Types of used CAT 307C excavators
There are several types of excavators based on the definition used in the previous context. However, 307C remains a model in the CAT mini excavators line. The CAT 307C is a used excavator that strikes a balance between size and power. It is versatile and is well suited for tasks in confined spaces. The 307C is available in two main types: the used CAT 307C R(adius) and the 307C Z(ero tail) excavators.
- CAT 307C R excavator: The 307C R excavator has a rounded rear section that allows it to easily turn on its tracks without risking colliding with its upper part. This feature makes the excavator effective for working in restricted spaces. Owing to its design, the 307C R excavator also boasts great stability and reduced ground disturbance.
- CAT 307C Z excavator: The 307C Zero tail excavators work fully within their tracked chassis. Like the 307C R excavator, the zero tail design allows for easy maneuvering in tight job areas. It is a perfect solution for customers who desire a machine that can work effectively in limited spaces. In addition, the excavator reduces the risk of its rear part colliding with obstacles as it moves.
Specification and Maintenance
Some important specifications for the CAT 307C are as follows:
- The gross power is around 55 kW.
- The operating weight of the excavator is around 7,550 kg, which is suitable for tasks requiring careful maneuverability.
- Its dimensions are as follows: Length - approximately 5.31 m; Width - approximately 2.20 m; Top height - approximately 2.80 m. At the front, the boom has a length of around 3.00 m, and the stick (or arm) is around 2.20 m long. The excavator can easily access and dig in tight spaces.
- The CAT 307C is powered by a 4.4 L engine with a net power of around 74 hp (55 kW) at 2,200 rpm. This allows the excavator to handle a variety of ground conditions and materials.
- If equipped with a digging bucket, the used CAT 307C excavator can dig to a depth of approximately 4.25 m. It can also reach up to 6.2 m with its boom extended over the side. The digging depth depends on the attachment used, and the position of the excavator.
When buying a used CAT 307C excavator, make sure it has been well maintained with a service history. Some of the important parts that need servicing are as follows:
- Regular engine oil change: Ensure the engine oil and filters are replaced at the specified service intervals. Check the hoses and lines for leaks. Remove any oil spills from the excavator as they can damage the paint and residual oil can be a slip hazard.
- Track servcing: For track excavators, inspect and adjust the tracks as per the user manual. Also, ensure that no grease is present on the tracks.
- Bucket and attachments: Clean and degrease the bucket and attachments used for digging. Make sure no hydraulic grease is present that can damage the paint and is a slipping hazard. Inspect the buckets for damage or excessive wear and carry out repairs or replacements before further use.
- Hydraulic system: Clean, inspect, and service the hydraulic system of the excavator, including cylinders, hoses, and valves. The hydraulic oil and filter need to be changed at the specified intervals. The system should also be leak tested regularly. Make sure the hydraulic oil is clean as contaminants can reduce the performance of the excavator.
- Other parts: These include tracks and undercarriage, if applicable, air filter element, swing mechanism, electrical system, boom and stick, attachement quick coupler, diesel engine, battery, and cooling system. Undertake the inspection or servicing of these parts as recommended by the user manual or hire a trained technician. The excavator will then have a longer life and perform efficiently in the required applications.
Applications of a Used CAT 307C Excavator
The 307C excavator is suitable for multiple construction needs, thanks to its impressive power-to-weight ratio and maneuverability in urban spaces. The various available attachments add to the flexibility of the excavator.
Here are some ways the excavator is used in various construction industries:
- Foundation Excavation: The used CAT excavator digs foundations for buildings, roadbeds, and other structures. It digs trenches of required depth and lays a solid foundation.
- Material Handling: The excavator efficiently moves materials like soil, gravel, and demolition debris from one place to another. It also stacks and unloads materials from trucks using the right attachments.
- Land Grading: The excavator can be fitted with a grading bucket to level and grade land. The grading bucket has a wide, flat base that helps to move and distribute material evenly over large areas.
- Drainage and Trenching: The compact excavator works well in tight spaces to dig trenches for drainage pipes, utility lines, or irrigation systems. Its precision helps to create narrow channels without disturbing the surrounding area.
- Backfilling: After laying the required foundation, the excavator is used to backfill material around the base of foundations, pipes, or structures. The material is evenly distributed and compacted using the excavator's weight.
- Demolition: The excavator helps in the demolition of small structures by removing walls, concrete, and other debris. The 307C model has a powerful swing and breakout force, making it easy to pull down structures.
- Landscape Construction: The excavator shapes land for landscaping projects by moving soil and rocks. It also digs for planting trees and creating features like ponds and mounds.
- Clearing Land: The excavator clears unwanted vegetation, bushes, and small trees from the land. After attaching the cutter or shear to the arm, it can also clear out stumps.
- Pipeline Installation: The excavator digs trenches for laying pipelines. Its precision ensures that the pipelines are laid at the correct depth and along the right alignment.
- Snow Removal: During winter, the used excavator can help clear snow from roads, sidewalks, and parking lots by attaching a snow bucket or blade to the excavator.
How to choose a used CAT 307C excavator
When buying an excavator from an online catalog or visiting the used excavator for sale market in person, there are several things used CAT 307C buyers must consider.
To begin with, buyers, equipped with knowledge, will start by setting a budget for the excavator and then looking at how much they can spend in the used market. They must know the excavator's retail value and just how much being in the second-hand market will save them. Buyers in the used market typically save between 25% and 40% of the retail value of the excavator.
Determining the type of excavator to purchase in the used market is essential. Buyers must narrow their selection down by deciding what they will be excavating and the kind of terrain they will be working on. If they need something that can move around the site independently, then a tracked or wheeled excavator may be the choice.
Buyers will have a long list of tasks the excavator in the used market will need to perform. They must also take into account the dimensions and weight they will have to work with. Other aspects, such as the attachment requirements, also come into play. This list of factors will help buyers narrow their search to those excavators that meet their specific requirements.
Once buyers know what features they want, they can look at the various machine's horsepower ratings in the used market. A Caterpillar 307C HP rating of 50.8 kW, or 68 HP, is ideal for a range of small to medium-duty jobs. It is crucial to determine the proper rating for the work the used excavator will be doing.
Inspecting the CAT excavator when standing before the machine in person or via an online video inspection is crucial before buying it sight unseen. In a visual inspection of the above and below parts of the excavator, buyers should look for signs of damage, excessive wear, and rusting.
Any visible hydraulic leaks or greasy areas on the machine should be noted and checked before buying. Any strange noises, vibrations, or movements that are not characteristic of how the excavator should operate upon testing should also be checked.
Papers, such as the service records of the excavator, should be available and provided to the buyer. Buyers will want to know if any major repairs, such as engine or hydraulic system replacements, have been done. A maintenance record will ensure that the excavator has received proper maintenance over its lifetime.
Q&A
Q: What is the hours on an excavator CAT 307C used?
A: The hours on an excavator can give a hint regarding the machine's usage. However, it is vital to consider other factors such as the maintenance routine, overall condition, and if there are any tracked CAT 307C excavator issues before determining the proper used CAT 307C excavator for one project.
Q: Which is better a tracked or used CAT 307C prosthetic 307C?”
A: The preferable type of used excavator in one project will depend on various factors such as terrain, weight, and task. A tracked excavator is usually preferred in uneven and muddy terrains. This is due to its ability to distribute weight, which reduces the chances of sinking in soft grounds. A tracked excavator also offers stability and mobility. On the other hand, a wheeled excavator is faster and suitable for moving around open spaces. If one is working in a constrained space, a wheeled excavator would be a perfect choice as it can easily maneuver around.
Q: What is the lifespan of a CAT excavator?
A: An excavator used in construction projects usually has a lifespan of around 10,000 to 15,000 hours if well maintained. Nonetheless, those used in mining and heavy-duty projects have a shorter lifespan of about 5,000 to 8,000 hours.
