Used Caterpillar 306E2Excavator

Reading: 11

📌 1. OVERVIEW

Parameter	Details
Manufacturer	Caterpillar Inc.
Series	E2 Generation (2nd Generation)
Class	Mini / Compact Excavator (6-ton class)
Production Years	~2011 – Present
Replaces	Cat 306E (E1 Series)
Primary Markets	Construction, landscaping, utilities, rental, residential work

The 306E2 is one of Caterpillar's most popular mini excavators, designed for versatility in tight job sites where larger machines can't operate. It's ideal for digging trenches, utility work, landscaping, demolition, and foundation work.

📌 2. ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Spec	Detail
Engine Model	Cat® C3.4B DI-T (Turbocharged, Aftercooled)
Engine Type	4-cylinder, in-line, diesel
Displacement	3.4 L (206 cu in)
Rated Power	45.6 kW (61.2 hp) @ 2,200 rpm
Emissions Standard	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage IV
Fuel Tank Capacity	~120 L (31.7 US gal)
Cooling System	Pressurized, 15.9 L capacity

✅ The C3.4B ACERT® engine delivers excellent fuel efficiency, low emissions, and reliable performance.

📌 3. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Spec	Detail
Pump Type	Variable displacement piston pump
System Pressure	34,500 kPa (5,000 psi)
Flow Rate	101 L/min (26.7 gal/min)
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow	43 L/min (11.4 gal/min)
Auxiliary Pressure	21,000 kPa (3,040 psi)

The hydraulic system is designed for smooth, precise operation with the ability to run multiple attachments (thumb, breaker, auger, grapple, etc.) via the auxiliary lines.

📌 4. DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Spec	Detail
Operating Weight	6,270 kg (13,823 lbs)
Transport Length	5,920 mm (19.4 ft)
Transport Width	1,980 mm (6.5 ft)
Transport Height	2,600 mm (8.5 ft)
Ground Clearance	360 mm (14.2 in)
Track Width	Adjustable: 1,200 – 1,800 mm (3.9 – 5.9 ft)
Track Length on Ground	1,980 mm (6.5 ft)
Tail Swing Radius	1,510 mm (4.95 ft) — Zero Tail Swing!

🔑 The zero tail swing design is a HUGE advantage — the house/counterweight stays within the track width, making it perfect for working close to walls, buildings, and fences.

📌 5. DIGGING PERFORMANCE

Spec	Detail
Max Digging Depth	4,050 mm (13.3 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,740 mm (18.8 ft)
Max Digging Height	5,670 mm (18.6 ft)
Max Dump Height	4,030 mm (13.2 ft)
Max Vertical Wall Dig	3,470 mm (11.4 ft)
Bucket Capacity (Standard)	0.16 – 0.28 m³ (0.21 – 0.37 cu yd)
Breakout Force (Boom)	37.7 kN (8,475 lbf)
Breakout Force (Arm)	27.5 kN (6,185 lbf)
Bucket Force	33.4 kN (7,500 lbf)

📌 6. UNDERCARRIAGE & TRAVEL

Spec	Detail
Track Type	Steel or Rubber (optional)
Track Width	400 mm (15.7 in) shoes
Max Travel Speed	4.7 km/h (2.9 mph)
Gradeability	70% (35°)
Ground Pressure	33.4 kPa (4.84 psi)

🔧 Rubber tracks are available as an option for paved/indoor work to avoid damage and reduce noise.

📌 7. OPERATOR CAB & COMFORT

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified, enclosed cab with A/C (optional)
Seat	Suspension seat with armrests
Controls	Joystick with programmable buttons
Display	LCD monitor with machine info, diagnostics, camera view
Noise Level (Inside)	~72 dB(A)
Visibility	Excellent all-round visibility with large glass area
Climate Control	Heater & A/C available
Radio/USB	Standard audio system with AUX/USB

🌟 The E2 series brought significant comfort improvements over the E1 — better sound insulation, climate control, and ergonomics.

📌 8. TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS

Feature	Detail
Cat Product Link™	✅ Telematics — real-time machine monitoring, location tracking, diagnostics
Cat Grade Control	Optional — 2D/3D grade control for precision work
Cat Payload	Optional — weigh-in-motion bucket weighing
Security	Cat Security System with engine immobilizer
Auto Engine Idle	✅ Reduces fuel consumption during idle
Eco Mode	✅ Engine speed automatically reduces under light load
Backup Camera	✅ Standard
Working Lights	LED front & rear work lights

📌 9. FUEL EFFICIENCY

Metric	Detail
Avg Fuel Consumption	~6 – 8 L/hr (1.6 – 2.1 gal/hr) depending on workload
Fuel Tank	120 L (31.7 US gal)
Working Time per Tank	~10 – 15 hours (typical)

& E2 series is up to 15% more fuel efficient than the previous E1 model thanks to the ACERT engine and Eco mode.

📌 10. POPULAR ATTACHMENTS (Auxiliary Hydraulic)

The 306E2's auxiliary hydraulic lines support a wide range of attachments:

Attachment	Application
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker (Hammer)	Demolition, concrete breaking
🪓 Hydraulic Thumb	Grappling, material handling
🔩 Auger / Earth Drill	Post holes, fencing, piling
🪣 Tilt Rotator	360° rotation of any attachment
🧹 Bucket (various sizes)	Digging, grading, trenching
🌲 Grapple	Log handling, brush clearing
🧹 Sweeper	Road/site cleaning
❄️ Quick Coupler	Fast attachment change

📌 11. COMPARISON: 306E2 vs Competitors

Spec	Cat 306E2	Komatsu PC60-8	Kubota KX060-4	John Deere 60G
Weight	6,270 kg	6,040 kg	5,830 kg	6,070 kg
Power	61.2 hp	45.3 hp	47.9 hp	48.5 hp
Max Dig Depth	4.05 m	3.89 m	3.76 m	3.94 m
Tail Swing	Zero ✅	Zero ✅	Zero ✅	Zero ✅
Price Range (Used)	$35K–$55K	$30K–$50K	$28K–$45K	$32K–$52K

🏆 The 306E2 generally offers the best digging depth and power in its class.

📌 12. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

✅ Advantages

✅	Description
Zero tail swing	Works in tight spaces
Excellent dig depth	Best-in-class reach & depth
Fuel efficient	Eco mode + ACERT engine
Strong hydraulics	Runs heavy attachments easily
Dealer network	Cat has the largest global network
Resale value	Holds value very well
Comfortable cab	Great for long workdays

❌ Disadvantages

❌	Description
Higher purchase price	More expensive than Asian brands
Parts cost	Cat parts are pricier
Track width	Can be wide for very narrow access
Maintenance	Requires regular servicing to maintain warranty

📌 13. TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

🏗️ Application	Usage
🕳️ Utility trenching	Water, gas, electric, telecom
🏡 Residential excavation	Foundations, pools, septic
🌳 Landscaping	Grading, planting, drainage
🏚️ Light demolition	Small buildings, concrete
🛣️ Road construction	Patching, curb work
🌾 Agriculture	Ditch cleaning, fence posts
🔧 Rental fleets	High demand in rental market

📌 14. PRICING (Approximate — 2024)

Type	Price Range (USD)
New	$75,000 – $95,000
Used (2,000–4,000 hrs)	$35,000 – $55,000
Used (4,000–6,000 hrs)	$28,000 – $40,000
Rental (Daily)	$250 – $400/day
Rental (Weekly)	$800 – $1,400/week

(Prices vary by region, condition, and configuration)

📌 15. SUMMARY

Category	Rating
💪 Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📐 Digging Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪑 Operator Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⛽ Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐
💰 Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔧 Parts & Service	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎯 Bottom Line:
The Caterpillar 306E2 is a best-in-class mini excavator that combines powerful digging performance, zero tail swing versatility, excellent fuel economy, and unmatched dealer support. It's the go-to choice for contractors who need a reliable, productive, and high-resale-value machine in the 6-ton class.

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