Laying	Narrow bucket, side-shift

📋 14. SPECIFICATIONS SUMMARY TABLE

Category	Specification
Model	306.5 (Next Gen)
Engine	Cat C2.2 ACERT, 47 hp (35 kW)
Operating Weight	6,020 kg (13,270 lb)
Max Dig Depth	3,910 mm (12'10")
Max Reach	5,860 mm (19'3")
Bucket Capacity	0.16 – 0.28 m³
Hydraulic Flow	108 L/min (28.5 gpm)
Track Width	300 mm (rubber) / 400 mm (steel)
Tail Swing	Zero Tail Swing
Emission	Tier 4 Final / Stage V (No DEF)
Cab	Enclosed, ROPS/FOPS, A/C, touchscreen
Connectivity	Cat Product Link, Bluetooth

🏁 CONCLUSION

The Caterpillar 306.5 is widely regarded as one of the best 6-tonne mini excavators on the market. It offers the perfect balance of power, compactness, technology, and operator comfort. Whether you're a contractor, landscaper, or utility worker, the 306.5 delivers reliability, efficiency, and resale value that's hard to beat in its class.

🏆 Best for: Tight-space work, residential construction, landscaping, utility trenching, and anyone who wants Cat-quality reliability in a compact package.

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