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Reviews Excavators Caterpillar

4.3
Average score of Caterpillar
161 reviews
3.9
3.9 Price
4.4
4.4 Reliability
4.2
4.2 Maintenance
4.5
4.5 Operation
4.3
4.3 Convenience
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4.0
Excavator Caterpillar 304
2022 Year
3.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
Recently rented the Caterpillar 304 for a landscaping project, and it performed decently. Transitioning from my usual 303.5, it offered slightly greater capacity, which was handy. However, without a tilt rotator attachment, some angle work took longer than anticipated. The engine was responsive, and fuel economy felt standard for its class. One minor setback was the manual bucket change mechanism; it's serviceable but slows efficiency. Despite these hitches, it’s a capable mini excavator.
4.2
Excavator Caterpillar M318
2011 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
5.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
I switched to this wheeled excavator for some street utility jobs. It's decent, main thing is the quick swap for attachments, really saves a mess of time. Coupler is pretty straightforward, the lines are there for extra gear. Tech's mostly the same as the tracks, so don't need a separate operator. The ride is ok but not as solid when you're working on uneven ground. Got to watch your stability, especially compared to tracks. Not crazy about the width either, but that's only a hassle on tight spots. Haven't run into any real mechanical hiccups yet and maintenance is down thanks to fewer oil changes and easier access. I’d say it’s a good all-rounder for city jobs.
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4.0
Excavator Caterpillar 428F
2014 Year
3.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
I've been running the 428F for a couple of weeks now. Overall, it's dependable. Controls feel smooth and precise though they might slightly falter under heavy strain. Price seemed fair, but you may find alternatives with similar performance at a lower cost. Service intervals are reasonable and maintenance's straightforward. Comfort's alright, but there's room for improvement. If you're after reliability, this machine ticks the boxes.
4.6
Excavator Caterpillar 305
2019 Year
3.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
5.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
I've run Cats for years and got time on the 305CR recently. Cab is quiet and comfortable - aircon, good seat and space for tools. Keyless start with code is ok but slows you down at first if you're used to keys. Controls are the standout; Cat Stick Steer and the left joystick make steering low-effort and precise. Hydraulics feel strong, good breakout force on the bucket and the aux lines/quick-disconnects make swapping attachments easy. Fuel use seems improved vs older models thanks to auto idle and shutdown. Price is the only sore point - it's a premium machine, you pay more up front. Still, panels look tough and the build suggests lower repair bills down the line.
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4.0
Excavator Caterpillar 315F
2019 Year
4.0 Price
3.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
Used the Caterpillar 315F extensively on a few projects. What stood out was its ability to switch attachments quickly, enhancing project flexibility. The engine performance is solid too, handling heavy tasks without hesitation. But bear in mind that it's sorta necessary to keep up with those maintenance checks-let those slip and you might find downtime cropping up. Overall, dependable but keep it well looked after.
4.0
Excavator Caterpillar 305
2022 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
3.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
4.0 Convenience
Operating the Caterpillar 305 for daily tasks has given me a mixed impression. The storage space within the cabin is practically nonexistent, forcing creative solutions for personal items. On the positive side, visibility is top-notch, facilitating safe navigation and operation. The hydraulic's performance is consistently reliable, and the compact radius design frequently comes in handy. Engine maintenance feels a bit constrained, owing to limited access, but the overall reliability mitigates this inconvenience.
4.6
Excavator Caterpillar M318
2014 Year
4.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
5.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
I've used the Caterpillar M318 a few times, and overall, it's a solid machine. The articulated design lets you move efficiently, which is a big plus. The 140 HP engine does a good job powering through tasks. It's got a comfortable enclosed cab with working A/C, which is really appreciated on warmer days. However, the size of the machine means it’s not always ideal for tighter spots. But the hydraulic functions are strong and responsive, which compensates. The 21 mph speed is decent when moving between sites, saving some time.
4.2
Excavator Caterpillar 304
2020 Year
4.0 Price
5.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
3.0 Convenience
Coming from experience operating the Caterpillar 304E, I've found the control layout intuitive and the general build reliable over extended use. Yet, I consider room for improvement in seating comfort, especially in prolonged operations. Its fuel efficiency meets expectations, which is significant.
4.4
Excavator Caterpillar 304
2020 Year
4.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
5.0 Maintenance
4.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
I’ve operated the Caterpillar 304 E2 for some time now. Its nimbleness and capability in tight spaces are remarkable, aided by the offset boom. The rubber tracks provide excellent stability without damaging softer terrain. However, the fixed blade limits certain grading possibilities. The inclusion of heat and AC in the cab enhances user comfort significantly. Maintenance-wise, frequent greasing can be cumbersome yet essential for enduring functionality.
4.2
Excavator Caterpillar 325
2018 Year
3.0 Price
4.0 Reliability
4.0 Maintenance
5.0 Operation
5.0 Convenience
Used a 325 on the last highway job, pretty impressed. I like the visibility from the cab, don't have to twist around all shift which I appreciate. Controls didn’t take long to get used to even for guys less experienced. Only snag I had was with the electrics - had some weird warning lights. Wasn’t a massive deal but had to check fuses more than once. At least everything's easy to access, didn’t need to wait on techs. Not cheap to buy upfront but I think it's worth it for the fuel and maintenance savings.
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