Cat 304 CR – Compact Power You Can Trust

[MikePhua]

The Cat 304 CR stands as a testament to clever engineering: a mini hydraulic excavator that delivers impressive strength and durability in a tight package. Built between the early 2000s and refreshed in the next-generation line around 2021, it blends performance, accessibility, and efficiency.
Key Features and Enhancements

• The reduced-radius design keeps the upper structure within the width of the undercarriage, enabling movement in confined spaces without compromising stability .
  
• Compared to earlier models, the newer version offers up to 20 % more performance in tasks like lifting, digging, and multi-functional operations, while also lowering ownership costs by around 10 % .
  
• The narrow track width (about 1.7 m or 66.9 in) further enhances its ability to navigate restricted environments, yet the design improves balance and load handling .
  

Technical Details at a Glance

• Engine & Power
  • Model: Mitsubishi S4L2 E2; Next-gen: Cat C1.7 Turbo
    
  • Net Power: Around 26.5 kW (36–45 hp), depending on generation .
    
• Weight
  • Operating weight: ~4.3 tonnes (about 9,800–9,900 lb) with cab or canopy configurations .
    
• Size & Reach
  • Standard stick: Max digging depth ~3.2 m (126–138 in), ground-level reach ~5.2 m (204–219 in), dump height ~3.6–3.7 m .
    
• Hydraulic & Performance Metrics
  • Operating pressures: up to ~3,553 psi across equipment and travel systems .
    
  • Digging forces: Bucket ~8,228 lb; Stick around ~5,373 lb (standard) and ~4,699 lb (long) .
    

Real-World Applications & Stories
A small landscaping crew once shared how the 304 CR became their secret weapon on tight urban street projects. Its compact size let them maneuver through narrow fence openings, yet its power and reach allowed them to finish trenching and earthmoving tasks ahead of schedule. Maintenance was a breeze—thanks to ground-level access to key service points like oil sampling valves and tilt-up engine panels, they could conduct the pre-shift check in minutes .
Added Strategies & Recommendations

• Service Efficiency – Extend grease intervals up to 500 hours for pivot points like linkage and dozer blade joints—this reduces maintenance downtime .
  
• Attachment Versatility – With auxiliary hydraulic lines and quick coupler options, you can switch between buckets, hammers, shears, or augers to match diverse job requirements .
  
• Stability Options – Consider the extra counterweight kit when tackling tasks that require heavy side loading or load-carrying—this improves machine steadiness without sacrificing compactness .
  
• Operator Comfort and Control – The spacious cab with features like air conditioning, a touchscreen, tinted and guarded glass, and optional joystick stick-steer system reduces fatigue and enhances precision .
  

Glossary: Must-Know Terms

• Reduced-Radius Design – Keeps the excavator’s upper part within the width of its tracks, aiding maneuverability in tight spaces.
  
• Auxiliary Lines – Additional hydraulic hoses for powering tool attachments like hammers or augers.
  
• Stick – The arm component that reaches out to dig; available in standard or long lengths.
  
• Quick Coupler – Attachment mechanism enabling fast, secure tool changes with minimal effort.
  
• Digging Depth / Reach / Dump Height – Key dimensions measuring how deep the machine can dig, how far it can reach at ground level, and how high it can dump materials.
  

Summary—In Bulleted Form

• Core Capabilities
  • Compact frame with narrow track width
    
  • Powerful hydraulic reach and digging forces
    
  • Enhanced stability with optional counterweight
    
• Service & Maintenance Benefits
  • Ground-level access to components
    
  • Extended greasing and filter intervals
    
  • Shared parts with other models for easy inventory
    
• Operator Advantages
  • Comfortable, climate-controlled cab
    
  • Good visibility and ergonomic controls
    
  • Option for intuitive stick-steer operation
    
• Operational Flexibility
  • Supports many attachments (e.g. buckets, hammers, shears)
    
  • Suitable for confined, urban, or diverse landscaping tasks
    

Bottom Line
The Cat 304 CR mini excavator combines compact convenience with heavyweight capability. It thrives in tight environments where agility matters but doesn’t compromise on productivity or versatility. Whether you’re navigating narrow passages, swapping between tools, or maximizing uptime—this machine brings balance, efficiency, and operator comfort into one package.