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Cleveland Brothers

The Next Generation Cat® 308 CR

By: Cleveland Brothers
September 4, 2019

Cat micro and mini excavators have long been an industry leader when it comes to delivering productivity in a small package. In fall 2018, the company announced one of the most significant overhauls to its compact excavator lineup in years, introducing 10 new models ranging in size from 1.5 to 10 tons. These new excavators boast an advanced feature set that’s engineered to improve outcomes regardless of operator skill level, while still delivering all the power and torque you expect from a Cat machine.

Let’s take a deep dive into one of these models, the Cat 308 CR — an 8-ton compact radius excavator with a swing boom. Available in Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia only from Cleveland Brothers, the 308 CR is an excellent choice for any construction or landscaping business considering upgrading its fleet. Here’s why.

New & Exclusive: “Stick Steer” with Cruise Control

The 308 CR excavator also features a stick steer travel mode that lets you switch from conventional lever and pedal operation to a joystick-based system with the touch of a button. It’s never been easier to move around a tight jobsite safely and efficiently.

“Stick Steer” is going to be a new term in the excavator world, changing the way operators get the job done.  With just a push of a button, and a quick confirmation on the Next Generation Monitor, the joysticks convert to controls similar to a skid steer loader.  Meaning, the left joystick becomes the travel controller and the right joystick controls the blade. This intuitive control feature makes backfilling a trench and the site cleanup so much easier than ever before – a revolutionary design that will have equipment operators wanting a new Cat 308CR.

Coupled with the stick steer travel mode is cruise control as a standard feature, allowing you to lock into a travel speed for long trips.  This handy function allows the operator to sit back comfortably while tramming and simply adjusting left or right with the left joystick as needed.  Similarly to the automotive feature, to ensure a safe operator ride, cruise control will be turned off automatically through various triggers: by bumping the left joystick forward or backward, bumping the floor mounted travel levers, or simply turning off the feature on the monitor.

The Caterpillar engineers didn’t stop there.  Alternately, when in stick steer mode and a quick setting change in the Next Generation Monitor, the right joystick can control the boom and bucket functions.  In this configuration, the operator can tram with a load carried by the hoe with great precision and controllability.  This makes setting things like manholes and concrete barriers safer and faster with increased ease of controllability.

Overall, Cat designed the 308 CR to be easy to use and easy to train new or experienced operators. With a set of highly intuitive controls to simply its operation, any operator can navigate even in the roughest terrain and other demanding operating conditions.

Improved Performance

The 308 CR is more than just an agile operator. It also boasts an excellent power-to-weight ratio, delivering best-in-class performance while remaining compact and easy to transport. Choose the 308 CR if you’re looking for a machine that can provide increased lift, swing, travel and torque as well as superior digging performance.

To be specific, the 308 CR can handle a 3560lb load throughout the working area of its hoe.  Compared to the previous series, the new Cat 308 can lift 65% more weight over the front of the tracks and lift 40% more over the side.

When it comes to swing torque, the 308 CR has a new swing system which creates 25% more torque than its predecessor.  As a result, casting a bucket full of dirt uphill is easy work and setting pipe uphill on an awkward slope can be done like never before.

On top of all of the performance increases for lifting and swinging, the travel performance uphill has also been improved, with 25% more torque output at the drive motors.  This allows a faster travel not only on flat ground, but also on a steep grade or when turning.

Combining all of the improvements above, the best-in-class hydraulics are now better managed with the travel capability.  This means that operating the hoe while travelling is more controllable without stalling functions.  As an example, mulching brush along a roadside while tramming is an ability unique to the 308 CR.

The 308 CR is extremely versatile — compatibility with a wide range of buckets, augers, hammers, mulchers and other Cat mini excavator attachments will let you take on more complex jobs with ease. With the right attachments, a single Cat excavator can do the work of several machines, saving you time and money that would otherwise be spent on transportation and maintenance for a larger fleet.

Also available from Cat is the new 308 CR VAB, which adds a variable angle boom to the core design of the 308 CR.  The VAB feature allows the operator to stretch farther and dig in closer than ever before, maximizing the useful working range of the hoe.

Operator Comfort

Staying comfortable on the job leads to improved productivity and better safety outcomes, among other benefits. Fortunately, Cat has engineered the 308 CR from the ground up to reduce fatigue, even over a long shift. The sealed and pressurized cab minimizes noise, vibrations and other distractions and has a redesigned air conditioning system for better climate control. Wrist rests and a suspension seat adjust to accommodate operators of any size.

All units come equipped with a radio built into the Next Generation Monitor with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, as well as a cup holder, molded foot rests, a skylight and other premium features that make for a more comfortable shift.

The Next Generation Monitor

The Next Generation Monitor comes standard with all 308 CR excavators. This bright, LCD monitor provides at-a-glance access to critical machine information and features an ergonomic jog control that’s customizable to your specific preferences.

The Bluetooth feature works amazingly well and easily connects to your mobile phone.  Even with the engine at high RPM, with the cab doors and windows closed, you can speak and hear on the phone without background noise being a problem.

Beyond the stick steer, cruise control, radio and Bluetooth, other features built into the Next Generation Monitor include:

  • a joystick pattern changer
  • quick coupler operation controller (to remove and attach work tools)
  • work tool selector (to optimize machine settings to the work tool)
  • auxiliary flow settings
  • continuous flow function for augers or mowers
  • automatic engine idle controller
  • joystick response settings
  • security management
  • quick short cut buttons along the bottom edge which are completely programmable by the operator for quick access to any of these functions.

Lower Maintenance Requirements

Keeping downtime to a minimum is a priority for any construction or landscaping crew. Cat designed each of its new mini excavators with this fact in mind, and the Cat 308 CR is no exception. Compared to previous models, the new 308 CR has longer service intervals, so you can stay up and running at full capacity with minimal time off for maintenance — and minimal expenses.

In the redesign, there was a specific emphasis on making commonly replaced components like doors, windows and service access doors much more affordable to replace. The new designs are simpler, but also common across the model platform so that these parts can be less expensive since they are made in a higher volume.

As for routine maintenance, all routine checkpoints are located at ground level so that, when maintenance or inspections are required, getting to important serviceable components is quick and easy. And though the 308 CR is a new model, it still uses common Cat parts, so sourcing genuine OEM replacement items is simple, particularly when you work with an authorized dealer like Cleveland Brothers.

Safer Workspaces

Successful construction businesses know that, in any job, the safety of the crew comes first. Hazardous work environments not only put your team at risk, but they can also jeopardize your reputation and profitability.

Well-designed equipment can go a long way toward making your jobsite safer. In addition to being easy to use and train new staff on, the 308 CR has a compact radius design that limits tail overhang, making it easier to operate in tight spaces. Visibility over the right side and rear of excavators has always been an inherent characteristic.  On the re-designed Cat 308 CR, the visibility over the right side and rear has been significantly increased, giving operators more confidence in moving safely.  Other key safety features include courtesy lights, a fluorescent retractable seat belt, a rear window emergency exit and an optional back-up camera, among others.

The courtesy lights allow an operator to safely leave the machine at night with the lights on.  After a set amount of time, the lights turn off automatically.

Benefits at a Glance

A new excavator is a significant investment for any business. When it’s time to expand your fleet, you’ll find that there are advantages to choosing Cat. The company’s newest excavators all deliver:

  • Smarter, more sophisticated controls that can be configured to meet the needs of any job
  • Powerful performance for a small machine, allowing you to take on work in varied terrain
  • An improved operator experience that reduces fatigue and helps your crew stay productive
  • Lower ownership and operating costs thanks to reduced maintenance requirements
  • Less risk of an on-the-job accident

The 308 CR is also extremely fuel-efficient, which is good for the environment and good for your bottom line as well. The unit is powered by a C3.3B diesel engine, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final standards. As a result, you’ll be well-positioned to meet current and future emissions requirements.

See It in Action at Cleveland Brothers

Cleveland Brothers is your exclusive Cat dealer — and the only place in Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia to carry the company’s newest and most innovative products. We’re a longstanding partner to construction crews, landscapers and other clients who rely on heavy and compact equipment to get the job done.

If you’d like to learn more about the 308 CR or other new mini excavators by Cat, we’d be happy to recommend the right model for your needs and budget — check out our New Equipment page to learn more about your options.


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