Caterpillar 306 CR
A 6.4–7.2 tonne Cat mini with 4.1 m dig depth
The Cat 306 CR is a 6.4–7.2 tonne compact-radius mini excavator with a turbocharged Cat C2.4 (41.7 kW / 55.9 hp), 4.11 m dig depth, 6.53 m reach and an XTC (extendable) option. Full specs, rivals, transport and buying advice.
On this page (13 sections) ↓
+Strengths
- 56 hp turbo engine gives "big machine" performance
- Over 4 m dig depth and 4.6 m dump clearance — loads trucks easily
- XTC (extendable carriage) option for multi-tool work
- Under 2 m wide and 2.54 m cab height for easy transport
- Strong resale and Cat dealer support
−Watch-outs
- At ~7 t needs a proper truck-and-trailer
- Tail swing up to 1.47 m — not zero-tail
- Premium price
The Cat 306 CR in 30 seconds
- What it is: a 6.4–7.2 tonne (14,100–15,800 lb) compact-radius mini excavator.
- Engine: Cat C2.4 Turbo, 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) net.
- Headline numbers: 4.11 m (13 ft 6 in) dig depth, 6.53 m reach, 4.62 m dump clearance, 1.98 m wide.
- Why buy it: the power and reach of a small midi excavator in a transport-friendly package.
- Why not: if your jobs fit a 5-tonner, the 305 CR is cheaper to buy and move.
Overview
The 306 CR sits at the top of Cat's "mini" range in many markets — technically a midi excavator by weight, but still compact. EquipmentWorld's test run called it a "fantastic little machine". Its turbocharged C2.4 delivers 55.9 hp, and its working range rivals older 8-tonne machines. In some markets Caterpillar also offers the 306 XTC, with an extendable/tilting carriage for multi-tool work.
The Cat CR mini excavator family
"CR" stands for compact radius: the rear of the machine stays close to the tracks when it swings, so it can work next to walls and in narrow spaces. All the models below meet US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V. Figures are Caterpillar's (via dealer data) for the heaviest standard configuration with cab.
| Model | Max. operating weight | Net power | Max. dig depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 301.7 CR | 1,915 kg (4,222 lb) | 15.7 kW (21 hp) | 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Cat 302.7 CR | 3,050 kg (6,725 lb) | 17.6 kW (23.6 hp) | 2.71 m (8 ft 11 in) |
| Cat 303.5 CR | 4,190 kg (9,239 lb) | 17.6 kW (23.6 hp) | 3.11 m (10 ft 2 in) |
| Cat 305 CR | 5,755 kg (12,688 lb) | 33.6 kW (45 hp) | 3.67 m (12 ft) |
| Cat 306 CR | 7,151 kg (15,766 lb) | 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) | 4.11 m (13 ft 6 in) |
| Cat 308 CR | 8,388 kg (18,493 lb) | 51.8 kW (69.5 hp) | 4.64 m (15 ft 3 in) |
Caterpillar also builds intermediate sizes (302 CR, 303 CR, 304 CR, 307.5, 309 CR, 310) that are not covered in our database yet.
Engine and performance
The C2.4 Turbo (2.4 L) produces 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) net at 2,200 rpm and meets Tier 4 Final / Stage V. Key working figures:
- Max. dig depth: 4.11 m (13 ft 6 in)
- Reach at ground level: 6.53 m (21 ft 5 in)
- Dig height / dump clearance: 6.12 m / 4.62 m
- Vertical wall depth: 3.17 m
The 4.62 m dump clearance means the 306 CR can load full-size tippers, not just small dumpers. Gradeability is 30°, and ground pressure is a low 35–39 kPa on rubber tracks.
Transport advantage
At 1.98 m wide and 2.54 m high at the cab, the 306 CR fits comfortably within normal road limits on a suitable trailer, without permits in most countries. Shipping length is 5.94 m. Its 6.4–7.2 t weight (plus attachments) typically requires a heavy truck or a tri-axle trailer with a suitable tow vehicle. See how to transport heavy equipment.
Typical applications and attachments
- Sewer and water mains, deeper drainage and septic
- Basements, footings and site preparation
- Road and kerb work, utility repairs
- Landscaping and land clearing with a thumb or mulcher
Attachments: buckets, thumb, breaker, auger, compactor, tiltrotator, ripper, mulcher (check flow). Options include an angle blade and steel tracks with pads. See the attachments guide.
Maintenance
Daily checks from ground level; grease points; rubber or steel track tension. The C2.4 Turbo's aftertreatment needs quality fuel. Product Link helps track hours and service intervals. See maintenance schedule.
Cat 306 CR vs rivals
| Rival | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Volvo EC60E | Comfortable 6-tonner with a Volvo cab |
| Wacker Neuson ET65 | Articulated boom option, 4.18 m dig depth |
| Takeuchi TB260 | Robust 6-tonne class rival |
| Kubota KX080-4 | Larger 8-tonne Kubota |
| Yanmar ViO57-6 | Zero tail swing 5.5-tonner |
| Caterpillar 308 CR | Next size up |
Buying tips
Inspect tracks and rollers, pins and bushings, boom swing, blade cylinders and hoses; check that all options (angle blade, XTC, aux circuits) work. See our used excavator checklist.
Verdict
The 306 CR combines midi-excavator performance with mini-excavator transportability. For utility and site-development contractors who need 4 m depth and real lifting power, it is one of the best machines in its class.
Caterpillar 306 CR specifications
Key figures
| Operating weight | 6,411–7,091 kg canopy; 6,471–7,151 kg cab (14,134–15,766 lb) |
|---|---|
| Net power (ISO 9249) | 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) at 2,200 rpm |
| Max. dig depth | 4.11 m (13 ft 6 in) |
| Max. reach at ground level | 6.53 m (21 ft 5 in) |
| Track width | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Tail swing | 1.35–1.47 m (53–58 in) |
Engine
| Engine model | Cat C2.4 Turbo, 2.4 L (148 in³) |
|---|---|
| Gross power (ISO 14396) | 43.2 kW (57.9 hp) |
| Emissions | US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V |
Working range
| Max. dig height | 6.12 m (20 ft 1 in) |
|---|---|
| Max. dump clearance | 4.62 m (15 ft 2 in) |
| Vertical wall dig depth | 3.17 m (10 ft 5 in) |
| Stick length | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
Dimensions
| Shipping length | 5.94 m (19 ft 6 in) |
|---|---|
| Transport height | 2.41 m (7 ft 11 in) |
| Cab height | 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Width over upper house | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Rubber track width | 400 mm (16 in) |
| Ground pressure | 35–39 kPa (5.1–5.7 psi) |
| Gradeability | 30° |
Options
| Option weights | Counterweight +250 kg; long stick +44 kg; steel tracks with pads +375 kg; angle blade +102 kg; XTC carriage +64 kg |
|---|
Figures are typical for standard configurations as published by Caterpillar. Values vary by market, emissions tier, attachments and options; confirm with your dealer before purchase, transport or lifting.
Caterpillar 306 CR vs rivals: specs side by side
Headline figures for standard configurations; “—” means the figure is not listed in our database.
| Specification | Caterpillar 306 CR | Volvo EC60E | Wacker Neuson ET65 | Takeuchi TB260 | Kubota KX080-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Mini excavator | Mini excavator | Mini excavator | Mini excavator | Mini excavator |
| Operating weight | 6,411–7,091 kg canopy | 5,760–7,000 kg (12,700–15,440 lb) | 6,078–7,358 kg (13,400–16,220 lb), 2026 datasheet | 5,500 kg (12,160 lb) | ≈8,290–8,485 kg (18,280–18,706 lb) |
| Max. dig depth | 4.11 m (13 ft 6 in) | ≈3.66–3.99 m (12 ft–13 ft 1 in) | 4.18–4.19 m (13 ft 9 in) | 3.90 m (12 ft 9 in) | — |
| Engine model | Cat C2.4 Turbo, 2.4 L (148 in³) | Volvo D2.6H | — | — | Kubota V3307-CR, 4 cylinders, 3.3 L |
| Emissions | US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V | — | — | — | US EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V |
Caterpillar 306 CR videos
Walkarounds and demonstrations from the manufacturer and independent channels. Videos load from YouTube only when you press play.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cat 306 CR weigh?
Between 6,411 kg (14,134 lb) with canopy and 7,151 kg (15,766 lb) with cab and options.
How deep can a Cat 306 CR dig?
Maximum dig depth is 4.11 m (13 ft 6 in) with 6.53 m (21 ft 5 in) reach.
What engine does the Cat 306 CR have?
A turbocharged Cat C2.4 producing 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) net at 2,200 rpm.
How wide is the Cat 306 CR?
Track width is 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) and the upper house is 1.96 m wide.
What is the Cat 306 XTC?
A version with an extendable/tilting carriage that makes the machine more versatile with multiple tools; availability depends on market.
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