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Comparison · Mini excavator

Caterpillar 305 CR vs Komatsu PC55MR-5

The Caterpillar 305 CR and Komatsu PC55MR-5 are almost identical in operating weight (about 5,326 and 5,210 kg).

The Caterpillar 305 CR has about 21% more engine power (34 kW (46 hp) vs 28 kW (38 hp)).

Beyond the numbers, compare local dealer support, parts availability and resale value for Caterpillar and Komatsu in your region: over the life of a machine they often matter more than small specification differences.

Caterpillar mini excavator digging a driveway
Caterpillar Caterpillar 305 CR
Komatsu PC55MR-5
Komatsu Komatsu PC55MR-5
Operating weight 5,326 kg (11,700 lb)5,210 kg (11,500 lb)
Engine power 34 kW (46 hp)28 kW (38 hp)
Net power (ISO 9249) 33.6 kW (45 hp) at 2,400 rpm—
Max. dig depth 3.42–3.67 m (11 ft 3 in–12 ft), by stick≈3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
Max. reach at ground level 5.59–5.83 m (18 ft 4 in–19 ft 2 in)—
Track width 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)—
Tail swing 1.09–1.20 m (43.1–47.2 in)Minimal radius (MR)
Engine model Cat C1.7 Turbo, 1.7 L—
Gross power (SAE J1995) 36.1 kW (48.4 hp)—
Emissions US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V—
Max. dig height 5.35 m (17 ft 7 in)—
Max. dump clearance 3.85 m (12 ft 7 in)—
Vertical wall dig depth 2.56 m (8 ft 5 in)—
Shipping length 5.34 m (17 ft 6 in)—
Shipping height 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in)—
Undercarriage length 2.58 m (8 ft 6 in)—
Rubber track width 400 mm (15.7 in)—
Ground clearance 335 mm (13.2 in)—
Blade height / depth 386 / 594 mm (15.2 / 23.4 in)—
Factory options Laser catcher ready, 3rd auxiliary circuit, refuelling pump (per Cat)—
Engine power —28.3 kW (38 hp) at 2,400 rpm
Tear-out force —≈39 kN
Bucket capacity —0.055–0.18 m³
Strengths
  • + 45 hp turbo engine — strong for a 5-tonne machine
  • + Up to 3.67 m dig depth and 3.85 m dump clearance
  • + Laser-catcher-ready, 3rd auxiliary circuit and refuel pump options
  • + Compact radius for urban work
  • + Cat dealer support and resale
  • + Minimal-radius design on a 5-tonne machine
  • + Komatsu engine and hydraulics
  • + Komtrax telematics in many markets
  • + Strong resale in Europe and Asia
Watch-outs
  • − Needs a proper truck-and-trailer combination to move
  • − Tail swing grows to 1.20 m with counterweight
  • − Higher price than value brands
  • − Lower engine power than some 45–50 hp rivals
  • − Some reviewers find it underwhelming vs the competition (see videos)
Full 305 CR reviewFull PC55MR-5 review

Specifications are typical figures for standard configurations and may be measured differently by each manufacturer (for example net vs gross power). Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer. Build another comparison.