Used Caterpillar 308E2Excavator

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The Cat 308E2 CR (Compact Radius) is one of Caterpillar's most popular 8-ton class mini excavators, widely used in construction, landscaping, utilities, and rental fleets worldwide. It replaced the earlier 308E model with significant upgrades in efficiency, comfort, and technology.

📋 1. GENERAL OVERVIEW

Specification	Detail
Model	308E2 CR (Compact Radius)
Manufacturer	Caterpillar Inc.
Class	Mini Excavator (~8 tonnes)
Production	~2015–Present
Primary Markets	Construction, landscaping, utilities, rental, demolition
Emission Standards	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V

🔧 2. ENGINE

Parameter	Specification
Engine Model	Cat® C2.2 ACERT® Turbo Diesel
Type	4-cylinder, inline, turbocharged, aftercooled
Displacement	2.2 L (134 cu in)
Rated Power	52.2 hp (39 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
Torque	199 Nm (147 lb-ft) @ 1,400 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	120 L (31.7 US gal)
Emission	Tier 4 Final / Stage V (no DPF in most configs — uses EGR + DOC)
Cooling System	Pressurized, 14.7 L capacity

✅ The C2.2 ACERT engine is known for fuel efficiency, low noise, and reliability. It features auto-idle and eco-mode to save up to 15% fuel.

🏗️ 3. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Parameter	Specification
Pump Type	Variable displacement piston pump
Max Flow	94 L/min (24.8 US gpm)
Operating Pressure	21 MPa (3,046 psi)
Auxiliary Hydraulics	2 circuits, 41 L/min (10.8 gpm) total
Hydraulic Oil Capacity	57 L (15.1 US gal)

🔄 The variable displacement pump adjusts flow to demand, improving fuel efficiency and reducing heat generation.

📐 4. DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Parameter	Specification
Operating Weight	8,345 kg (18,400 lb)
Overall Length (w/o bucket)	5,870 mm (231 in)
Overall Width	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Overall Height (to cab top)	2,540 mm (100 in)
Ground Clearance	390 mm (15.4 in)
Tail Swing Radius	1,450 mm (57 in) — Zero Tail Swing ✅
Track Gauge (Adjustable)	400 / 450 / 500 / 600 mm (15.7–23.6 in)
Track Width	400 mm standard (15.7 in)
Dozer Blade	Available (2,440 mm / 96 in wide)

⭐ Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) is a major advantage — allows work close to walls and structures without the rear swinging out.

💪 5. PERFORMANCE (DIGGING & REACH)

Parameter	Specification
Max Digging Depth	4,310 mm (14 ft 2 in)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,860 mm (19 ft 3 in)
Max Cutting Height	5,940 mm (19 ft 6 in)
Max Dumping Height	4,130 mm (13 ft 7 in)
Max Digging Reach (at ground)	5,660 mm (18 ft 7 in)
Breakout Force (Boom)	30.1 kN (6,770 lbf)
Breakout Force (Arm)	22.1 kN (4,960 lbf)
Bucket Dig Force	33.1 kN (7,440 lbf)

🪣 6. BUCKET CAPACITIES

Bucket Type	Capacity
General Purpose (GP)	0.16 m³ (2.1 cu yd)
Digging (narrow)	0.12 m³ (1.6 cu yd)
Grading (wide)	0.28 m³ (3.7 cu yd)
Trenching (narrow)	0.10 m³ (1.3 cu yd)

🔧 Quick Coupler is available — allows attachment changes in seconds without pins (hydraulic or mechanical).

🖥️ 7. CAB & OPERATOR COMFORT

The 308E2 features one of the best cabs in its class:

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified, pressurized & filtered
Seat	Heated, air-suspended, fully adjustable
Climate Control	Full air conditioning with auto climate
Display	7-inch (178 mm) LCD touchscreen monitor
Controls	Joystick with proportional control + auxiliary switches
Visibility	Large front glass, excellent all-around visibility
Noise Level	~68 dB(A) — very quiet for its class
Lighting	LED work lights (front, rear, cab)
Safety	Seat belt, backup alarm, auto-idle, security system (CAT Product Link ready)

📡 Cat Product Link™ — Telematics system for remote machine monitoring, diagnostics, and fleet management.

🛞 8. UNDERCARRIAGE

Option	Specification
Steel Tracks	400 mm triple grouser (standard)
Rubber Tracks	400 / 450 mm — reduces ground damage
Track Width Options	400 / 450 / 500 / 600 mm (adjustable frame)
Track Shoe Width	400 mm (15.7 in)
Number of Rollers	4 per side (bottom) + 1 idler + 1 drive sprocket
Dozer Blade	Optional, 2,440 mm (96 in) wide

🔌 9. ATTACHMENTS & VERSATILITY

The 308E2 is a true workhorse with a huge range of attachments:

Category	Examples
Buckets	GP, digging, grading, rock, cleaning, tilt
Breakers	Hydraulic hammer (up to ~680 kg / 1,500 lb class)
Grapples	Orange peel, sorting, demolition grapple
Augers	Earth auger (up to 600 mm / 24 in diameter)
Thumbs	Mechanical thumb for material handling
Rippers	Single shank ripper
Compactors	Plate compactor
Sweepers	Attachment-mounted broom
Quick Coupler	Hydraulic or mechanical

⚡ 10. KEY FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY

Feature	Benefit
✅ Eco Mode	Reduces engine RPM → saves up to 15% fuel
✅ Auto Idle	Engine idles down when not working → saves fuel & reduces noise
✅ Zero Tail Swing	Works in tight spaces
✅ Compact Radius Design	Shorter boom/arm = more powerful in tight areas
✅ CAT Product Link™	Remote diagnostics, location tracking, maintenance alerts
✅ Security System	Engine immobilizer, GPS tracking
✅ Service Access	Ground-level service points, easy daily checks
✅ Long Service Intervals	Oil change every 500 hrs, filter every 1,000 hrs

📊 11. COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS

Spec	Cat 308E2	Komatsu PC88	JCB 85Z-1	Kubota KX080-4
Weight	8,345 kg	8,570 kg	8,520 kg	8,030 kg
Power	52.2 hp	54.7 hp	55.3 hp	48.2 hp
Dig Depth	4,310 mm	4,390 mm	4,160 mm	4,080 mm
Tail Swing	Zero ✅	Conventional ❌	Zero ✅	Zero ✅
Cab Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Resale Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏆 The 308E2 is often considered the benchmark in the 8-ton class for operator comfort, build quality, and resale value.

💰 12. APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024 Estimate)

Configuration	Price Range (USD)
New Machine (GP bucket, steel tracks)	$65,000 – $80,000
With Quick Coupler	$70,000 – $85,000
With Rubber Tracks	$72,000 – $88,000
Used (2,000–4,000 hrs)	$40,000 – $60,000
Rental (daily)	$300 – $500/day

(Prices vary by region, dealer, and configuration)

🎯 13. WHO SHOULD BUY THE 308E2?

User	Why?
🏗️ Contractors	Reliable, low maintenance, high resale
🌳 Landscapers	Zero tail swing, rubber track option, quiet
🔌 Utility Companies	Compact size, precise control, low ground pressure
🏢 Rental Companies	High demand, easy to maintain, strong residual value
🏚️ Demolition	Powerful breakout force, quick coupler ready

🏁 SUMMARY

✅ Strengths	⚠️ Limitations
Best-in-class cab comfort	Higher purchase price vs. some competitors
Zero tail swing design	Limited to ~8-ton class (not for heavy work)
Excellent fuel efficiency	Steel tracks can damage paved surfaces
Strong resale value	No Dozer blade standard (optional)
Huge attachment versatility
Low maintenance costs
CAT dealer network worldwide

🔑 Bottom Line: The Caterpillar 308E2 CR is arguably the gold standard in the 8-ton mini excavator segment — combining power, precision, comfort, and durability in a compact package. It's the machine that rental companies trust, contractors rely on, and operators love to sit in. 🐱🚜

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — like attachment compatibility, maintenance schedule, or comparison with the 309E2? 😊