Caterpillar Announces Updates to Backhoe Loaders, Mini Excavators

Caterpillar is announcing updates to the Cat 440 and 450 Backhoe Loaders, 303.5 CR Mini Excavator and the 5- to 10-tonne Mini Excavators.

Cat 440, 450 Backhoe Loaders

The next generation Cat 440 and 450 Backhoe Loaders feature improved machine performance, an advanced hydraulic system and increased versatility compared to previous models. Offering more operator choice and advanced machine control, these new models also feature the efficient Cat C3.6 engine and the latest Product Link technology.

“This design transition to the new 440 and 450 backhoe loaders aligns with the next generation 416 through 430 series models in both engine platform and electronic architecture,” said David Young, Senior Product Consultant, Caterpillar. “Having similar platforms throughout the range provides more component commonality and enhanced operating similarity benefits for customers

“We’ve also integrated Cat Soft Key and Touchscreen display options, as well as a new pod-mounted joystick option, giving operators more choice over machine control. On the 450, we updated the design of the 4-lever hoe control option. Prior to this update, it was a mechanical linkage design and now has four electronic levers. This new electronic setup also has the ability to set response and modulation rates for the boom, stick, bucket and swing functions.”

303.5 CR Mini Excavator

The next generation compact radius Cat 303.5 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator features a significant software update designed to improve transient speeds up to 25% compared to previous 303.5 CR next gen models.

“While the top end speed hasn’t changed, how the machine gets from ‘0 to 60’ has. It’s much faster from the start,” said Greg Worley, Market Professional, Cat mini excavators.

The 303.5 CR’s more dynamic design with quick transient speeds helps to reposition the excavator in a shorter period, limiting the time the machine is not working. This results in contractors being up to 35% more productive at the jobsite, depending on application and conditions.

The update is compatible with all next generation builds dating back to the first production models in 2021. The current software version is available on the excavator’s operating monitor, and customers can get the latest update from their Cat dealer.

5- to 10-tonne Mini Excavators

Caterpillar is announcing multiple enhancements to its Cat 305 CR, 308 CR, 309 CR and 310 Mini Hydraulic Excavator models. The compact radius Cat 305 CR now joins the 6- to 10-tonne class models to offer mini hydraulic excavator (MHE) ease-of-use (EOU) E-Fence and Indicate features for software-enabled attachment versions. The 305 CR now ships from the factory EOU ready for cab and premium canopy designs or can be ordered from the factory already installed.

Automatically constraining machine motion within preset boundaries, E-Fence is designed to allow operators the ability to work confidently and efficiently by avoiding structures overhead, underground, in front, or to the left or right of the excavator. E-Fence features include:

Ceiling – helps operators avoid overhead obstacles such as powerlines, ceilings or tree limbs.
Floor – defined depth limits help protect underground fiberoptic cables and utilities.
Wall – operating limits protects structures in front of the excavator.
Swing – ideal for avoiding swinging into live traffic areas or walkways and to help with truck loading.
An entry-level grade system now available for the 305 CR, Indicate, gives operators visual and audible indications to bucket position, relative to target grade, to assist with meeting exact specifications the first time. The operator selects target depth and slope from the in-cab guidance system, and the monitor provides real-time feedback.

Taking the EOU Indicate to the next level, a Laser Catcher option is available for all next generation Cat EOU models in the 5- to 10-tonne class. Working with a laser transmitter, Laser Catcher may provide customers with greater peace of mind when working on large jobsites that require multiple excavator repositions. It can be ordered from the factory or installed via an aftermarket kit and retrofitted to first-production EOU machines. Tags: Caterpillar