Used Caterpillar 303.5E Excavator

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Caterpillar 303.5E CR Compact Hydraulic Mini Excavator Detailed Introduction

The Caterpillar 303.5E CR (Compact Radius) is a 3-4 ton class mini excavator under Caterpillar’s E-series compact equipment lineup, engineered for high efficiency, low operating cost and flexible operation in confined spaces. It is widely favored by landscaping contractors, residential builders, rental fleet operators and municipal maintenance teams for its class-leading durability, precise control and Caterpillar’s global after-sales support.

1. Core Specifications

Parameter	Details
Operating Weight	3,400 – 3,850 kg (7,496 – 8,488 lbs, varies by cab/canopy configuration and attachments)
Engine Model	Cat C1.7 4-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine
Net Rated Power	18.4 kW (24.7 hp) @ 2,400 rpm
Emission Standard	U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V (for regulated markets); lower-emission versions available for non-regulated regions
Max Digging Depth (standard arm)	3,110 mm (10 ft 2 in)
Max Digging Reach (ground level)	5,360 mm (17 ft 7 in)
Max Dump Height	2,340 mm (7 ft 8 in)
Bucket Breakout Force	27.4 kN (6,160 lbf)
Stick Digging Force	18.2 kN (4,090 lbf)
Travel Speed (high/low)	4.5 / 2.4 km/h (2.8 / 1.5 mph)
Swing Speed	9 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	55 L (14.5 gal)
Hydraulic Tank Capacity	40 L (10.6 gal)
Standard Bucket Capacity	0.05 – 0.18 m³ (0.065 – 0.235 yd³)

2. Key Performance Features

2.1 Zero Tail Swing Design

The 303.5E CR adopts a true zero-tail-swing structure: its rear counterweight never extends beyond the width of the tracks when rotating, making it perfectly suitable for operation next to walls, inside buildings, on narrow urban roads and other confined job sites where space is limited.

2.2 High Efficiency & Low Fuel Consumption

The power and hydraulic system are optimized for matching: fuel consumption is 10% lower than the previous generation D-series 3-ton excavator, while maintaining fast cycle speeds and strong breakout force for heavy-load operations such as hard soil digging and demolition. The load-sensing hydraulic system delivers smooth, precise control for fine work like trench digging, pipe laying and landscape shaping, with minimal operation jerk.

2.3 Attachment Compatibility

The machine is equipped with an optional adjustable auxiliary hydraulic circuit (single/double acting, flow adjustable from 10 to 74 L/min), which supports a full range of Caterpillar work tools including hydraulic breakers, augers, grapples, plate compactors and rippers. A quick coupler option allows operators to switch between attachments in 10 seconds without leaving the cab.

3. Engine & Hydraulic System

Engine

The Cat C1.7 engine features excellent cold-start performance (can start normally at -15°C without preheating aids) and low noise output. For emission-compliant versions, it is fitted with a passive diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration system that runs automatically during operation, requiring no operator intervention and no work interruption.

Hydraulic System

The load-sensing hydraulic system delivers pressure and flow on demand based on operation load, reducing unnecessary energy loss. All core hydraulic components are Caterpillar genuine parts, with wear-resistant seals that extend service life and reduce leakage risks. The main pump delivers a maximum flow of 74 L/min, ensuring fast response of the boom, stick and travel system.

4. Operator Comfort

Two operator protection configurations are available:

ROPS/FOPS certified open canopy: Lightweight, low height, suitable for low-clearance operation scenarios;
Enclosed pressurized cab: Fitted with heating and air conditioning system, sound insulation material keeps interior noise as low as 75 dB(A).Other comfort features include:
Adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support, to reduce fatigue during long-hour operation;
Low-effort pilot control joysticks with adjustable armrests;
LCD monitor that displays real-time operating data (fuel level, water temperature, fault codes, maintenance reminders) clearly;
Utility storage spaces, cup holders and USB charging ports for mobile devices.

5. Durability & Maintenance

All structural parts (boom, stick, chassis) are made of high-strength steel, subjected to 10,000-hour load testing to adapt to heavy-duty operation conditions;
Heavy-duty rubber tracks are standard, with optional steel tracks or rubber track pads to avoid damaging paved surfaces;
All daily maintenance points (engine oil dipstick, air filter, hydraulic oil level gauge, fuel water separator) are arranged at ground-accessible positions, no need to climb on the machine for routine checks;
Extended maintenance intervals: 500 hours for engine oil change, 2000 hours for hydraulic oil change, 1000 hours for air filter replacement, reducing downtime and operating costs;
Optional Cat Product Link™ remote monitoring system, which supports real-time tracking of machine location, operating hours, fuel consumption and fault alerts, making fleet management easier.

6. Safety Features

ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) certified cab/canopy, protects operators from rollover and falling object risks;
Hydraulic lock system: all operation functions are disabled when the safety lever is lifted, avoiding accidental operation;
Standard travel alarm and optional swing alarm, reminds surrounding personnel of moving equipment;
LED working lights with wide illumination range, ensuring clear visibility for night operation;
Anti-slip walkways, reduce fall risks in wet weather;
Emergency boom/stick lowering function, allows operators to lower the work device safely even if the engine shuts down unexpectedly.

7. Typical Applications

Landscaping (digging tree pits, terrain shaping, turf installation)
Residential construction (foundation digging, trench digging for water/electricity/gas pipes)
Indoor demolition and renovation (small enough to enter building interiors)
Municipal maintenance (sidewalk repair, pipe network maintenance, snow removal)
Agricultural operations (ditch cleaning, feed handling, farm infrastructure construction)
Rental market (high reliability, easy maintenance, wide adaptability make it a hot-selling model for rental fleets)

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Caterpillar 303.5E Excavator

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