Each Monday plantspecs.online is posting specs reviews of some of Australia’s top selling mini excavator models as listed in our article on this website. Today it’s Caterpillar’s 301.8.
When it comes to compact excavators that punch above their weight, the Caterpillar 301.8 stands out as a reliable and efficient machine.
Since its first release in 2007, successive updates to this mini excavator have proven the basic configuration on job sites across Australia, offering a balance of power, agility, and versatility.
Whether you’re digging trenches, landscaping, or working in tight urban spaces, the Cat 301.8 delivers performance without compromise.
At the heart of the 301.8 is the Cat C1.1 diesel engine, compliant with B5 biodiesel standards, ensuring both fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
With 14.3 kW (19.2 hp) at 2400 rpm, this machine provides ample power for demanding tasks while maintaining low operational costs.
The 1.1L, 3-cylinder engine is designed for durability, ensuring long service life, even in tough conditions.
Hydraulic performance is equally impressive, with a variable displacement axial piston (VDAP) pump delivering a main pump flow of 66 L/min and a relief valve pressure of 213 bar.
This setup ensures smooth, responsive operation, whether you’re using the standard 0.04 m³ bucket or switching between attachments via the spare spool valve.
The 301.8 boasts an operating weight of 1,835 kg, making it light enough for easy transport while still packing serious digging power.
Its 2570 mm dig depth and 4270 mm reach at ground level allow for efficient trenching and grading, while the 1940 mm dig depth to cut (2440 mm max depth) ensures it can handle deeper excavations when needed.
For loading and dumping, the machine offers a dump height of 2640 mm and strong digging forces—1130 kgf bucket breakout force and 1960 kgf arm breakout force—meaning it can tackle tough materials without hesitation.
One of the standout features of the Cat 301.8 is its zero tail-swing design, with a minimal 995 mm tail-swing radius, allowing operators to work confidently in confined spaces without worrying about rear-end collisions.
The machine’s transport dimensions (3720 mm length, 2300 mm height, and 990–1300 mm adjustable width) make it easy to move between sites, even on standard trailers.
With a ground clearance of 150 mm and 1590 mm track length on ground, the 301.8 maintains stability on uneven terrain.
The 230 mm trackpad width provides excellent grip, while the 2.9 km/h travel speed (4.4 km/h in high range) ensures quick repositioning and its 30% gradeability means it can handle slopes with ease.
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