Used Caterpillar 308E2Excavator

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📋 Overview

The Cat 308E2 CR (formerly 308E2) is a compact mini hydraulic excavator manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. It sits in the 8-ton (8,000–8,800 kg) class and is designed for versatility in tight job sites, landscaping, utility work, construction, and demolition. The "CR" stands for Compact Radius, meaning it has a shorter boom and arm for working in confined spaces.

It replaced the Cat 308C CR and was later succeeded by the Cat 308.5 CR / 309 CR in some markets.

& Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Weight	~8,500 kg (18,739 lb)
Engine	Cat® C1.8 ACERT® Turbo Diesel
Engine Type	3-cylinder, inline, 1.8L displacement
Rated Power	53 HP (39.5 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
Max Digging Depth	4,320 mm (14 ft 2 in)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	5,700 mm (18 ft 8 in)
Max Digging Height	5,750 mm (18 ft 10 in)
Max Dump Height	4,050 mm (13 ft 3 in)
Bucket Capacity	0.15 – 0.38 m³ (0.20 – 0.50 yd³)
Track Width	Adjustable: 1,800 – 2,500 mm (71 – 98 in)
Tail Swing Radius	1,625 mm (5 ft 4 in) — Zero Tail Swing
Hydraulic Flow	77 L/min (20.3 gal/min)
Operating Pressure	35 MPa (5,076 psi)
Fuel Tank Capacity	130 L (34.3 gal)
Track Gauge	1,800 mm standard
Transport Width	~2,200 mm (with 1,800 mm tracks)

🔧 Engine — Cat C1.8 ACERT

Feature	Detail
Displacement	1.8 L (110 cu in)
Cylinders	3, inline, turbocharged & aftercooled
Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliant (using DPF + SCR with AdBlue/DEF)
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection
Cooling	Liquid-cooled
Fuel Type	Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
DEF Tank	~12 L (required for SCR system)

✅ The engine is known for being fuel-efficient and low-emission, meeting strict EU Stage V / EPA Tier 4 Final standards.

🏗️ Hydraulic System

Feature	Detail
Pump Type	Variable displacement axial piston pump
Total Flow	77 L/min (20.3 US gal/min)
Auxiliary Flow	33 L/min (8.7 US gal/min) — for attachments
Auxiliary Pressure	21 MPa (3,046 psi)
System Pressure	35 MPa (5,076 psi)

The auxiliary hydraulic lines make it easy to attach breakers, augers, grapples, rakes, thumbs, etc.

🚜 Undercarriage & Mobility

Feature	Detail
Tracks	Rubber tracks (400 mm width)
Track Width Options	1,800 / 2,000 / 2,200 / 2,500 mm
Speed (Travel)	4.8 km/h (3.0 mph)
Gradeability	70% (35°)
Ground Clearance	370 mm (14.6 in)
Shoe Type	Triple grouser (standard)
Zero Tail Swing	✅ Yes — ideal for working near walls/fences

🏠 Cab & Operator Comfort

Feature	Detail
ROPS/FOPS	✅ Fully certified (Roll-Over & Falling Object Protection)
Air Conditioning	✅ Standard
Heater	✅ Standard
Seat	Suspended, high-back, with armrests
Controls	Joystick with proportional control
Display	LCD monitor showing engine info, diagnostics, camera
Rearview Camera	✅ Standard
Sound Level (Inside Cab)	~70 dB(A) — relatively quiet
Windshield Wipers/Washers	✅
Lighting	LED work lights front & rear

🛠️ Attachments (Quick Coupler Ready)

The 308E2 CR comes with a Cat Quick Coupler or pin-on attachment system, making it compatible with:

Attachment	Use Case
🪣 Buckets (150–380 mm)	General digging
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker	Demolition / concrete breaking
🔩 Auger / Drill	Post holes, piling
🪝 Grapple	Scrap handling, sorting
🌿 Rake	Landscaping, leveling
✊ Thumb	Material handling, grabbing
🪚 Trencher	Utility trenching
🔄 Ripper	Hard ground breaking

📊 Performance Highlights

Metric	Value
Digging Force (Arm)	~38 kN (8,542 lbf)
Digging Force (Bucket)	~55 kN (12,364 lbf)
Swing Speed	10.3 rpm
Swing Torque	8.7 kN·m
Fuel Consumption	~8–12 L/hr (varies by application)

✅ Key Advantages

Advantage	Explanation
🔹 Compact Size	Fits through standard gates, narrow alleyways
🔹 Zero Tail Swing	Works flush against walls & structures
🔹 Fuel Efficient	Low consumption for its class (~10 L/hr avg)
🔹 Low Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliant
🔹 Easy Maintenance	Ground-level service points, long service intervals (500 hr)
🔹 Operator Comfort	AC, suspension seat, good visibility
🔹 Versatile	Quick coupler = fast attachment changes
🔹 Reliability	Cat build quality & global dealer network

🆚 Comparison with Competitors

Machine	Weight	Power	Max Depth
Cat 308E2 CR	8,500 kg	53 HP	4,320 mm
Komatsu PC88MR-11	8,750 kg	50.3 HP	4,210 mm
Kubota KX080-4	8,260 kg	48.6 HP	4,250 mm
John Deere 85G	8,480 kg	49.5 HP	4,300 mm
Volvo ECR88D	8,700 kg	51 HP	4,250 mm
Doosan DX80R-5	8,300 kg	50.3 HP	4,220 mm

The Cat 308E2 CR is generally considered one of the most fuel-efficient and comfortable in its class.

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024)

Region	New Price (USD)
North America	$85,000 – $110,000
Europe	€80,000 – €100,000
Asia-Pacific	$75,000 – $95,000
Used (2018–2022)	$50,000 – $75,000

Prices vary by configuration, attachments, and market.

🔄 Service Intervals

Service	Interval
Engine Oil & Filter	500 hours / 6 months
Hydraulic Oil & Filter	2,000 hours / 12 months
Final Drive Oil	4,000 hours
Coolant	4,000 hours / 2 years
Fuel Filter	500 hours
Air Filter	1,000 hours

📈 Summary

Category	Rating (out of 5)
⭐ Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Versatility	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Durability/Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Why It's Great
🏡 Residential construction	Compact, quiet, zero tail swing
🌿 Landscaping & grading	Quick attachment changes
🔌 Utility work (gas, water, electric)	Fits in trenches, narrow spaces
🏚️ Demolition	Hydraulic breaker compatible
🏗️ Small commercial projects	Powerful enough for 8-ton class work
🌾 Agriculture	Auger, rake, thumb attachments

The Cat 308E2 CR is widely regarded as one of the best mini excavators in the 8-ton class, combining Caterpillar's legendary reliability with modern Tier 4 Final technology, excellent fuel economy, and superior operator comfort. It's a go-to machine for contractors who need a versatile, compact, and dependable excavator. 🚜💪