Replacing the Cat® 307.5, the new Cat 308 CR Fixed Boom mini excavator offers more power and higher lift capacities in a compact radius design
New to Caterpillar’s 8-tonne-class offering is this model’s compact radius design that reduces machine overhang by 67% compared to the previous model when equipped with the 250 kg (550 lb) counterweight package.
Highlights
- Fixed Boom allows for greater lifting and stability, especially with the compact radius design
- Compact radius design, over the previous standard tail, is better suited for working in tight spaces
- Two counterweight options (250 kg and 500 kg) increase lifting and stability even further
- A 25% gross horsepower increase over 307.5 offers more power, especially for hydromechanical attachments
IRVING, Texas, January 20, 2026 – The new Cat® 308 CR Fixed Boom mini excavator replaces the 307.5 Fixed Boom model with more power and increased hydraulic horsepower, increasing efficiency and performance when using hydromechanical work tools. New to Caterpillar’s 8-tonne-class offering is this model’s compact radius design that reduces machine overhang by 67% compared to the previous model when equipped with the 250 kg (550 lb) counterweight package. Even when equipped with the optional 500 kg (1,100 lb) counterweight option, not available for the 307.5, the new 308 offers a 61% machine overhang reduction.
Greg Worley
Market Professional
Mini excavators
Power and efficiency
The new 308 CR is powered by the Cat C2.8 Turbo engine with 51.2 kW (69.0 hp) net power, meeting EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. With features like auto idle, auto engine shutdown and efficient hydraulics with a variable displacement (Smart) pump, this Cat mini excavator is designed with low operating costs in mind.
Increases in track width, undercarriage length and machine weight compared to the previous model lead to operating stability and confidence when lifting to the side. Track options of rubber belt, steel track and steel track with rubber pads are available to meet customer and application needs. The new 308 offers slight digging depth and maximum reach increases of 4687 mm (185 in) and 6900 mm (272 in) respectively with its long stick configuration. Additionally, the new mini excavator design provides increases in minimum/maximum configuration lift capacities when operating over the front with blade down and over the side.
Pin sizing remains the same with the 308, so customers with the 307.5 in their fleet can use the same work tools with the new machine. The hydraulic system features load sensing hydraulics with variable displacement piston pump offering 167 L/min (44 gal/min) oil flow. Primary auxiliary circuit pump flow of 131 L/min (35 gal/min) and 33 L/min (9 gal/min) secondary auxiliary circuit maximum flow help deliver efficient work tool operation and performance.
Cat Indicate & E-Fence
Assisting operators with controlling the excavator, Cat Indicate and E-Fence simplify machine operation, improve accuracy, and enhance overall productivity. Available from the factory or as a field upgrade kit, two software packages are available: Indicate or E-Fence, to suit customer needs.
An entry-level grading system, Indicate provides visual and audible indicators to where the bucket is versus target grade. Offering the ability to program a flat grade or slope, Indicate is ideal for digging footings, septic systems, foundations, slope work and similar applications.
E-Ceiling/E-Floor automatically constrains machine motion within preset boundaries, allowing operators to work confidently and efficiently by avoiding structures. E-Ceiling helps operators to avoid overhead obstacles like powerlines, ceilings or tree limbs. Defining digging depth limits, E-Floor helps protect underground fiberoptic cables and utilities. Additionally, E-Wall sets operating limits to protect structures in front of the excavator.
Improving operator efficiency and safety on the jobsite, Laser Catcher technology provides the ability to reference a laser transmitter for a consistent reference point across the site. Retrofittable to all EOU machines, it reduces the requirement for manual grade checking by either the operator or other site workers.
Easy to learn and use, the aftermarket installed Cat Grade automatics offer customers the ability to create, manage and grade simple to complex designs with accuracy, ensuring cuts are filled to exact specifications. Cat Grade Advanced 2D allows operators to set parameters for digging and leveling operations, including cross slope and work site main fall. Enabling deeper design capabilities, Cat Grade 3D employs global navigational satellite system (GNSS) receivers and a correctional data source to achieve Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning guidance for more complex planes, slopes, contours and curves.
Continuing the next generation legacy
The new 308 CR Fixed Boom mini excavator builds on many of the next generation design features popular with the 307.5 model, including:
- A sealed and pressurized cab equipped with improved air conditioning, adjustable wrist rests and a suspension seat for all-day comfort.
- Next generation monitor with easy-to-use controls and intuitive operation, with customizable preferences and easy-to-access machine information.
- Standard Cat Stick Steer provides push-of-a-button switching from traditional lever and paddle travel controls to joystick control.
- Cruise control reduces operator fatigue when traveling distances between work areas within the site.
- Easy-to-access routine check points at ground level with grouped service points and robust service panels.
- Back-up camera, side camera, courtesy work lights and fluorescent seatbelt with optional seatbelt reminder system to enhance operating safety.
More information on the new Cat 308 CR Fixed Boom mini excavator can be found by contacting a Cat dealer or visiting cat.com.
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About Caterpillar:
With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Power & Energy – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html.
Caterpillar rolls out products and services in each of its regions at different time intervals. Although every effort is made to ensure that product information is released only after Caterpillar has received confirmation from its independent dealer network, plants, and marketing subsidiaries that products and services are available in the relevant region, editors are kindly requested to verify with a Cat dealer for product availability and specifications.
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Press Inquiries:
Johanna Kelly
Caterpillar Trade Press Media Representative
Kelly_Johanna_L@cat.com
For Release: North America
Release Number: 2PR26 — January 2026
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