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304 Mini Excavator

304 Mini Excavator

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Overview

The Cat® 304 Mini Excavator delivers power and performance in a compact size to help you work in a wide range of applications.

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ALL DAY COMFORT
  • Choose either a canopy (not available in some regions) or a sealed and pressurized cab which can be equipped with air conditioning, adjustable wrist rests, and a suspension seat to help keep you working comfortably all day long.
EASY TO OPERATE
  • Controls are easy to use and the intuitive Next Generation LCD monitor provides easy to read machine information. An advanced touchscreen monitor can also be equipped as an upgrade option.
STICK STEER TRAVEL MODE
  • Moving around the job site is even easier with the Cat Stick Steer option. Easily switch from traditional travel controls with levers and pedals to joystick controls to move the machine and to operate the blade. The benefit of less effort and improved control is in your hands!
BIG PERFORMANCE IN A SMALL MACHINE
  • Strong lift and dig performance helps you get the job done faster. The reduced radius tail swing design provides exceptional stability and performance. With a maximum width of 1700 mm (67 in), the 304 can access those hard to get into areas. Dozer float allows for easy clean up. An angle blade is also an option for finished grading and easier backfilling applications.
SAFETY ON THE JOB SITE
  • Your safety is our top priority. The Cat mini excavator is designed to help keep you safe on the job. Courtesy work lights and a fluorescent retractable seat belt are just a couple of the safety features we’ve built into the machine.
SIMPLE SERVICE FOR LESS DOWNTIME
  • Maintenance is quick and easy on the Cat mini excavator. Routine check points are easy to access at ground level through the side doors.
LOWER OPERATING COSTS
  • Equipped with features such as auto idle, auto engine shutdown, and efficient hydraulics with a variable displacement pump, the Cat mini excavator was designed with reducing your operating costs in mind.
SUSTAINABILITY
  • The Cat® C1.7 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards.
  • Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) * or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details.
ALL DAY COMFORT
  • Choose either a canopy (not available in some regions) or a sealed and pressurized cab which can be equipped with air conditioning, adjustable wrist rests, and a suspension seat to help keep you working comfortably all day long.
EASY TO OPERATE
  • Controls are easy to use and the intuitive Next Generation LCD monitor provides easy to read machine information. An advanced touchscreen monitor can also be equipped as an upgrade option.
STICK STEER TRAVEL MODE
  • Moving around the job site is even easier with the Cat Stick Steer option. Easily switch from traditional travel controls with levers and pedals to joystick controls to move the machine and to operate the blade. The benefit of less effort and improved control is in your hands!
BIG PERFORMANCE IN A SMALL MACHINE
  • Strong lift and dig performance helps you get the job done faster. The reduced radius tail swing design provides exceptional stability and performance. With a maximum width of 1700 mm (67 in), the 304 can access those hard to get into areas. Dozer float allows for easy clean up. An angle blade is also an option for finished grading and easier backfilling applications.
SAFETY ON THE JOB SITE
  • Your safety is our top priority. The Cat mini excavator is designed to help keep you safe on the job. Courtesy work lights and a fluorescent retractable seat belt are just a couple of the safety features we’ve built into the machine.
SIMPLE SERVICE FOR LESS DOWNTIME
  • Maintenance is quick and easy on the Cat mini excavator. Routine check points are easy to access at ground level through the side doors.
LOWER OPERATING COSTS
  • Equipped with features such as auto idle, auto engine shutdown, and efficient hydraulics with a variable displacement pump, the Cat mini excavator was designed with reducing your operating costs in mind.
SUSTAINABILITY
  • The Cat® C1.7 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards.
  • Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) * or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details.
  • Auto Idle helps reduce unnecessary fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by allowing the engine to automatically go into idle mode when the machine is not working.
  • Engine Idle Shutdown Timer reduces fuel burn, greenhouse gas emissions and unnecessary idle time by shutting down the machine after a pre-set idling period.
  • Cruise control helps you maintain a constant speed as you travel across your jobsite saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Cat® Seat Belt Reminder provides audible and visual warnings to remind operators to buckle up during machine operation. The easy-to-install system is compatible with all equipment brands to help ensure operator safety.
  • Extended maintenance intervals not only reduce downtime but decrease the amount of fluid and filters that are replaced over the life of the machine.
  • Remote Flash minimizes downtime and maintenance time while keeping your asset running with maximum efficiency. Alerts for machine updates are sent virtually from your Cat dealer and updates can be deployed without a dealer technician needing to be onsite.(if equipped)
  • Remote Troubleshoot decreases maintenance time and keeps your machine running with maximum efficiency by allowing your Cat dealer to virtually test the machine while working. Once a problem is identified, a technician can fix it the first time, saving time and money.(if equipped)
  • Cat Grade with advanced 2D and 3D technologies combine advanced guidance with optional automated machine control helping you reach grading targets while reducing fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by improving efficiency, job site productivity, and accuracy. (if equipped).
*Engines with no aftertreatment devices can use higher blends, up to 100% biodiesel. (for use of blends higher than 20% biodiesel, consult your Cat dealer)
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Engine

Net Power
45hp
Engine Model
C1.7 Turbo
Gross Power - 2,400 rpm - SAE J1995:2014
48.4hp
Bore
3.3in
Emissions
Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards.
Stroke
3.9in
Displacement
101in³
Net Power - 2,400 rpm - ISO 9249, 80/1269/EEC
45hp
Note
Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is at rated speed and rated power when the engine is installed with the factory configured fan, air intake system, exhaust system, and alternator with a minimum alternator load.

Weights

Operating Weight
9867lb
Minimum Operating Weight with Canopy*
8655lb
Maximum Operating Weight with Canopy**
9647lb
Note (2)
**Maximum Weight is based on steel tracks, operator, full fuel tank, long stick, straight blade, extra counterweight and no bucket.
Note (1)
*Minimum Weight is based on rubber tracks, operator, full fuel tank, standard stick, straight blade, no bucket and no extra counterweight.
Maximum Operating Weight with Cab**
9867lb
Minimum Operating Weight with Cab*
8875lb

Weight Increase from Minimum Configuration

Steel Tracks
430lb
Counterweight
496lb
Angle Blade
243lb
Long Stick
66lb

Travel System

Ground Pressure - Minimum Weight
4.2psi
Maximum Traction Force - Low Speed
7329lbf
Travel Speed - Low
2.2mile/h
Ground Pressure - Maximum Weight
4.9psi
Travel Speed - High
3.2mile/h
Maximum Traction Force - High Speed
4271lbf
Gradeability - Maximum
30 degrees

Service Refill Capacities

Cooling System
2.9gal (US)
Engine Oil
1.6gal (US)
Hydraulic System
17gal (US)
Fuel Tank
17gal (US)
Hydraulic Tank
14gal (US)

Hydraulic System

Operating Pressure - Travel
3553psi
Auxiliary Circuit - Secondary - Pressure
3553psi
Digging Force - Stick - Long
4316lbf
Auxiliary Circuit - Secondary - Flow
7gal/min
Pump Flow at 2,400 rpm
25gal/min
Operating Pressure - Swing
2611psi
Auxiliary Circuit - Primary - Flow
21gal/min
Auxiliary Circuit - Primary - Pressure
3553psi
Note
Flow and pressure are not combinable. Under load, as flow rises pressure goes down.
Type
Load Sensing Hydraulics with Variable Displacement Piston Pump
Digging Force - Stick - Standard
4721lbf
Digging Force - Bucket
8588lbf
Operating Pressure - Equipment
3553psi

Swing System

Boom Swing - Right
50 Degrees
Machine Swing Speed
9r/min
Boom Swing - Left
78 Degrees

Blade

Angle Blade Height
14.2in
Straight Blade Height
14.2in
Straight Blade Width
66.9in
Angle Blade Width
66.9in
Angle Blade - Right
25 Degrees
Angle Blade - Left
25 Degrees

Certification - Cab and Canopy

Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS)
ISO 12117-2:2008
Top Guard
ISO 10262:1998 (Level I)
Tip Over Protective Structure (TOPS)
ISO 12117:1997

Sound

Average Exterior Sound Pressure (ISO 6395:2008)
97dB(A)
Operator Sound Pressure (ISO 6396:2008)
76dB(A)
Note
European Union Directive “2000/14/EC”

Dimensions - Standard Stick

Maximum Reach - Ground Level
204.7in
Vertical Wall
94.3in
Note
*Overall Shipping Length depends on blade position during shipment.
Tail Swing with Counterweight
51.2in
Boom In Reach
88.8in
Dig Depth
126.4in
Maximum Dig Height
198.4in
Maximum Blade Height
16.5in
Swing Bearing - Height
21.9in
Boom Swing - Left
20.9in
Stick Length
54.9in
O/A Undercarriage Length
87in
Track Belt/Shoe Width
13.8in
Boom Height - Shipping Position
63.8in
Boom Swing - Right
28.7in
Maximum Dump Clearance
143.5in
Ground Clearance
12in
Maximum Reach
209.8in
O/A Shipping Height
100in
Tail Swing without Counterweight
47.4in
Maximum Blade Depth
18.7in
Overall Shipping Length*
194.9in

Dimensions - Long Stick

Dig Depth
138.2in
Maximum Blade Depth
18.7in
O/A Shipping Height
100in
Maximum Dump Clearance
147.2in
Stick Length
66.7in
Maximum Dig Height
201.8in
Maximum Reach - Ground Level
214.4in
Track Width
66.9in
Tail Swing with Counterweight
51.2in
Swing Bearing - Height
21.9in
Boom Height - Shipping Position
75.2in
Boom Swing - Left
20.9in
Maximum Reach
219.3in
Boom In Reach
92.1in
Boom Swing - Right
28.7in
Track Belt/Shoe Width
13.8in
Vertical Wall
99.8in
Maximum Blade Height
16.5in
Note
*Overall Shipping Length depends on blade position during shipment.
Overall Shipping Length*
194.9in
Ground Clearance
12in
O/A Undercarriage Length
87in
Tail Swing without Counterweight
47.4in

Sustainability

Recyclability
96%

Standard/Optional Features

Standard Equipment:

  • Engine
    • Cat® C1.7 Turbo Engine (U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V)
    • Automatic Engine Idle
    • Automatic Engine Shutdown
    • Automatic Two Speed Travel
    • Fuel Water Separator
    • Power on Demand (not available in all regions)
    • Variable Displacement Piston Pump
    • Load Sensing/Flow Sharing Hydraulics
  • Hydraulics
    • Smart Tech Electronic Pump
    • Accumulator
    • Automatic Swing Brake
    • Auxiliary Hydraulic Lines
    • One and Two Way Auxiliary Flow
    • Continuous Auxiliary Flow
    • Auxiliary Line Quick Disconnects
  • Operator Environment
    • Canopy or Cab (Canopy not available in some regions)
    • Top Guard ISO 10262:1998 Level I
    • ROPS – ISO 12117-2:2008
    • TOPS – ISO 12117:1997
    • Stick Steer Mode
    • Travel Cruise Control
    • Control Pattern Changer (optional in some regions)
    • Adjustable Wrist Rests
    • Washable Floor Mat
    • Travel Pedals and Hand Levers
    • Machine Security – Standard Key with Pass Code
    • Fabric Suspension Seat (Cab only)
    • Vinyl Suspension Seat (Canopy only)
    • Hydraulic Lockout – All Controls
    • Retractable High Visibility Seat Belt (75 mm/3 in)
    • Coat Hook
    • Cup Holder
    • Storage Pocket
    • Skylight
    • Mounting Bosses for Front
    • Signaling/Warning Horn
    • Interior Light (Cab only)
    • Boom Light, Halogen (not available in all regions)
    • Utility Space for Mobile Phone
    • Next Generation Color LCD Monitor (IP66)
      – Fuel Level and Coolant Temperature Gauges
      – Maintenance and Machine Monitoring
      – Performance and Machine Adjustments
      – Numeric Security Code
      – Multiple Languages
      – Hour Meter with Wake Up Switch
      – Jog Dial (cab only)
  • Undercarriage
    • Rubber Belt (350 mm/13.8 in)
    • Dozer Straight Blade
    • Dozer Blade Float
    • Tie Downs on Track Frame
  • Boom, Stick And Linkages
    • One Piece Boom (2500 mm/98.4 in)
    • Standard Stick (1395 mm/54.9 in)
    • Front Shovel Capable – Pin-On
    • Thumb Ready
    • Certified Lifting Eye
  • Electrical
    • 12 Volt Battery
    • Software (machine and monitor)
    • Maintenance Free Battery
    • Battery Disconnect
    • 12 Volt Power Socket
    • Travel Alarm (optional in some regions)
  • Other
    • Counterweight (225 kg/496 lb)

Optional Equipment:

  • Operator Environment
    • Cab with Air Conditioning
    • Cab with Heater
    • No Travel Pedals and Hand Levers (optional in some regions)
    • Machine Security – Push to Start with Key Fob/Pass Code
    • LED Front Lights
    • LED Front and Rear Lights
    • LED Boom Light
    • Mirrors, Left, Right and Rear
    • Camera
    • Radio – Bluetooth®, Auxiliary, Microphone, USB (charging only) (Cab only)
    • Next Generation Advanced Monitor
      – Touch Screen
      – Site Reference System
      – High Definition Camera Capable (IP68 and IP69K)
      – Numeric Security Code
  • Undercarriage
    • Steel Track (350 mm/13.8 in)
    • Steel Track with Rubber Pads
    • Angle Blade
  • Boom, Stick And Linkages
    • Long Stick (1695 mm/66.7 in)
    • Front Shovel Capable – Dual Lock Manual Coupler
    • Front Shovel Capable – Hydraulic Coupler
    • Attachments including Couplers, Thumbs, Buckets, Augers and Hammers
    • 2nd Auxiliary Hydraulic Lines
    • Bucket Divert Lines
    • Boom Lowering Check Valve
    • Stick Lowering Check Valve
    • Hydraulic Quick Coupler Lines
  • Electrical
    • Product Link™ PL243 (regulations apply)
    • Product Link PLE643 (regulations apply)
  • Guarding
    • Polycarbonate Half Height Front Guard (Canopy only)
    • Polycarbonate Front Guard (ISO 10262:1998 Level I and EN356 P5A)
    • Heavy Duty Front Guard ISO 10262:1998 Level II
    • Heavy Duty Top Guard 10262:1998 Level II (Cab only)
  • Other
    • Bio Oil Capable
    • Eco Drain
    • Water Jacket Heater

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