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Stick Steer scores


Nick Johnson takes a close look at the first examples of the latest Cat mini excavators with some eye-catching new capabilities.


The first ‘Next Generation’ Cat minis have some game-changing features. Their arrival is a result of Caterpillar announcing in 2016 that the design and production of its smallest compact excavators would be moved back in-house. So the newcomers replace most of the small (under 3-tonne) machines that Caterpillar has been sourcing as badge-engineered models from Wacker Neuson in Austria since 2010.


The smallest of these new minis is the 1,575-1,760kg operating weight, standard tail swing, canopy-equipped 301.5 model as first publicly revealed in the UK by dealer, Finning, at this year’s Executive Hire Show. The range also includes the 301.6 (1,755-1,960kg, standard tail swing, with cab), the 301.7 CR (1,785-1,835kg, compact radius, with canopy), the 301.8 (1,715-2,025kg, standard tail swing, with either canopy or cab) and the 302 CR (1,945-2,200kg, compact radius, with either canopy or cab). All are available with a variable width undercarriage.


Produced in Caterpillar’s Wuijang factory in China, these minis each have a 14.3kW (19.2hp) Stage V emissions compliant Cat C1.1 three-cylinder diesel engine (made in the manufacturer’s factory at Wuxi, again in China). The machines also incorporate load-sensing hydraulics with componentry from Bosch Rexroth and Husco.


Standout system


A standout standard feature on all models is the Stick Steer system that Caterpillar has used for some time on its skid steer and compact track loaders. At the touch of a button, the operator can switch from conventional


Pushing the yellow button (inset) to instigate Stick Steer made it easier to backfill the test trench.


lever/foot-pedal steering controls to left-hand joystick control.


Stick Steer needs to be used to be appreciated. So, to operate


some of the machines, I headed for the Caterpillar Customer & Training Centre next to the company’s big factory at Desford, Leicestershire. Here, prospective customers have the opportunity


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to try out a good selection of the latest Cat compacts, not only with digging buckets, but also a variety of matched attachments.


I first turned my attention to the smallest of the newcomers: the hire industry orientated 301.5. Only available with a canopy, this entry-level model nevertheless comes with the same new components as its bigger brothers, such as the Next Generation LCD monitor and industry firsts for this size of excavator - Stick Steer and cruise control. I was soon impressed by the performance of the 301.5 when trenching. This small machine had plenty of digging power and I found that its slew was very precise. Usefully, fuel economy is aided by the new auto-idle function and there is a clear fuel gauge on the well-positioned monitor.


The entry level 301.5 mini has the same new LCD monitor as its bigger brothers.


The 301.5 retains the usual travel levers but I was eager to try out the Stick Steer system. Switching travel and steering functions onto the left hand joystick is simply achieved by pressing a prominent yellow button on the top of this control lever. With the left hand joystick configured to control travel direction (instead of the usual dipper and slew function), I set about using the machine’s dozer blade to backfill the trench I had dug.


I soon warmed to the Stick Steer and found that I could easily move the machine whilst sitting back comfortably in the seat. I have suffered from a bad back (caused by carrying a heavy camera bag on my shoulder for many journalistic assignments over the years!), so this better-supported posture was more suited to me than being hunched forward over the travel levers, particularly when traversing rough ground.


Usefully, the new minis offer more scope for customising the controls to suit individual operator preferences, together with the opportunity to programme different flow settings to suit different powered attachments. One that caught my eye at Desford was a 737mm- diameter rotary brush fitted in place of the usual log splitter cone


NICK


JOHNSON AT THE CONTROLS


Authorised to test plant & equipment for EHN.


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