How to choose mini excavator
The main advantage of a mini excavator is its manoeuvrability and ability to work in confined spaces. When choosing a new mini excavator, you have to ask yourselves and to fully understand what it is exactly that you are looking for. One of the key features that a vendor will specify is excavator’s total power. The overall power is more important for theoretical comparisons, but has only minimal value in practice. A more specific criteria for selecting an excavator is its digging force expressed in kN (kilonewtons). The digging force is the strength of the mechanical action on the soil, which causes the bucket to sink into the ground.
So what do you really need to know about mini excavators and what exact type do you really need?
First of all, you have to define the basic tasks of your new mini excavator, i.e., how often and how deep you will dig, whether you will use the mini excavator as a crane, mount a hydraulic drill, a hammer, or a brushcutter, and what will be its operating conditions. Only this will you help you to decide what characteristics and equipment is the best for you. For example, some small excavators are good for excavation works, whereas loading a dump truck or another task would seem quite problematic. If the main volume of works consists of shallow trenching, then buying ultra high-power equipment makes no sense. However, if frequent and deep digging, various drilling operations, and loading onto vehicles are required, then you should consider purchasing a mini excavator of higher capacity, higher maximum weight and greater digging depth.
Below we will discuss main criterias for choosing a new mini excavator. Let us look at a new generation of 1-2 tonne Cat® mini excavators made by Caterpillar, one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction machinery.
MAIN SELECTION CRITERIAS: 1-2 tonnes mini excavators
It is quite difficult to determine which mini excavator is better. To do that, one should pay attention to its intended use and functionality. Various operational tasks of this small machine may include:
- Trenching, cable laying, gasification, water supply or sewage system installation
- Loading bulk materials onto a vehicle
- Excavation of various rocks or digging ditches;
- Site clearance
- Other works done with a hydraulic drill, hammer, brushcutter, etc.
301.5 AND 301.6 MODELS:
When it comes to executing tasks, it is important to consider how efficient the new mini excavator will be. For example, the installation of communications or power cables requires a trench with a depth of 80 cm. If the excavator is purchased for these purposes only, you will perfectly execute them with Cat 301.5 / 301.6. Working with these mini excavators in small spaces is easy and convenient.
Continuous track is another criterion that demonstrates the superior performance of this machine in all weather conditions. Besides, this tracked chassis can be widened from 990 mm to 1300 mm at the touch of a button on the control panel. Due to the low weight of the excavator, it can be transported to the site even on a trailer pulled by a more powerful car. A continuous track, its widening and a low total weight are common to all Cat® mini excavators weighing 1-2 t.
301.8 AND 302 CR MODELS:
Trenching of water supply and sewage networks requires more powerful equipment. Here you might wonder if you could do with a mini excavator of a smaller digging force? You could, but in this case you should not expect any efficiency. However, the Cat 301.8 and 302 CR mini excavators are specially designed for this kind of work.Compared to previous models, the operating costs of these excavators are smaller by as much as 15%. In addition, they have a higher digging force, which was made possible because of the higher working pressure in the hydraulic system (refer to the table for comparative parameters for the new Cat models weighing 1-2 tonnes).
These mini excavators do a great job of deeper trenching, digging ditches, or loading onto low-sided trucks. In addition, the cabs of these new models are easy to lift, making maintenance easier, faster and cheaper. For example, lifting the cab gives you full access during inspection and maintenance. Hydraulic control, lubrication, filter inspection and replacement points are easily accessible. This ensures quick service and maintenance.
A higher digging power and manoeuvrability mean that excavation works can be done within shorter periods of time.
Besides, these excavators feature:
- variable-speed hydraulic pump,
- automatic idle speed mode,
- automatic chassis two-speed mode
- digging load setting mode
All these feautures optimize not only the hydraulic power and performance, but also fuel consumption of these machines.
Comparative parameters for the new Cat® mini excavator models weighing 1-2 tonnes:
| Model | 301.5 / 301.6 | 301.8 | 302CR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall power, kW/HP | 16.1 kW/ 21.6 HP | 16.1 kW/ 21.6 HP | 16.1 kW/ 21.6 HP |
| Digging force, kN | 7.2 | 9.8 | 9.8 |
| Operating pressure during excavation, bar | 213 | 245 | 245 |
| Tracks width, mm | 990 mm (retracted) 1 300 mm (widened) | 990 mm (retracted) 1 300 mm (widened) | 1 090 mm (retracted) 1 400 mm (widened) |
| Max digging depth, mm | 2340 (with a standard-length stick) | 2370 (with a standard-length stick) | 2370 (with a standard-length stick) |
| Wight (max), kg | 301.5 – 1760 301.6 – 1960 | 2 025 | 2 200 |
1-2 tonnes Cat mini excavators at work
MINI EXCAVATOR CONTROL
Cat® mini excavators from 1 to 2 tonnes are equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic system for the highest quality, safety and comfort. You need minimum skills to operate these excavators, but in order to get the most out of them, a thorough familiarity with its technical features is required. When operating the Cat mini excavator, the operator only uses the internal controls of the adjustment and management display.
Today’s mini excavator operators come from a generation that grew up playing computer games, so learning how to use a joystick to control mini excavator operations is not that complicated. With the touch of a button, you can take over the control from the pedals and levers, i.e., the left-hand joystick has a yellow button that activates the system allowing you to use the joystick to move forward, backward and turn.
With this system turned off, you can drive or make turns as you would with a conventional mini excavator, using traditional foot pedals. You can use the right-hand joystick to adjust the blade, boom and bucket operation, or the tilt angle of a mounted tool (e.g., hydraulic hammer).
INTERIOR AND COMFORT OF OPERATOR CAB
The operator’s cab is a comfortable workplace with an adjustable suspension seat, wrist rests, inertia-reel seat belts as well as opening windscreen and skylight.
The LCD screen allows you to check key readings, including the performance and fuel consumption. By linking your smartphone, you will receive all phone calls directly from the display. The display also allows you to adjust the air temperature in the cab. The Bluetooth feature lets you find your favourite radio station or listen to your own playlist, and when you start the engine you certainly will not hear the noise from the engine – the excavator is soundproof.
With the local language set on the display, you can use the buttons to control the speed of the hydraulic system, select the level of response to the joystick movement, or activate the cruise control mode. All of these functions can be controlled not only using buttons on the monitor, but also the lever knob on the right side of the operator’s seat.
Fault Detection and Troubleshooting
- Breakdowns in Cat mini excavators are relatively rare, but improper maintenance of many important parts may result in their failure. These machines have many advantages and require regular maintenance, high quality original parts and consumables to maintain their proper functioning. Therefore, check the mini excavator before each start, i.e., go around and make sure that there are no cracks, loose bolts or studs, and no traces of grease leakage.
- These machines must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This means that not only the performance of routine maintenance tasks is required, but also timely lubrication of friction bushings, cleaning of dirt accumulated on the excavator, and any other procedures necessary to maintain the machine in working order. Performing the said procedures in a timely manner will help to prevent serious excavator failures.
- Mini excavators have many functions and in some cases are used to perform non-standard tasks. For example, depending on the customer’s needs, the excavators may be equipped with accessories such as hydraulic scissors or hydraulic hammers that may accelerate the wear of bushings or even separate assemblies. In such a case, additional and more frequent maintenance is required.
- Although the internal combustion engines of Cat® mini excavators are very reliable, improper use of machinery, lack of regular maintenance or normal wear and tear may damage even the most durable equipment. Occasionally it may be necessary to clean or replace the nozzles or to repair and adjust the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Although rare, faults may also occur in the electronic sensing and control system. However, if the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and guidelines are followed, the Cat® mini excavators will amaze you with their reliability, performance, economy and durability.
MAIN FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES OF 1-2 TONNES CAT MINI EXCAVATORS
The need for precision in construction is increasing day by day. Therefore Caterpillar’s primary goal is to equip the construction machinery with modern semi-automated control systems. These new mini excavators have been proving their reliability in difficult conditions for years, so it is no wonder that this is the world’s most popular brand in the mini excavator market.
For more information about Cat® Mini Excavators and how to choose it for your business needs, please contact our representative:
in Estonia: info.ee@avesco-cat.com
in Latvia: info.lv@avesco-cat.com
in Lithuania: info.lt@avesco-cat.com
