308C CR^Non-Current

Dimensions

1) Front Swing From Center
• 1665 mm (5 ft 6 in) stick - 1660 mm (5 ft 5 in)
• 2210 mm (7 ft 3 in) stick - 2180 mm (7 ft 2 in) 2) Rear Swing From Center
• 1290 mm (4 ft 3 in) 3) Overhang
• 450 mm (18 in) shoes - 130 mm (5 in)
• 600 mm (24 in) shoes - 55 mm (2 in) 4) Width
• 2210 mm (7 ft 3 in) Stick - 3470 mm (11 ft 5 in)

Compact Radius Design

The 308C CR is a compact radius version of the 307C. It is designed to work in a 2850 mm (9 ft. 8 in.) wide area.

Shorter Tail Swing Radius

A shorter tail swing radius makes the 308C CR easier to operate against walls and in other tight areas, reducing the risk of damage to the rear of the machine during operation.

Flexibility in Tight Quarters

The shorter tail measurement allows the excavator to work productively in urban construction, on logging roads and other space-restricted sites.

4M40-E1 Engine

The Mitsubishi 4M40-E1 engine was developed specifically for construction equipment. It features a long-stroke piston movement for high torque at medium to low speeds, excellent fuel efficiency and low sound levels and vibration.

Low Fuel Consumption

The engine offers low fuel consumption, improved thermal efficiency and reduced resistance between pistons and liners.

Cylinder Block and Head

The cylinder block is made of cast iron for improved wear resistance. The upper part is laser-hardened to reduce oil consumption, increase wear resistance and minimize piston ring scuffing. Aluminum alloy cylinder heads incorporate water directors to ensure efficient cooling.

Pistons and Rings

Heat-resistant aluminum cast alloy pistons feature clearance control struts. A short compression height results in high combustion efficiency and reduced weight. The piston ring set consists of three rings, treated for maximum wear resistance.

Crankshaft and Connecting Rod

The surface of the crankshaft journals and pins are induction-hardened to ensure high reliability. The forged connecting rods are made of a high-tensile strength steel alloy.

Cooling System

A large-diameter fan and full-length, water-cooled cylinders, combined with excellent thermal efficiency, help prevent overheating. The result is longer engine life and the ability to operate at high temperatures and under heavy loads. A mixed flow fan design provides high cooling efficiency. The core radiator is equipped with waved fins to prevent clogging.

Lubrication System

The system utilizes an external gear-type, high-efficiency oil pump. The large oil filter is composed of a main filter and a bypass filter, designed for high performance.

Starting System

The standard 308C CR has a 3.2 kW capacity starting motor, mounted at the right of the engine, and two Cat 100-AH capacity batteries. In this configuration, the machine can be started at -32ºC (-25ºF) with glow plugs.

Precise Control

Hydraulics deliver smooth changes in speed and outstanding overall control.

Pilot System

Increased pilot hydraulic pressure provides better control to the front linkage, swing and travel operations.

Component Layout

The 308C CR hydraulic system was designed to provide a high level of efficiency. With all major components located close together, shorter tubes and lines are needed, resulting in less friction loss in the lines and reduced pressure drops.

Hydraulic Cross-Sensing System

The system utilizes each of the main hydraulic pumps to 100 percent of engine power under all operating conditions, resulting in faster implement speeds and pivot turns.

Flow Control System

Pump flow decreases when controls are in neutral for reduced fuel consumption and sound levels.

Stick Regeneration Circuit

Saves energy while the stick is in use, providing shorter cycle times and lower operating costs.

Boom Drift Reducing Valve

This valve reduces the natural drift of the boom, so lifted material will remain suspended for long periods with virtually no drift.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary hydraulic valve is standard on the 308C CR for use with optional hydraulic circuits.

Stackable Valves

One stackable valve can be used in combination with the main control valve, allowing additional tools to be added.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Arrangements

For maximum flexibility, three arrangements are available on the 308C CR: single function for a dedicated hammer, double function for a thumb or a combined function circuit.

Hydraulic Cylinder Snubbers

Snubbers are located at the rod-end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders to cushion shocks while reducing sound levels and extending cylinder life.

Front Linkage Attachments

Allows the use of one boom, two sticks and four buckets. Using these combinations makes the excavator productive in a wide range of applications.

One-Piece Boom

The one-piece boom features a fabricated box-section design. Robotic welding and high-tensile strength steel on upper, lower and side plates provide high durability and consistency.

Sticks

Two stick attachments are available: a long stick to maximize reach or a medium stick for the most versatile front linkage. Both sticks use a box-section design made of high tensile-strength steel and a buffer plate.

Linkage Bearings

A self-lubricated, sintered bearing greatly extends the greasing interval on front linkage pins by reducing pin friction. Greasing intervals on the bucket swing pin connection are also extended using a mesh bearing design.

Buckets

High-tensile-strength steel is used in high-stress areas for excellent wear and shock resistance. The side plates are tapered to prevent contact of the bucket sidewalls during trenching operations. All four bucket sizes have a general-purpose design and share a common side profile.

Bucket-Flop Adjustment Mechanism

Allows the operator or service person to reduce the side play at the bucket to stick-nose connection. This attachment is only available when Cat buckets are ordered.

Undercarriage Design

The 308C CR uses a standard undercarriage with the same basic design as the 307C, ensuring high reliability.

Grease-Lubricated Track

Grease-lubricated seals protect the track link and provide longer wear life by helping to keep dirt and debris from entering the pin and bushing joint.

Roller Lubrication

All rollers, sprockets and idler joints are closed with floating seals. Lubricating oil from the seals prevents water and dirt from entering. The seals also make lubrication maintenance-free.

Carbody and Track Roller Frame

X-shaped, box-section carbody provides high rigidity and excellent resistance to torsional bending. The track frame is made from a press-formed pentagonal section for maximum strength and long service life. The carbody and track roller frames use robotic welding to ensure continuous, high-quality welds. Long welds contribute to smoother transition of loads and increased durability.

Travel Motors

Automatic speed selection enables the machine to automatically shift up and down from high and low speeds in a smooth, controlled manner. An "anti-hunt" feature eliminates the hunting often associated with auto shifting when operating near the shift point.

Travel Brake Valves

An improved counterbalance valve eliminates sudden starts and stops during travel. A cross-over relief valve helps reduce shocks during acceleration and deceleration and decreases wear on the travel motors.

Idler Guard

An idler guard is integral to the track roller frame. This standard guard helps maintain track alignment while traveling or working on slopes.

Triple Grouser Shoes with Rubber Pads

The 308C CR standard shoe has four extra holes for installation of steel-backed rubber street pads. Optional rubber pads are attached to the track shoes, eliminating potential damage to paved road surfaces. (Pads are installed by your local Caterpillar dealer or can be purchased through the dealer for later installation.)

Segment-type Rubber Track

Optional segment-type rubber track prevents damage to concrete and other road surfaces, especially in urban areas.

Blades

Two blade widths are available as attachments. The bolt-on cutting edge consists of three pieces, which can be reused by turning them upside down. Replaceable bolt-on edges protect the blade from damage and wear. Mesh bearings in the pin joints of the blade cylinder extend the greasing interval.

Cab Design

An enlarged cab with curved styling gives the operator a comfortable, spacious working environment and improved visibility.

Seat

The low-back seat slides forward and backward independent of the consoles, so it can be adjusted to the operator's comfort level.

Sliding Door

The cab door slides alongside the cab and takes less space to open and close than a hinged door. This unique design allows the operator to easily get in and out of the cab when working against walls on job sites, even when attachments are added.

Consoles

Redesigned consoles feature a simple, functional design. Both consoles have attached adjustable armrests and slide forward and backward.

Monitor

The conveniently located compact monitor displays instrument panel gauges and indicators in an easy-to-read and understand format.

Cab Mounts

The cab shell is attached to the frame with viscous rubber cab mounts, which dampen vibrations and sound levels while enhancing operator comfort.

Travel Control Levers

The two travel control levers have a reverse-L shape, making them easier to operate. Lever stroke and force have been adjusted to improve fine control and to prevent jolting during machine impact.

Hydraulic Activation Control Lever

For added safety, this lever must be in the locked position before the operator can leave the cab. This feature prevents the machine from operating without the operator in the cab.

Climate Control

Fully automatic climate control adjusts temperature and flow.

Windows

Window glass is attached directly to the window frame with adhesive to improve visibility. An enlarged skylight with sunshade improves overhead visibility.

Windshield

The front windshield can be opened and closed using a one-touch action release system and autolock system.

Wipers

Pillar-mounted wipers increase the operator's viewing area.

Standard Cab Equipment

To enhance operator comfort, the cab includes a radio, beverage holder, ashtray, coat hook and storage compartment.

Control Pattern Changer

A control pattern changer is available as an attachment. It allows the operator to select from ISO and BHL patterns with a single movement. When the 308C CR is shipped from the factory, the control pattern is set to the ISO pattern.

Extended Service Intervals

Extended service and maintenance intervals reduce service time and machine availability. Use of oil-free bearing extends front linkage greasing interval to 1,000 hours, except in bucket area.

Ground-Level Maintenance

For operator convenience, most daily maintenance areas can be easily reached from ground level.

Fan Guard

Engine radiator fan is completely enclosed by fine wire mesh, reducing the risk of injury.

DT Electrical Connectors

Connectors are water- and vibration-resistant, improving electrical system reliability.

Radiator and Pump Compartment

Opening the engine hood allows easy access to the engine radiator and the oil cooler. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator to simplify maintenance.

Air Filter

Cat radial seal provides superior cleaning efficiency.

Engine Inspection

The engine can be accessed from the upper structure or from under the machine. The engine hood incorporates a gas cylinder-assist mechanism, making the hood easy to open. A steel wall separates the engine and pump compartments, preventing hydraulic oil from spraying on the engine in the event of a hydraulic line failure.

Engine Maintenance

To make daily servicing easier, the oil level gauge, oil filter, fuel filter and priming pump are grouped on the left side of the engine.

Fuel Tank

A drain cock is installed at the bottom of the tank, making it easier to remove water and sediment during maintenance.

Fuel-Water Separator

The water separator has a primary fuel filter element and is located in the radiator compartment for easy access from the ground.

Storage Box

The storage box is located at the right front of the upper structure and can be locked. Tools and other repair equipment can be stored in this space.

Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? What is the true cost of lost production? Your Cat dealer can give precise answers to these questions.

Purchase

Look past the initial price; look at the value the 308C CR offers. Consider the resale value and compare productivity and day-to-day operating costs. Consult your local Cat dealer for financing options.

Operation

For the best operating techniques to increase productivity and your profit, turn to your Cat dealer for the latest training literature and trained staff.

Maintenance

Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling and Technical Analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs.

Replacement

Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.

Product Support

You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers utilize a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine downtime. You can save money with Cat remanufactured components.

Warranty

Your local Cat dealer is there to support and protect you. Extended warranty options are also available.