Your Guide to the Cat 301.5 Mini Excavator

In November 2018 Caterpillar revealed their Next Generation mini excavators, including the Cat 301.5 mini excavator.

The smallest of the series, the 301.5 is a 1.5-tonne class, standard tail swing with a canopy. Engineered and manufactured by Caterpillar, this Next Generation series is designed for best performance, safety, operator convenience and affordability. They have even managed to keep running costs low with some exciting new features—but we will get to that.

It may be the smallest of the fleet, but it is powerful and made to help you get the job done faster. Here are a few industry-first standard features.

Industry-First Standard Features for Cat 301.5 Mini Excavator

• Tilt-up canopy/cab for easy maintenance
• Stick Steer control
• Automatic two-speed travel

Some new additional options include:

• Expandable undercarriage (from 990mm to 1300mm)
• Air conditioning
• Bluetooth-enabled push-to-start function

A quick overview:

• Dig Depth (Standard): 2340mm
• Dig Depth (Long): 2540mm
• Min. Weight: 1575kg
• Max. Weight: 1760kg

For full dimensions and specs, see below.

So what makes the Cat 301.5 mini excavator so powerful? Let’s find out.

Under the Canopy

As with every model in the Next Gen series, the 301.5 comes with the Cat C1.1 3-cylinder diesel engine. This engine gives you a large boost in power and performance, especially over previous models. Built-in idle control and automatic shut-down systems make this machine more fuel efficient than ever. The load-sensing hydraulic system provides high digging and lifting forces, so you can get more done with less effort.

Servicing & Maintenance

To keep your machine in good nick, you need it serviced regularly. That’s no secret. So, to make sure your Cat 301.5 mini excavator is back up and running fast, Caterpillar have hacked their own design. Here’s how:

• Routine check points accessible at ground level
• Gas strut ensures accessibility is fast (under 5 minutes) & requires just 1 service tech
• Unique tilt-up canopy gives access to hydraulics

In the Canopy

A comfortable operator is a productive operator. To make the canopy comfortable, Caterpillar have added wrist rests that are adjustable, as well as an optional suspension seat. As an industry-first, Cat has added air-conditioning to the cab without impacting the excavator’s performance!

Safety

Safety is also a huge focus for the Cat 301.5 mini excavator. It comes fully certified for ROPS, TOPS and Top Guard, so operators are protected. The Next Generation series also comes with fluro seat belts and extra work lights for added visibility.

Operation

Everyone wants to get the job done faster, easier and with less effort. So, to help you achieve this, Caterpillar added these features to the 301.5 (and all other new Next Generation models):

• Next Generation LCD screen is easy to read for critical machine info & features a jog dial for simple navigation
• Stick Steer control, which gives you more control for less effort
• Auto idle, auto engine shutdown & efficient hydraulics lower your operating costs
• Better hydraulic capacity to dig & lift with more force

Cat 301.5 Mini Excavator Specs

Download the full list of specs for the Cat 301.5 mini excavator.

Have you had a chance to check out the Caterpillar 301.5? Tell us about it below or take a look at mini excavators for sale.

Read more about the Next Generation Caterpillar mini excavators, or check out their other models:

• 301.6 mini excavator
• 301.7 mini excavator
• 301.8 mini excavator
• 302 CR mini excavator