CATERPILLAR Excavators Dismantled Machines in Ireland

Caterpillar Excavators Reviewed

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Typical Used Cat Excavator - here a 211LC

You can select second hand excavators from Caterpillar if the price is right, with regular upkeep allowing these models to last for years in the right conditions. Perhaps unsurprisingly the excavators from Caterpillar are all tracked, with even the most compact models featuring excellent performance on uneven surfaces as a result. And taking a look at just a few of the models available will help you to get a feel for the entire range.

Caterpillar Mini Diggers

For jobs where an excavator has to be used without disturbing the surrounding environment or damaging the means of access, the Caterpillar 300.9D is a fine choice. Weighing just 935kg and measuring just two and a half feet across, it is a machine built for squeezing through door frames without hassle. But even with its narrow profile, the presence of an extendable undercarriage means that once it has gained access, stability can be boosted significantly. There is even a foldable safety frame which protects the operator when it is erected, but can be disassembled to make sure that the height of the unit is as low as possible. With an 18hp engine and auxiliary hydraulics as standard, it can dig and hammer in various scenarios with adequate power at the operator's disposal.

Full-Sized Cat Excavators

The Caterpillar 311 is a smaller example of the firm's full sized excavators, with a design centred on offering productivity and fuel savings in one fell swoop. The swing radius is kept low and there is under 25 centimetres of overhand when the body sits at 90 degrees to the direction of the tracks. So if it has to work where there is not much space, such as at the side of a road, the 311F LRR should still be able to swing unhindered. Even with its relatively unobtrusive body, the large 2450kg counterweight contained within allows this excavator to adopt a planted, stable stance. And Caterpillar's C3.4B engine is built to meet the latest EU regulations on emissions, which means fuel will not be wasted during operation.

The 390F L is one of the largest tracked excavators currently offered by Caterpillar, set up with enough power to cope with the earthmoving needs of large construction and mining projects across the world. It comes with the firm's latest control system which keeps the hydraulics operating efficiently and responsively no matter the load that is being lugged. This leads to a smoother operation than might otherwise be possible with a machine of this kind. And this helps reduce the cycles that are required to complete a task. The versatility of this and the other Caterpillar excavators is exemplified through the range of additional attachments that are available, so when buying used you may find machines with inclusive add-ons that may increase the value. If the mechanics are sound and the cab in good condition, a second hand excavator can pay dividends.