Video: Cat Expands Next Gen Mini Excavator Tech with New Software, Controls and Attachments
Caterpillar continues to push more technology into its 1- to 10-ton mini excavator line. At Equip Expo 2025 in Louisville, Compact Equipment’s Machine Heads crew caught up with Greg Worley, Cat marketing professional for mini excavators, for a walkaround of the latest updates. The result is a lineup that digs smarter, moves faster and runs more tools without a redesign.
Ease of Use Comes to the 305 CR
Cat’s entry-level Ease of Use (EOU) grade control now extends down to the 5-metric-ton 305 CR. The system uses onboard sensors and an advanced touchscreen monitor to give operators depth and slope guidance in the cab or canopy configuration. The 305 CR now joins Cat’s larger minis in offering EOU Indicate and E-Fence. Indicate gives visual guidance to reach a target depth or slope. E-Fence lets operators set virtual limits so the boom, stick or bucket will not travel past a ceiling, floor, wall or swing boundary. The EOU hardware installs in a few hours at the dealer or factory. Software packages then unlock the Indicate and E-Fence features.
Laser Catcher Ready for 5- to 10-Ton Units
EOU originally relied on Earth reference only. Worley notes some customers still want a laser for added confidence. Cat now offers a laser catcher ready option on its 5- to 10-ton next generation mini excavators. Contractors can add a laser catcher kit at purchase or as an aftermarket upgrade. With a rotating laser and receiver, the system maintains grade accuracy as the machine moves across the site. It gives contractors a step between basic indicate systems and high-end 2D or 3D grade control.
Software Update Reimagines the 303.5 CR
One of the most interesting changes never touches steel. Cat engineers retuned the software on the 303.5 CR compact radius excavator. The update focuses on transient travel speed. Top travel speed stays the same. How fast the machine accelerates to that speed changes. Cat says the 303.5 CR now reaches its travel pace up to 25 percent faster. That quicker repositioning can boost productivity as much as 35 percent depending on the work. The software ships on new 303.5 CR units built from April 2025. Owners of earlier next generation 303.5 CR machines can visit their Cat dealer and have the new code installed.
Smart Pumps Support Power and Efficiency
These updates build on Cat’s electronic, or “smart,” pump strategy. Every next generation mini excavator from 1.5 to 10 tons uses a variable displacement piston pump with electronic control. The pump monitors hydraulic load, ambient conditions, machine fluids and even altitude. It adjusts output to stay on the engine lug curve. The goal is consistent power and fuel efficiency whether the machine works at sea level or elevation.
New Engine and Angle Blade for the 308
The 8- to 10-ton machines also see hardware changes. The latest 308, 309 and 310 models move from the Cat C3.3 to the smaller displacement Cat C2.8 engine while maintaining performance. Cat also introduces an angle blade option for the 308. Operators can travel with Stick Steer in the left hand and angle the blade with the right joystick. That setup lets the 8-ton excavator handle backfilling and cleanup like a small dozer. A 60-in. power tilt bucket is now available on the 308, 309 and 310. The line also gains a third auxiliary hydraulic circuit to support more complex hydromechanical tools. Rearview cameras remain standard. The 310 adds a factory side camera, and the 308 and 309 can equip a side camera on the blind side.
Rotating Grapple Expands Attachment Options
Worley closes the walkaround with a look at Cat’s G306 rotating grapple mounted on a Centennial edition 305. The attachment offers 360-degree rotation, tilt via the bucket cylinder and a grapple for handling logs or debris. Cat sees growing demand for more specialized attachments to stretch what mini excavators can do in a day.
Watch the Full Machine Heads Interview
Want to see the systems and attachments up close? Watch the full Machine Heads episode with Greg Worley from Equip Expo 2025 above. Then visit Compact Equipment’s YouTube channel, and find more coverage of compact excavators and technology.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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