Used Caterpillar 306.5 Excavator

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Caterpillar 306.5 Compact Hydraulic Excavator Detailed Introduction

The Caterpillar 306.5 is a 6-ton class next-generation compact excavator under Cat’s 300 series small excavator lineup, positioned as a high-efficiency, versatile workhorse designed for narrow-space operations, balancing power output, fuel economy, maneuverability and long-term durability. It is widely favored by individual contractors, landscaping teams, utility construction crews and rental fleets worldwide.

1. Core Specifications

Parameter	Details
Operating Weight	6,300–6,800 kg (13,889–14,991 lb), varies by configuration (cab/canopy, bucket size, attachments)
Engine	Cat C2.4 DI turbocharged diesel engine - Emission standard: EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final (regulated markets) / Stage IIIA (unregulated markets, no aftertreatment required) - Net rated power: 43 kW (57 hp) @ 2,200 rpm
Bucket Capacity	0.22–0.52 m³ (0.29–0.68 cu yd)
Max. Digging Depth	4,075 mm (13 ft 4 in)
Max. Reach at Ground Level	6,265 mm (20 ft 7 in)
Max. Dump Height	4,365 mm (14 ft 4 in)
Tail Swing Radius	1,750 mm (5 ft 9 in) (compact zero-offset tail design, suitable for narrow job sites)
Travel Speed	Low: 2.8 km/h (1.7 mph); High: 4.5 km/h (2.8 mph)
Gradeability	30°
Hydraulic System	Load-sensing system, max flow 132 L/min (34.9 gpm), working pressure 28 MPa (4,060 psi)

2. Performance Highlights

Power & Fuel Efficiency

The proven Cat C2.4 engine delivers high torque at low rpm, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10% compared to the previous generation 306 model without sacrificing digging force. The auto idle and auto engine shutdown functions further cut unnecessary fuel waste during standby periods.

Hydraulic Performance

The load-sensing hydraulic system with independent flow distribution ensures smooth, precise control of compound movements (simultaneous digging, swinging and lifting), making it ideal for fine operations such as pipe laying and landscape shaping. Users can opt for 1 or 2 auxiliary hydraulic circuits to support a full range of attachments: breakers, grapples, augers, brush cutters, etc. The optional hydraulic quick coupler allows operators to switch attachments in 10 seconds without leaving the cab.

Maneuverability

The compact body and short tail swing design allow the machine to operate freely in narrow urban streets, residential construction sites and indoor demolition scenarios, with no risk of colliding with surrounding obstacles.

3. Operator Comfort

The cab meets ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) safety standards, with sound insulation design that limits internal noise to only 74 dB(A).
Fully adjustable suspension seat, ergonomic joystick controls with low operating force, reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.
Standard automatic climate control system with multi-position air vents, Bluetooth radio, USB charging port, and a large LCD monitor that displays real-time fuel consumption, working hours, fault codes and maintenance reminders.
Ultra-wide front, top and side glass provides 360° unobstructed visibility, eliminating blind spots when operating near obstacles or lifting loads to height. A canopy version is available for warm climate markets and cost-sensitive users.

4. Serviceability & Durability

All daily maintenance points (engine oil filter, fuel filters, air filter, hydraulic oil level gauge) are accessible at ground level, eliminating the need to climb onto the machine for routine checks.
Extended service intervals: 500 hours for engine oil change, 3,000 hours for hydraulic oil replacement, greatly reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Built-in Cat Product Link™ telematics system enables remote monitoring of machine location, operating status, fuel consumption and fault alerts, helping fleet managers optimize scheduling and prevent unexpected failures.
Reinforced boom, stick and undercarriage are designed to withstand heavy-duty operations, with a proven service life 15% longer than competing models in the same class, and extremely high residual value in the second-hand market.

5. Safety Features

Standard hydraulic lockout lever: all operating movements are disabled when the lever is lifted, preventing accidental operation.
Standard travel alarm and reversing buzzer, optional rearview camera or 360° surround view camera system for improved safety in crowded job sites.
Anti-slip walking platform and handrails for safe maintenance even in wet or icy conditions.
Optional high-brightness LED work lights (4 or 6 units) support safe night operation.

6. Typical Applications

Urban construction: trench digging, foundation excavation, small site demolition in narrow street zones
Landscaping: tree pit digging, site grading, landscape material handling
Utility construction: water, gas, communication pipe laying, cable trench excavation
Agricultural work: irrigation ditch digging, farmland leveling, agricultural material loading and unloading
Material handling: construction waste transfer, bulk material loading on small job sites

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Caterpillar 306.5 Excavator

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