Cat^® Ease of Use Tech for Cat Next Gen
Mini Excavators

Cat^® mini excavators are machines that can do it all and do it well. They’re dependable, precise, efficient, comfortable to operate and capable of performing almost any job—from digging footings for a new house to clearing brush and more. The next gen models—like the Cat 306, 308 and 309 CR—take your jobsite efficiency and operating experience to the next level with the Cat Ease of Use tech suite.

Simplifying machine operation is a surefire way to maximize operator efficiency, and Cat Ease of Use makes that happen—no matter the operator’s skill level. This suite of technology—available for 306 CR, 307.5 CR, 308 CR, 309 CR and 310 models—removes guesswork, reduces operator fatigue and increases precision by giving the operator more control over their mini excavator while automating specific tasks. This suite is made up of Indicate, E-Fence, Swing Assist and Bucket Assist.

Indicate is an intuitive and streamlined grade system that enables operators of all skill levels to set a target depth and slope using the Cat mini excavator’s in-cab guidance system. Operators are provided real-time feedback based on the targets and work in progress, so they know the moment the right depth and slope have been reached.

Ideal for work in and around footings, septic systems, residential foundations, slope work and similar applications, Indicate provides:

• Improved accuracy and precision
• Reduced fatigue from overcutting, overswinging and reworking
• Safer work zones with less need for on-the-ground grade checking
• Enhanced operator productivity and efficiency
• Lower overall operating costs

If you’re working in a tight spot, along a roadway, up against a fence or near overhead power lines, underground cables and buried utilities, E-Fence makes the job easier. This tech feature lets operators set work area boundaries for maximum dig depth, bucket height and degrees of rotation. Any movement of the mini excavator’s bucket past those boundaries is immediately stopped unless overridden by the operator.

Ideal for working around obstacles, E-fence helps you:

• Work safer in busier jobsites
• Reduce risk of damage to equipment and structures
• Constrain operating envelope for newer operators
• Confidently dig above underground pipes and utilities

There are many repetitive movements involved in jobs requiring a Cat mini excavator. The Swing Assist feature helps with excavation, truck loading and similar applications. Swing assist is simple to set. While working, just set desired stopping points using the mini excavator’s monitor. If you’re trenching and loading the material into a truck, you can set the trench as one stop point and another spot above the truck’s bed. As you approach either of these points, the machine’s swing speed automatically slows down to stop at the designated points. 

Swing Assist helps you:

• Hit swing targets consistently in repetitive work
• Reduce fuel usage
• Improve cycle times

A feature that enhances productivity, Bucket Assist maintains the last known bucket angle and keeps the cut accurate in sloping, leveling, fine grading and trenching applications using the machine's monitor.

Bucket Assist helps you:

• Reduce fatigue from repetitive work
• Increase accuracy and finish quality
• Improve cycle times

Like all heavy equipment, your Cat mini excavator requires preventative and interval maintenance. Your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) lists filter schedules, oil specs, fluid intervals and average temps. You should also visually inspect your mini excavator’s tracks, rods, seals, lines and boom for signs of damage daily. Look for scratches or hydraulic fluid on the rods and boom, ballooning of the hydraulic lines and leaking or corrosion of couplers and fittings.

What might appear to be a minor issue, like a cracked or loose track, can quickly become a jobsite hazard by changing how your Cat mini excavator behaves.

So, be sure you consult your OMM to determine the optimal settings for your machine and attachments and to review your machine’s recommended maintenance routine. If you have additional questions, your Cat dealer will be happy to assist.