Used Caterpillar 305.5E2 Excavator

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🏢 Overview

The Caterpillar 305.5E2 CR (Compact Radius) is a 5-ton class mini hydraulic excavator from Cat's Next Generation E2 Series. It is designed for utility work, landscaping, trenching, pipeline installation, and general construction in tight/confined spaces. The "CR" designation means it has a reduced tail swing, making it ideal for working near structures, walls, and obstacles.

Category	Specification
Class	5-ton (Compact Radius)
Series	Next Generation E2
Emissions	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V (with DOC + DPF)
Predecessor	305.5E2 CR / 305E2 CR

⚙️ Engine

Specification	Detail
Engine Model	Cat® C2.2 ACERT®
Type	4-cylinder, turbocharged, aftercooled diesel
Displacement	2.2 L
Net Power	49.5 hp (36.9 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V (DOC + DPF aftertreatment)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~80 L (21.1 gal)
Cooling System	13.7 L (3.6 gal)

✅ The ACERT engine provides excellent fuel efficiency and meets the strictest emission standards without a DPF regeneration burden in most applications.

📐 Dimensions & Weight

Specification	Value
Operating Weight (ROPS cab)	~5,290 kg (11,660 lb)
Operating Weight (FOPS cab)	~5,500 kg (12,125 lb)
Overall Length (bucket on ground)	~5,850 mm (19.2 ft)
Overall Width	~1,800 mm (5.9 ft)
Height to Top of Cab	~2,500 mm (8.2 ft)
Track Gauge (adjustable)	1,400 – 1,800 mm (55 – 71 in)
Ground Clearance	~390 mm (15.4 in)

🚜 Undercarriage

Specification	Detail
Track Width Options	400 mm / 450 mm / 500 mm (15.7" / 17.7" / 19.7")
Track Type	Steel tracks (rubber track option available)
Number of Rollers	2 per side (bottom) + 1 carrier roller per side
Track Shoe Width	400 mm
Ground Pressure	~34 kPa (4.9 psi)
Max Travel Speed	4.7 km/h (2.9 mph)

🔨 Digging Performance

Specification	Value
Max Digging Depth	3,820 mm (12 ft 6 in)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,970 mm (19 ft 7 in)
Max Dump Height	4,070 mm (13 ft 4 in)
Max Digging Reach (10 ft level)	5,770 mm (18 ft 11 in)
Max Vertical Wall Dig Depth	3,110 mm (10 ft 2 in)
Standard Bucket Capacity	0.16 m³ (0.21 yd³)
Max Breakout Force (Boom)	~29.8 kN (6,700 lbf)
Max Breakout Force (Arm)	~22.7 kN (5,100 lbf)
Max Breakout Force (Bucket)	~38.5 kN (8,650 lbf)

🔄 Various bucket options available: general purpose, grading, ditching, thumb, 4-in-1, etc.

🛢️ Hydraulic System

Specification	Detail
System Type	Open-center, load-sensing
Pump Type	Variable displacement piston pumps (2x)
Total Hydraulic Flow	2 × 38 L/min (2 × 10 gpm)
System Pressure	34,500 kPa (5,000 psi)
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow	~36 L/min (9.5 gpm)
Auxiliary Pressure	21,000 kPa (3,000 psi)
Third Function	Optional (selectable — for thumb, hammer, etc.)
Quick Coupler Ready	✅ Yes

🏗️ Swing System

Specification	Detail
Swing Speed	~11 rpm
Swing Torque	~7.6 kN·m (5,600 ft·lb)
Tail Swing Radius	~1,120 mm (44 in) — Compact Radius design

⭐ The reduced tail swing is the key advantage — works in tight urban environments, near buildings, and in narrow trenches.

🖥️ Operator Station & Cab

Feature	Detail
Cab Options	ROPS (Open) or FOPS (Enclosed with AC/Heat)
Seat	Suspended, adjustable, with armrests
Controls	Joystick controls with adjustable levers
Display	7-inch (178 mm) LCD monitor with real-time diagnostics
Camera	Rearview camera (standard on FOPS cab)
Climate Control	Heater + Air conditioner (FOPS cab)
Sound Level (inside cab)	~72 dB(A)
Lighting	LED work lights (front & rear)
USB Port	✅ Yes
12V Outlet	✅ Yes

🔧 Key Features & Technology

Feature	Description
🟢 Auto Engine Idle Shutdown	Engine auto-shuts off after preset idle time — saves fuel & reduces noise
🟢 Eco Mode	Reduces engine RPM when full power isn't needed — up to 20% fuel savings
🟢 Power Modes	High / Low power selection for different tasks
🟢 Smooth Boom & Arm Function	Proportional controls for precision work
🟢 Adjustable Track Gauge	Hydraulic track width adjustment from the cab
🟢 Dozer Blade Ready	6-way blade with tilt & float options
🟢 Cat Product Link™ Ready	Telematics-ready for fleet management
🟢 Grade Assist Ready	2D grade with optional GPS-assisted 3D grade
🟢 Security	Engine immobilizer, anti-theft system

📊 Comparison with Competitors

Feature	Cat 305.5E2 CR	Komatsu PC55MR-3	John Deere 55G	Kubota KX057-4
Engine Power	49.5 hp	48.4 hp	48.1 hp	45.8 hp
Operating Weight	5,290 kg	5,370 kg	5,670 kg	5,390 kg
Max Dig Depth	3,820 mm	3,780 mm	3,700 mm	3,650 mm
Tail Swing	~1,120 mm	~1,160 mm	~1,270 mm	~1,300 mm
Emissions	Tier 4 Final	Tier 4 Final	Tier 4 Final	Tier 4 Final

🏆 The 305.5E2 CR is widely regarded as having the smallest tail swing in its class, giving it the best accessibility in confined spaces.

🌐 Typical Applications

Application	Suitability
🏡 Residential landscaping	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🕳️ Utility trenching (water, gas, electric)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏗️ Small construction / foundations	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌳 Tree planting & stump removal	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪨 Demolition (with breaker)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🛣️ Road repair & pothole patching	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🏚️ Indoor demolition	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (compact radius!)
🚿 Septic & drainage work	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024 Estimates)

Configuration	Approximate Price (USD)
ROPS Cab (Open)	$55,000 – $65,000
FOPS Cab (Enclosed, A/C)	$65,000 – $78,000
With Rubber Tracks	+$3,000 – $5,000
With Dozer Blade	+$2,500 – $4,000
With Thumb	+$1,500 – $2,500

⚠️ Prices vary by region, dealer, and optional attachments.

✅ Summary — Why Choose the Cat 305.5E2 CR?

Strength	Detail
🥇 Smallest Tail Swing	Best-in-class ~1,120 mm — unmatched in tight spaces
🔋 Fuel Efficient	Eco mode + auto idle = lower operating costs
🛠️ Dealer Network	Cat's global dealer support & parts availability
📡 Tech-Ready	Product Link telematics, grade assist, camera
💪 Reliability	Cat C2.2 engine — proven, durable, low maintenance
🌡️ Operator Comfort	Excellent cab options with AC, suspension, low noise

📌 Bottom Line: The Caterpillar 305.5E2 CR is one of the best compact radius mini excavators in the 5-ton class, offering an excellent balance of digging power, fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and tight-space capability. It's a go-to machine for contractors who need to work in confined urban environments without sacrificing performance.

Would you like me to go deeper into any specific area — such as maintenance schedule, attachment compatibility, or comparison with a specific competitor? 🚜