The machines are the result of a strategic partnership between Caterpillar and Wacker Neuson announced in June 2010. The alliance agreement covers mini excavators below 3t operating weight, which are developed and built by Wacker Neuson at its plant in Linz, Austria to Caterpillar specifications. Larger Cat mini excavators will continue to be engineered and manufactured in Japan.
“We know that many customers are looking for more options in this size range, and this alliance will give those customers expanded choices to help them grow their business,” says Mary Bell, Caterpillar’s vice president with responsibility for the Building and Construction Products division. Additional new models are expected to join the line-up later this year.
300.9D
The 935kg machine, the smallest machine in the Caterpillar range, has the model name 300.9D. With an overall width of just 730mm, it can be driven through a standard doorway for access to confined job sites.
A water-cooled three-cylinder diesel engine produces 13.7kW. A twin-gear pump hydraulic system creates a maximum arm crowd force of 4.5kN and a maximum breakout force of 8.9kN. The machine comes equipped with an extending undercarriage and fold-out dozer blade to maximise stability and give a digging depth of up to 1,731mm and a maximum excavation radius of 3,074mm.
A foldable overhead protective structure is mounted on the front of the machine, allowing the fitting of an additional guard to protect the operator when the machine is used with a hydraulic breaker. Auxiliary hydraulic lines with quick disconnect fittings are supplied as standard, with two-way hydraulic flow available as an option. Caterpillar’s work tool division will be introducing a new compact breaker specifically to work with this smaller machine.
301.4C
With an operating weight of 1,325kg - 1,515kg, depending on specification, the Cat 301.4C fits into the line-up below the current 301.6C and 301.8C, extending choice in the popular 1.5t market. The machine is available with a choice of cab or FOPS/TOPS canopy, and with standard or extending width undercarriage.
Power comes from a 17.9kW engine and the machine boasts a maximum bucket breakout force of 16.0 kN and a stick force of 7kN. With the standard dipper arm the maximum digging depth is 2,240mm and reach at ground level extends to 3,640mm. Maximum lift capacity to the front of the machine is 715kg. Lift capacity over the side of the machine is 335kg with the standard 990mm width tracks, rising to 495kg with the optional 1,300mm extending tracks.
Standard equipment includes single and two-way auxiliary hydraulic lines, a sturdy dozer blade, a suspension seat and a hydraulic oil cooler. The machine will have a bucket linkage that allows the use of a wide range of Cat buckets, quick couplers and powered work tools. Options range from boom check valves and a mechanical quick coupler, to bio oil compatibility and ecology drain points for the engine and hydraulic tank.
302.7D CR
Tipping the scales at 2,577kg with a canopy and 2,670kg with full cab, the 302.7D CR is Cat’s lightest compact radius model, making it easy to transport. Powered by the same 17.9kW engine as the 301.4C, the machine has a load sensing hydraulic system, providing a maximum bucket force of 22.5kN and a maximum stick force of 21.76kN with the shorter of two dipper arms.
Two-way auxiliary lines are standard, equipped with quick disconnects for rapid work tool changeover. A joystick-mounted proportional auxiliary control allows for fine control of a range of powered attachments. The dozer blade offers added stability when digging, and a float function on the dozer control allows operators to grade and push with confidence.
Maximum lift capacity with the standard stick is 965kg, while still maintaining an impressive 955kg with the optional long dipper arm and additional counterweight. When lifting over the side the extra counterweight allows a higher 623kg maximum lift capacity, compared to 560kg with the standard dipper and rear end combination. Boom hose burst check valves are available as an option, along with a mechanical quick coupler and ecology drain points for engine and hydraulic oils.
Basic Specifications
|
Cat 300.9D |
Cat 301.4C |
Cat 302.7D CR |
|
|
Operating weight canopy/cab, kg (lbs) |
Canopy 935 (2,061) |
1,325 (2,921) / 1,515 (3,340) |
2,577 (5,681) / 2,670 (5,886) |
|
Engine output, kW (hp) |
13.7 (18.4) |
17.9 (24) |
17.9 (24) |
|
Max arm crowd force, kN (lbf) |
4.5 (1,011) |
7.1 (1,596). |
15.4 (3,462) |
|
Max breakout force, kN (lbf) |
8.9 (2,000) |
16.0 (3,597) |
22.5 (5,058) |
|
Track width retracted/extended, mm (in) |
700 (27.6) / 850 (33.5) |
990 (39) / 1,300 (51.2) |
Retracted 1,57 (61.8) |
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