Used Caterpillar 308E2 Excavator

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CATERPILLAR 308E2 Compact Hydraulic Excavator Detailed Introduction

The Caterpillar 308E2 is a representative 8-ton class compact excavator in Cat’s E2 small excavator lineup, engineered to balance high performance, fuel efficiency, maneuverability and low total cost of ownership. It is widely favored by independent contractors, rental fleet operators and municipal construction teams for adaptability to both tight-space operations and medium-load working conditions.

1. Core Specifications

Parameter	Detail
Operating Weight	7,800 kg – 8,800 kg (varies by counterweight, bucket and attachment configuration)
Engine Model	Caterpillar C3.3B DI 4-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine
Gross Power	52.4 kW (70 hp) at 2,200 rpm
Emission Standard	EU Stage IIIB / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final
Bucket Capacity Range	0.22 m³ – 0.52 m³
Max Digging Depth (standard arm)	4,310 mm
Max Horizontal Digging Reach	6,760 mm
Max Dump Height	4,870 mm
Swing Speed	11 rpm
Max Travel Speed	4.8 km/h
Drawbar Pull	71 kN

2. Powertrain & Hydraulic System

The C3.3B engine is fitted with a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system and optimized combustion chamber, delivering strong low-rpm torque and reducing fuel consumption by up to 10% compared to the earlier 308E model. It is equipped with an automatic idle shutdown function that cuts off the engine after a preset period of inactivity, minimizing unnecessary fuel waste and extending engine service life.

Its load-sensing hydraulic system adjusts oil flow output dynamically according to actual operation demand, ensuring smooth and lag-free compound movements (boom, arm, swing and travel can be operated simultaneously). The system supports precise control for fine grading and delicate operations. Standard auxiliary hydraulic lines deliver 90 L/min of flow, compatible with most common work tools on the market.

3. Operator Comfort & Safety

The cab is standardly ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) certified, providing maximum safety for operators in high-risk working scenarios.

The sealed, pressurized cab blocks dust ingress and keeps interior noise below 75 dB(A), creating a quiet working environment.
A fully adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support reduces fatigue during long hours of continuous operation.
Ergonomic low-effort joysticks are positioned within easy reach, and a high-resolution multilingual color LCD monitor displays real-time operating parameters, fault alerts and maintenance reminders.
Optional rearview camera eliminates reversing blind spots, and a standard travel alarm alerts bystanders near the machine.

4. Structural Durability

All key structural components (boom, arm, upper and lower frames) are made of high-tensile strength steel and undergo strict fatigue testing to withstand long-term heavy-load operation:

The reinforced X-type lower frame is fitted with sealed lubricated track chains, heavy-duty idlers and carrier rollers, with an undercarriage lubrication interval of up to 1,000 hours.
The large-diameter swing bearing has high load capacity, ensuring stable operation even when lifting heavy loads or working on sloped ground.
All pins and bushings are coated with wear-resistant material, extending service life and reducing component play.

5. Serviceability & Total Cost of Ownership

All daily service points (engine oil filter, fuel filters, air filter, hydraulic oil check ports) are arranged at ground level on the same side of the machine, allowing routine maintenance to be completed without climbing onto the upper frame.Extended service intervals greatly reduce downtime: engine oil and filter replacement every 500 operating hours, hydraulic oil and filter replacement every 4,000 operating hours, and air filter replacement every 2,000 hours under normal working conditions.The standard Caterpillar Product Link™ telematics system supports remote monitoring of machine location, working hours, fuel consumption, fault codes and maintenance schedules, helping fleet managers optimize operation efficiency and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Supported by Caterpillar’s global after-sales network, genuine spare parts are easily accessible, and the model maintains a very high residual value in the second-hand market.

6. Typical Application Scenarios

The 308E2 is highly versatile for a wide range of working scenarios:

Municipal engineering: Trenching for pipeline installation, road repair, sidewalk construction and urban green space maintenance
Landscaping: Tree planting hole digging, terrain grading and site clearing
Small-scale demolition: Low-rise building demolition, concrete breaking and construction waste removal (when fitted with a hydraulic breaker)
Agricultural infrastructure: Irrigation ditch excavation, farmland leveling and agricultural facility construction
Rural residential construction: Foundation digging, material handling and site cleanupIt is also one of the best-selling models in the 6-10 ton compact excavator rental segment globally.

7. Optional Attachments

To expand its functionality, the 308E2 supports full Cat genuine work tools, including general purpose buckets, heavy-duty rock buckets, ditch cleaning buckets, hydraulic breakers, augers, hydraulic grapples, rippers, and quick couplers (which allow tool switching in less than 30 seconds without operators leaving the cab).

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Caterpillar 308E2 Excavator

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