Used Caterpillar 308E2Excavator

Reading: 14

📋 OVERVIEW

The Cat 308E2 is a mini (compact) hydraulic excavator in the 8-tonne class, manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. It is designed for versatility in tight workspaces, making it ideal for:

🏗️ Construction & civil works
🏘️ Residential & landscaping
🕳️ Utility & trench work
🏭 Demolition (with attachment options)
🌳 Agriculture & forestry

It is the successor to the popular 308E and belongs to Cat's E2 Series (next-generation mini excavators), featuring improved fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and technology.

🔧 ENGINE & POWER

Specification	Details
Engine Model	Cat C3.4B DIT (Turbocharged, Aftercooled)
Engine Type	4-cylinder, inline diesel
Displacement	3.4 L (208 cu in)
Rated Power	58.7 hp (43.8 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V (EPA & EU compliant)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~130 L (34.3 US gal)
Cooling System	Water-cooled with fan

✅ The engine uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF/AdBlue) for aftertreatment — no DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration cycles required, reducing downtime.

📐 DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

| Specification | Metric | Imperial ||---|---|---|| Operating Weight | 8,385 kg (18,486 lb) | ~8.4 tonnes || Transport Length | 5,960 mm (19 ft 7 in) | || Transport Width | 1,980 mm (6 ft 6 in) | || Transport Height | 2,600 mm (8 ft 6 in) | || Track Gauge | 1,670 mm (5 ft 6 in) | || Ground Contact Length | 2,190 mm (7 ft 2 in) | || Tail Swing Radius | 1,510 mm (4 ft 11 in) ✅ Zero Tail Swing || Blade Width | 2,440 mm (8 ft 0 in) | |

⭐ Zero Tail Swing design means the upper structure stays within the track width during rotation — perfect for working near walls, fences, and buildings.

💪 PERFORMANCE (DIGGING & LIFTING)

Specification	Metric	Imperial
Max Digging Depth	4,330 mm (14 ft 2 in)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,830 mm (19 ft 2 in)
Max Dumping Height	4,230 mm (13 ft 11 in)
Max Digging Reach (10 o'clock)	5,280 mm (17 ft 4 in)
Max Lifting Capacity (at ground)	4,880 kg (10,759 lb)
Swing Speed	10.7 rpm
Travel Speed (High/Low)	4.7 / 3.0 km/h (2.9 / 1.9 mph)
Ground Pressure	34 kPa (4.9 psi)	Low ground pressure = less ground damage

🪣 BUCKET & ATTACHMENT OPTIONS

Bucket Size	Capacity (m³)	Capacity (yd³)
Small	0.16 m³	0.21 yd³
Standard	0.28 m³	0.36 yd³
Large	0.38 m³	0.50 yd³

🔩 Quick Coupler Compatible ✅

The 308E2 features a hydraulic quick coupler as standard (or optional depending on market), allowing fast attachment changes:

Attachment Options	Use Case
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker (Hammer)	Rock breaking, concrete demolition
🪤 Hydraulic Thumb (Grapple)	Log handling, pipe grabbing
🔄 Hydraulic Rotator	Tree harvesting, pipe laying
🧹 Tiltrotator	Precise grading & trench work
🔩 Auger Drill	Post hole drilling, piling
🧹 Blade (dozer blade)	Grading, backfilling
🪣 4-in-1 Bucket	Versatile digging
🔌 Compactor Plate	Soil compaction

🖥️ OPERATOR CABIN & COMFORT

Feature	Details
Cab Type	Enclosed ROPS/FOPS certified cab
Seat	Suspended, adjustable with armrests
Climate Control	Heater + Air Conditioner (standard) ✅
Noise Level	~72 dB(A) — one of the quietest in class
Visibility	Large glass area, excellent all-round visibility
Controls	Joystick-operated (proportional) with pilot pattern
Display	LCD monitor with machine info, diagnostics, camera view
Radio/USB/Bluetooth	Standard audio system with AUX/USB

🧠 TECHNOLOGY & SMART FEATURES (E2 Series)

Technology	Description
📡 Cat Product Link™	Telematics — remote machine monitoring, location tracking, fuel usage, diagnostics
🛡️ Security	Engine immobilizer, GPS tracking capability
& Auto Engine Idle	Engine auto-shuts off after 5 min idle → saves fuel
📊 Grade Assist Ready	Optional 2D grade system for precision digging
📷 Rearview Camera	Standard — improves safety in tight areas
🔧 Ease of Service	Ground-level maintenance points, side-opening panels
🎛️ Weight/Boom/Arm/Bucket Links	Standard hydraulic lines for work tool attachments

&UEL EFFICIENCY

Condition	Approx. Fuel Consumption
Idle	~4.0 L/hr (1.1 gal/hr)
Light Work	~8–10 L/hr (2.1–2.6 gal/hr)
Heavy Work	~12–15 L/hr (3.2–4.0 gal/hr)

🟢 The 308E2 is approximately 10–15% more fuel efficient than its predecessor (308E) thanks to the C3.4B engine and hydraulic system improvements.

🔄 UNDERCARRIAGE

Specification	Details
Track Type	Steel tracks with rubber pads available
Track Width	400 mm (15.7 in)
Number of Rollers (each side)	4 bottom rollers + 1 carry roller + 1 drive sprocket
Undercarriage Options	🔹 Narrow (1,670 mm) — standard 🔹 Wide (1,870 mm) — optional 🔹 Extended reach undercarriage — optional

📊 COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS

Machine	Weight	Power	Max Depth	Tail Swing
Cat 308E2 ⭐	8,385 kg	58.7 hp	4,330 mm	✅ Zero
Komatsu PC88MR-11	8,500 kg	57.5 hp	4,270 mm	✅ Zero
JCB 8085	8,500 kg	57 hp	4,320 mm	❌ Conventional
Volvo ECR88	8,400 kg	57 hp	4,290 mm	✅ Zero
Doosan DX88R-5	8,550 kg	57 hp	4,250 mm	✅ Zero
Kubota KX080-4	8,200 kg	52 hp	4,120 mm	✅ Zero

🏆 The 308E2 stands out for its combination of power, zero tail swing, cab comfort, and Cat dealer network support.

✅ KEY ADVANTAGES (Why Choose 308E2?)

✅ Advantage	📌 Detail
1️⃣	Zero Tail Swing — works in the tightest spaces
2️⃣	Fuel Efficient — C3.4B engine saves 10–15% vs. predecessor
3️⃣	Operator Comfort — best-in-class cab with AC, low noise
4️⃣	Ease of Maintenance — daily checks in under 10 minutes
5️⃣	Versatile — quick coupler + wide attachment range
6️⃣	Dealer Network — worldwide Cat dealer support & parts
7️⃣	Resale Value — Cat machines hold value exceptionally well
8️⃣	Technology — Product Link telematics, camera, smart idle

💰 APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024, varies by region)

Configuration	Estimated Price (USD)
Base Machine (no cab/canopy)	$65,000 – $72,000
ROPS/FOPS Cab	$75,000 – $82,000
With Quick Coupler + A/C	$82,000 – $90,000
With Grade Assist + Premium Package	$90,000 – $100,000+

(Prices vary significantly by country, dealer, and configuration)

📋 SUMMARY SPECIFICATION SHEET

Parameter	Value
Model	Cat 308E2
Class	Mini Excavator (8T)
Engine	Cat C3.4B DIT — 58.7 hp (43.8 kW)
Operating Weight	8,385 kg (18,486 lb)
Max Dig Depth	4,330 mm (14'2")
Max Reach	5,830 mm (19'2")
Tail Swing	Zero (1,510 mm)
Bucket Range	0.16 – 0.38 m³
Swing Speed	10.7 rpm
Travel Speed	4.7 / 3.0 km/h
Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V
Fuel Tank	~130 L

🎯 BOTTOM LINE

The Cat 308E2 is one of the best-selling mini excavators in the world for good reason — it delivers Cat-quality reliability, excellent fuel economy, superior operator comfort, and outstanding versatility in an 8-tonne package. Whether you're a contractor, landscaper, or utility company, the 308E2 is a workhorse you can count on. 🚜💪

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — attachments, financing, comparison with a specific competitor, or operating tips? 😊