Used CAT 308E2 Excavator for Earthmoving Projects

The Used CAT 308E2 Excavator is a compact crawler machine built for contractors who need more digging power without moving to a large excavator. With an operating weight of about 7,160 kg, a 0.38 m³ bucket, and a Cat C3.3B diesel engine, it offers a practical balance of power, size, and maneuverability.

This machine is suitable for construction, trenching, road work, landscaping, utility installation, foundation excavation, and general earthmoving. In addition, its steel crawler undercarriage provides stable ground contact on rough or uneven sites.

For equipment dealers, rental companies, contractors, and international machinery buyers, a used CAT 308E2 can provide a cost-effective way to add a versatile excavator to an existing fleet.

Strong Digging Performance in a Compact Size

The CAT 308E2 combines compact dimensions with useful digging capacity.

Its standard boom is 3,700 mm, while the standard stick measures 1,820 mm. Together, they provide a maximum digging depth of about 4,210 mm and a maximum working radius of approximately 6,420 mm.

The bucket digging force reaches 57.1 kN, while the stick digging force is 38.9 kN. Therefore, the machine can handle soil, gravel, clay, backfill, and mixed construction material with steady performance.

At the same time, its compact upper structure makes it easier to use on smaller construction sites where space is limited.

CAT 308E2 Specifications

Caterpillar's original specification lists these figures for the standard-stick 308E2 configuration. Actual used-machine specifications may vary with attachments, blade configuration, track type, and regional version.

Cat C3.3B Turbo Diesel Engine

Power comes from a Cat C3.3B DI Turbo diesel engine with a displacement of 3.33 liters.

The engine produces 46 kW of net power at 2,000 rpm, providing enough output for digging, grading, loading, and other daily construction work. Caterpillar also designed this engine together with a load-sensing hydraulic system to deliver smooth power while controlling fuel use.

For used-equipment buyers, the engine compartment is also important during inspection. Oil condition, starting performance, exhaust smoke, cooling condition, leaks, and service history should all be checked before shipment.

Responsive Hydraulic System

The CAT 308E2 uses a load-sensing hydraulic system with a variable-displacement piston pump.

Pump flow can reach 147 L/min, which helps provide responsive boom, stick, bucket, and travel movements. The hydraulic system is suitable for both heavy digging and more controlled finishing work.

Smooth hydraulic response is especially useful when working around pipelines, foundations, walls, or existing structures where better control is required.

Stable Steel Track Undercarriage

The standard configuration uses 450 mm triple-grouser steel track shoes. These tracks provide good contact with the ground and help improve stability during excavation and lifting.

Steel tracks also make the excavator suitable for demanding construction environments such as gravel, compacted soil, demolition areas, and unfinished roads.

The machine shown in the photos is also equipped with a front blade. It can assist with leveling, backfilling, site cleanup, and machine stabilization.

Practical Working Range

The 308E2 offers a useful working envelope for a machine in this size class.

Maximum digging depth reaches 4.21 meters, while maximum digging height is around 7.33 meters. Maximum dumping height reaches about 5.30 meters. These dimensions make the excavator suitable for trench excavation, truck loading, drainage projects, and foundation preparation.

Its two-speed travel system also allows the operator to switch between approximately 3.2 km/h and 5.1 km/h, making movement around the jobsite more efficient.

Comfortable Operator Cab

The enclosed cab provides large glass areas for clear visibility around the boom, bucket, and surrounding site.

Inside, the machine uses ergonomic joystick controls, a suspension seat, monitoring display, and conveniently positioned operating controls. This simple layout helps reduce unnecessary operator movement during long working shifts.

Good visibility is especially useful when digging close to trucks, buildings, trenches, or other machinery.

Main Applications

The Used CAT 308E2 Excavator is suitable for road construction, foundation excavation, drainage work, utility trenching, landscaping, municipal projects, farm construction, earthmoving, site preparation, truck loading, backfilling, and general construction work.

Its combination of a 0.38 m³ bucket and 7-ton-class operating weight makes it useful for buyers who need more productivity than a small mini excavator while still requiring compact transport dimensions.

Used Excavator Inspection

Before purchasing a used CAT 308E2, buyers should check the engine, hydraulic pump, control valve, cylinders, boom and stick pins, swing system, travel motors, final drives, track chains, rollers, sprockets, bucket, dozer blade, cab controls, and electrical system.

The serial number, operating hours, production year, attachment configuration, maintenance condition, and actual machine weight should also be confirmed for the individual unit.

FAQ

What is the operating weight of the CAT 308E2?
The standard-stick configuration has an operating weight of approximately 7,160 kg.

What bucket capacity does the CAT 308E2 have?
The standard bucket capacity is 0.38 m³.

What engine is used in the CAT 308E2?
It uses a Cat C3.3B DI Turbo diesel engine with 46 kW net power.

How deep can a CAT 308E2 excavate?
Maximum digging depth with the standard stick is approximately 4,210 mm.

What is the maximum digging reach?
Maximum working reach is approximately 6,420 mm, while maximum reach at ground level is around 6,290 mm.

Is the CAT 308E2 suitable for road construction?
Yes. Its crawler undercarriage, strong digging forces, blade, and compact dimensions make it suitable for road, drainage, utility, and general earthmoving projects.

Can attachments be installed?
Depending on the actual hydraulic configuration, compatible buckets, breakers, grabs, and other hydraulic attachments may be fitted.