Used Caterpillar 301.5CR Excavator

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CATERPILLAR 301.5CR Mini Excavator Detailed Introduction

Overview

The Caterpillar 301.5CR is a 1.5-ton class compact radius (CR) mini excavator, positioned in Cat’s 1-2 ton light-duty excavator product line, purpose-built for ultra-narrow work environments. Its signature zero-tail-swing design (the upper structure never extends beyond the track width during full 360° rotation) makes it a top choice for confined jobsites, balancing high working efficiency, reliability and low operating cost for both individual operators and small construction fleets.

Key Specifications (Standard Configuration)

Item	Parameter
Operating Weight	1,680 – 1,890 kg (3,704 – 4,167 lb)
Engine Model	Cat C1.1 3-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine
Rated Net Power	16.1 kW (21.6 hp) @ 2,400 rpm
Emission Standard	EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, no diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue/DEF) required
Maximum Digging Depth	2,310 mm (7 ft 7 in)
Maximum Digging Reach at Ground Level	3,990 mm (13 ft 1 in)
Maximum Bucket Breakout Force	15.6 kN (3,507 lbf)
Maximum Stick Breakout Force	9.4 kN (2,113 lbf)
Travel Speed (High/Low)	4.4 km/h / 2.4 km/h (2.7 mph / 1.5 mph)
Adjustable Track Width	990 mm (3 ft 3 in) (retracted) – 1,350 mm (4 ft 5 in) (extended)
Fuel Tank Capacity	40 L (10.6 gal)
Hydraulic Oil Capacity	28 L (7.4 gal)

Core Design & Maneuverability Features

Zero-Tail-Swing Compact Structure: Unlike conventional mini excavators, the 301.5CR’s rear upper frame does not protrude beyond the track edge during full rotation, eliminating collision risks with surrounding walls, obstacles or pedestrians when working in narrow alleys, indoor spaces or near buildings.
Hydraulic Variable Track System: The track can be retracted to less than 1 meter wide, allowing the machine to pass through narrow doorways, elevators and confined passages; when extended, it greatly improves whole-machine stability during heavy digging or lifting operations.
Multi-Function Dozer Blade: Equipped with a standard dozer blade with float function for efficient backfilling, ground leveling and slope finishing. An optional extended dozer blade is available to further enhance stability on uneven ground.

Performance & Versatility

Load-Sensing Hydraulic System: The system delivers precise, smooth and responsive control for simultaneous multi-action operations (e.g. boom lifting, slewing and bucket curling at the same time), making it ideal for fine work such as trench digging, planting pit excavation and precision demolition.
Low-Consumption Reliable Powertrain: The Cat C1.1 engine features high low-end torque, low fuel consumption and low noise emission. It adopts passive DPF regeneration technology, no manual regeneration operation or DEF addition is required, reducing daily operation trouble.
Wide Attachment Compatibility: Pre-configured with standard auxiliary hydraulic lines and supports quick coupler installation, it can be matched with a full range of Cat attachments including hydraulic breakers, augers, grapples, brush cutters and sweepers, adapting to almost all light-duty construction and maintenance scenarios.

Operator Comfort & Safety

The 301.5CR offers two cabin options for different use scenarios:

Canopy configuration: Open design with 360° unobstructed vision, suitable for warm climate and short-term operations, with lower purchase cost.
Closed cab configuration: Equipped with HVAC heating and cooling system, sound insulation material and sealed doors/windows, providing a comfortable working environment in extreme weather or dusty jobsites.

Other standard comfort and safety configurations:

Adjustable suspension seat with excellent shock absorption, reducing operator fatigue during long hours of work
Industry-standard pilot control layout (right joystick for boom and bucket, left joystick for slewing and stick), easy to master for new operators
ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) certified protective frame, effectively protecting operator safety in case of rollover or falling construction waste
Highly visible emergency stop button and anti-slip foot pedal design, eliminating potential safety hazards

Maintenance & Total Cost of Ownership

Ground-Level Service Access: All daily inspection points (engine oil level, air filter, fuel filter, hydraulic oil level) are arranged at the side of the machine, accessible without climbing onto the upper frame, greatly shortening daily maintenance time.
Long Service Interval: The hydraulic oil filter replacement interval reaches 2,000 working hours, engine oil and filter replacement interval is 500 hours, and the air filter service life is up to 1,000 hours, reducing equipment downtime and maintenance cost.
Intelligent Management: Equipped with standard Cat Product Link™ telematics system, which supports remote monitoring of equipment location, operating hours, fuel consumption and maintenance reminders, helping fleet managers improve management efficiency and prevent equipment theft.
High Residual Value: Caterpillar’s global after-sales service network guarantees sufficient spare parts supply and professional technical support. The 301.5CR has a much higher second-hand residual value than other similar products in the market, greatly reducing the total life cycle cost for users.

Typical Application Scenarios

Urban municipal maintenance: Trench digging for water/electricity/gas pipelines, sidewalk repair, street greening construction
Interior demolition and renovation: Can enter elevators and work on upper floors, suitable for interior wall demolition, floor chiseling and waste removal in commercial and residential buildings
Landscaping: Planting pit excavation, terrain leveling, irrigation ditch digging, nursery operation
Agricultural operation: Greenhouse construction, livestock farm cleaning, small farmland water conservancy projects
Narrow space operation: Tunnel construction, indoor factory reconstruction, old town renovation projects

Core Competitive Advantages

Industry-leading ultra-compact design, variable track and zero-tail-swing structure, adapting to the narrowest working scenarios
Original Cat powertrain and hydraulic system, high reliability and stable performance, with a service life of more than 10,000 hours under regular maintenance
Low operation and maintenance cost, low fuel consumption and long service intervals
Complete safety configuration and comfortable operating environment, reducing operator labor intensity
Rich attachment options, realizing one machine for multiple purposes and improving equipment utilization rate
Perfect global after-sales service system and high second-hand residual value, bringing higher return on investment for users.

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Caterpillar 301.5CR Excavator

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